In this conversation, Cameron Ford and Natalie Morris discuss the evolution of training methods in the detection dog community, emphasizing the importance of adapting techniques to enhance communication, search intent, and the use of blanks in training. They explore the balance between science and experience, the significance of markers, and the role of handler behavior in shaping effective detection work. The discussion highlights the need for trainers to embrace change, implement variable reinforcement, and ensure clear communication with their dogs to improve overall performance. In this conversation, Cameron Ford and Natalie Morris delve into the intricacies of dog training, particularly focusing on detection dogs. They discuss the importance of understanding dog search behavior, advocating for the needs of the dogs, and the evolving trends in detection dog training. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in training methodologies, the significance of community support among trainers, and the challenges faced in the professional dog training landscape. They also touch on the shift towards online learning and the value of in-person training experiences.

Sponsors:

Getxent http://www.getxent.com
Sci K9 http://www.scik9.com
Precision Explosives http://www.pre-exp.com
Ford K9 for everything Detection dogs http://www.fordk9.com

Chapters

00:00 Year-End Review of Detection Dog Training

06:13 Shifts in Training Philosophy

06:34 Grounding Through Experience

11:29 The Role of Pairing in Training

16:32 Balancing Pairing and Delayed Conditioning

22:17 Communication and Reward Mechanics

27:37 Ending Searches Effectively

34:23 Implementing Variable Reinforcement

41:25 Gradual Progression in Training

48:34 Advocating for Your Dog in Training

56:19 Balancing Training Methods and Handler Confidence

01:04:32 Trained Final Response vs. Reading Your Dog

01:09:49 Training Dogs for Detection: Key Principles

01:16:30 Evolving Standards in Dog Certifications

01:25:13 The Shift to Online Learning in Dog Training

01:30:54 Upcoming Events and Future Directions in Dog Training

This podcast is from an impromptu Zoom Q&A session where I answered a variety of questions, ranging from basic detection concepts to more advanced or unique topics. I hope you enjoy the discussion! 

For more Q&A sessions, detection training tips, or to submit your own questions, visit http://www.fordk9.com

In this episode of K9s Talking Scents, Cameron Ford engages with a panel of experienced search and rescue professionals Diana Bunch, Athena Haus and Jack Thorpe who share their insights and experiences from recent disaster recovery efforts in North Carolina following a hurricane. The conversation covers their backgrounds, the scale of the disaster, the importance of training, and the mental and physical preparedness required for such challenging deployments. The panelists emphasize the need for adaptability, the significance of exposing dogs to real-world distractions, and the critical human factors involved in disaster response. In this conversation, the speakers discuss their experiences in search and rescue operations, focusing on the unpredictability of the environment, the importance of teamwork, and the mental resilience required in high-stress situations. 

They share profound experiences from swift water searches, the significance of proper training and equipment, and the human element that emerges during disasters. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by self-deployment of unqualified teams and the need for handlers to check their egos and prioritize safety. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the complexities and challenges faced during search operations, particularly in cadaver searches. 

They emphasize the importance of proper training, the need for handlers to be aware of their dogs' behaviors, and the significance of conducting blank searches to enhance detection skills. The discussion also highlights the necessity of teamwork and communication among search and rescue teams, as well as the value of learning from each other's experiences.

Show Sponsors:
Getxent http://www.getxent.com

Sci K9 http://www.scik9.com

Precision Explosives http://www.pre-exp.com

Michael Ellis School http://www.michaelellisschool.com

Ford K9 for everything detection dogs http://www.fordk9.com

In this episode of K9's Talking Sense, Cameron Ford engages in a deep conversation with Michael Nezbeth, exploring various aspects of dog training, particularly in detection work. They discuss the importance of communication between trainers and handlers, the balance between scientific methodologies and the art of training, and the emotional connections that exist between dogs and their handlers. The conversation also touches on the evolution of training methodologies, the significance of learning through failure, and the impact of handler emotions on dog performance. They emphasize the need for inclusivity in training approaches and the importance of fostering constructive conversations within the dog training community.

Sponsors:
Getxent 
http://www.Getxent.com

Precision Explosives 
http://www.pre-exp.com

Ford K9
http://www.fordk9.com

Grassroots K9
http://www.grassrootsk9.com

Michael Ellis School
http://www.michaelellisschool.com

Episode #107 with Shay Cook. 

In this episode, Cameron Ford interviews Shay Cook, a search and rescue dog handler, about her background and experiences in the field. They discuss the different disciplines within search and rescue, such as tracking, trailing, and area search, and the definitions and differences between them. They also talk about the importance of experience and learning from failures, as well as the need for ongoing handler education and support for volunteers in the search and rescue community. The conversation explores the importance of education and the ability to read the dog in search and rescue work. It emphasizes the need for handlers to have humility, learn from their mistakes, and trust their dogs. The use of control negatives and scent discrimination in training is discussed, as well as the challenges of collecting and storing scent articles. The conversation also touches on the need for training with diverse subjects, including those with medical conditions, and the importance of exposing handlers and dogs to realistic scenarios. In this final part of the conversation, Cameron and Shay discuss the importance of proper documentation and record-keeping in search and rescue work. They emphasize the need for handlers to accurately document their training and real searches, including the location, date, time, weather conditions, and a detailed narrative of what happened. They also discuss the importance of cross-pollination and collaboration among search and rescue teams, as well as the need for ongoing education and training. They highlight the significance of being professional in the field, including being physically and mentally fit for the job, having the necessary knowledge and skills, and being able to articulate and document their actions and observations. They also touch on the topic of training time and the importance of documenting the hours spent on training and proficiency.

For more information on shay cook go to http://www.k9shay.com

For more information on everything Detection dogs and to buy K9s Talking Scents gear go to http://www.fordk9.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Episode
05:12 Defining Tracking, Trailing, and Area Search
10:23 Lessons Learned from Experience
13:39 Applying Science to Search and Rescue
19:06 Balancing Standards and Individuality in Search and Rescue
26:18 Supporting and Educating Volunteer Search and Rescue Handlers
32:05 Handler Education and the Importance of Reading the Dog
35:26 Embracing Failures and Learning from Them
38:51 Humility, Learning from Mistakes, and Trusting Your Dog
41:45 The Use of Control Negatives and Scent Discrimination in Training
45:30 Collecting and Storing Scent Articles Properly
48:21 Training with Diverse Subjects, Including Those with Medical Conditions
54:31 Exposing Handlers and Dogs to Realistic Scenarios
01:50:26 The Importance of Documentation and Record-Keeping

Summary

In this episode, Cameron Ford sits down with Dr. Stuart Hilliard to discuss their experiences in the dog training world. Dr. Hilliard discusses the importance of looking at the scientific data and conclusions without prejudice or bias when it comes to dog training. He emphasizes the need to understand the science of aversive control and communicate what is known to practical dog trainers. The conversation then shifts to the concept of incorporating appropriate levels of reinforcement and punishers in dog training, and the search for a new term to express this approach. They also discuss the challenges of achieving stimulus control in detection dogs and the balance between specificity and generalization in Detection Dogs.

To learn more about Kynology events go to http://www.michaelellisschool.com 

To learn more about Detection Dog training go to http://www.fordk9.com

In this Episode 

Laleh Aksu, a trainer of C. difficile detection dogs, discusses the importance of using dogs to search for C. diff in hospital environments. C. difficile is a bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and is a hospital-acquired infection. The dogs are trained to detect the presence of C. diff in the environment, such as on surfaces and in the air. Laleh explains the training process, the different strains of C. diff that the dogs are trained on, and the success rate of the program. She also discusses the challenges of training C. diff dogs and the rewards and markers used in training. Cameron Ford discusses the operational utilization of bio-detection dogs in hospitals, specifically for detecting C. diff. He explains that the dogs are trained to search areas such as supply rooms and storage rooms, but not patient rooms unless they are terminally cleaned. Ford also addresses the issue of false alerts and emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the dog's behavior. He highlights the benefits of using bio-detection dogs in hospitals, including cost savings and improved infection control practices. However, he notes that the lack of exposure and support from some hospitals hinders the widespread acceptance of this resource.

Contact Lale Aksu email: [email protected]

Sponsors:
Getxent http://www.getxent.com
Precision Explosives for ALL your REAL odor needs and no licenses needed go to http://www.pre-exp.com   
Ford K9 To learn even more about Detection Dogs go to http://www.fordk9.com

In this episode, Dr. Nathan Hall and Dr. Paola Tiedemann discuss their research on canine detection applications and the use of olfactometers. They explain that olfactometers are scientific instruments used to provide measured and standardized odors to animals. The researchers have been working on miniaturizing olfactometers and making them more rugged for various applications. They also discuss the merging of technology and dogs, predicting that within a few years, cameras and olfactometers could be used for initial dog training. They also explore the importance of the handler-dog relationship and the potential for technology to provide confirmation of the dog's findings. In this part of the conversation, Cameron and Paola discuss the importance of unifying the protocols and procedures used in scent detection. They emphasize the need to consider variables such as the length of time, collection methods, and the type of container used. They also discuss the plausibility of dogs remembering scents in real-world environments and the challenges of training dogs to match samples with different variations. They touch on the impact of factors like stress, medication, and age on human scent and the need for further research in these areas. They also highlight the importance of training dogs on a variety of targets and distractors to improve their ability to generalize and avoid false positives. Finally, they discuss the challenges of introducing new samples and variations in training and the need for ongoing evaluation and testing. In this final part of the conversation, Cameron Ford and Nathan Hall discuss the importance of challenging and critically evaluating detection dog training methods. They emphasize the need for accurate and informed decision-making in operational scenarios. They also explore the impact of odor concentration on a dog's ability to generalize and detect targets. The conversation then shifts to the research on firearms detection, including the significance of gunshot residue (GSR) and the volume of odor. They discuss the challenges of training dogs on different concentrations of odor and the importance of training on the actual weapon rather than just the powder. Finally, they touch on the ongoing research on ghost guns and the need to understand the odor profiles of 3D printed firearms.

Joint Symposium for Working K9s April 7 -10 2025 http://jswk9.com

Ford K9 for everything Detection Dogs go visit http://www.fordk9.com

#103. Many have heard of Getxent tubes OR the detection odor training aids sold by Precision explosives.  I always get so many questions about this product how it works and what is the MAGIC behind this.  This episode I sit down the with co inventor Gregory Herin of the Getxent tube and this  is dedicated to answering all the common questions as well as covering lots of the common questions abut odor in general.  

Contact Gregory and Getxent here: http://www.getxent.com
Order various detection REAL odors here: http://www.pre-exp.com
Learn about all things Detection dogs and to join the Ford K9 membership go here: http://www.fordk9.com

Episode #102 In this conversation, Cameron Ford interviews Wesley Visser from Sent Imprint for Dogs. They discuss Wesley's background and the work his company does in conservation detection. Wesley shares his passion for training dogs to protect endangered species and combat poaching. They talk about the most common items that are poached, such as rhino horn, pangolin scales, and ivory. Wesley emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation and the connection between poaching and other criminal activities. They also discuss the dangers faced by handlers of conservation detection dogs. The conversation in this part focuses on the training process for conservation dogs, specifically in the areas of wildlife detection and tracking. Wesley explains that the training time for wildlife detection dogs is around 5 to 6 months, while tracking dogs require more time, sometimes up to 2.5 years. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right breed for each specific task and training them from a young age. Wesley also discusses the challenges of training dogs to work in different environments, such as high humidity, high temperatures, and wet conditions. He highlights the need for handlers to be able to read their dogs' behavior and understand the terrain they are working in. Additionally, he mentions the importance of teaching dogs both ground tracking and air-scenting techniques, depending on the operational requirements. Wesley shares stories from his deployments in Africa and the Ivory Coast, highlighting the challenges of searching for both poachers and wildlife. He discusses the different types of dogs used in tracking, their behaviors, and the importance of training them in lower drive to avoid burning out too quickly. Wesley emphasizes the need to reward the search and focus on the process rather than just the end result. He also talks about the unique challenges of searching on boats and the importance of adapting tactics to different environments. Wesley encourages handlers to think outside the box and reward the dog for searching, not just finding.

Takeaways

Conservation detection dogs play a crucial role in protecting endangered species and combating poaching.

The most common items that are poached include rhino horn, pangolin scales, and ivory.

Poaching is connected to other criminal activities such as human trafficking and terrorism.

Wildlife conservation is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

Handlers of conservation detection dogs face significant risks in their work. 

Training time for wildlife detection dogs is around 5 to 6 months, while tracking dogs may require up to 2.5 years of training.

Selecting the right breed for each specific task is crucial in conservation dog training.
Handlers need to be able to read their dogs' behavior and understand the terrain they are working in.
Dogs should be trained in both ground tracking and air-scenting techniques, depending on the operational requirements. Deployments in Africa and the Ivory Coast present unique challenges in searching for both poachers and wildlife.
Training tracking dogs in lower drive helps prevent burnout and allows for better behavior observation.
Rewarding the search and focusing on the process, rather than just the end result, leads to better performance and reduces false indications.
Adapting tactics to different environments, such as boats, is crucial for successful searches.
Thinking outside the box and rewarding the dog for searching, not just finding, enhances motivation and performance.

You can contact Wesley at http://www.scentimprint.com

Ford K9 for all things Detection dogs such as Detection Classes, Seminars, Webinars and Online classes got visit Http://www.fordk9.com