K9s Talking Scents

In this episode, Dr. Melanie Uhde of Canine Decoded (Canine Neuroscientist) discusses the topics of arousal, motivation, and learning in dogs. She explains how arousal affects search efficiency and the role of dopamine in the brain. The conversation also explores the impact of anticipation and cue-induced excitement on behavior. Additionally, Dr. Uhde addresses the lack of research on dopamine in dogs and the challenges of studying brain function in live animals. The episode concludes with a discussion on freezing behavior and its connection to anticipation. This part of the conversation explores the importance of zero and novelty in detection training, the contextual learning process in detection dogs, and the introduction of novelty and distractions in training environments. It also delves into the concepts of memory and inference in detection dogs, including spatial and procedural memory, working memory, and explicit and episodic memory. The impact of memory on odor recognition and the relationship between training frequency and memory are discussed, as well as the role of focus and distraction in memory formation. In this conversation, Melanie and Cameron discuss various topics related to dog behavior and training. They explore the similarities between ADHD and autism in dogs, highlighting the importance of motivation and focus in training. They also delve into the concept of variable reinforcement and its benefits in dog learning. The conversation touches on the genetic aspects of memory and whether it is possible to breed for specific memory capabilities. The idea of a 'smartest breed' is challenged, emphasizing that intelligence comes in different forms. The discussion concludes with a conversation about the timing of introducing odor to puppies and the potential risks involved. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into dog behavior and training.

You can find Dr. Uhde at http://www.caninedecoded.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
07:39 Arousal, Motivation, and Learning
11:15 Effects of Arousal on Search Efficiency
25:37 Dopamine in Dogs
28:14 Arousal and Behavior in Different Contexts
32:30 Freezing Behavior and Anticipation
36:39 The Importance of Zero and Novelty in Detection Training
38:47 The Contextual Learning Process in Detection Dogs
41:35 Introducing Novelty and Distractions in Training Environments
42:34 Memory and Inference in Detection Dogs
45:42 Spatial and Procedural Memory in Detection Dogs
47:05 Working Memory in Dogs
49:56 Explicit and Episodic Memory in Dogs
50:55 Implicit and Episodic Memory in Dogs
53:46 The Impact of Memory on Odor Recognition
57:48 The Relationship Between Training Frequency and Memory
01:00:26 The Role of Focus and Distraction in Memory Formation
01:09:36 ADHD and Autism in Dogs
01:11:09 Motivation and Focus in Dogs
01:14:13 Variable Reinforcement
01:17:34 Memory and Breeding
01:25:55 The Smartest Breed
01:28:17 Early Introduction to Odor
01:33:32 Developmental Stages and Risk
01:37:42 Finding Melanie

This episode contains a wealth of information. Dr. Gadbois delves into various aspects of detection dog work and general dog training. Some of the topics discussed include the use of markers, variable reinforcement schedules, the significance of blank searches, the acknowledgment that reality is not flawless, and the notion that training should not strive for perfection either.

Dr. Simon Gadbois integrates ethology, animal experimental psychology, and behavioural neuroscience to study wild and domestic canids. He completed his Ph.D. in behavioural endocrinology at the Canadian Centre for Wolf Research (CCWR) examining the hormonal correlates of social behaviour in wolves, as well as action sequences in wolves, coyotes and red foxes. When the CCWR closed in 2007, he started the Canid Behaviour Research Lab at Dalhousie University and focussed his research on coyote-human conflicts and canine scent detection and search. He is interested in the fundamental science of olfaction and olfactory learning, as well as some applications: His lab has focussed on environmental/conservation, biomedical, and forensic applications of scent processing in dogs.

To learn even more about Detection Dogs go visit http://www.fordk9.com 

In this Episode we sit down with Steven Atommarchi who is a police officer K9 handler and trainer, K9 researcher and owner of Next Level K9 located in TX.  Steven has a wide range of real world experience and now more and more experience with the various K9 research projects such as Hemp vs. MJ he has done with Dr. Kenneth Furton.  You can reach Steven via email at [email protected]

To learn about all things detection dogs and webinars from the best in the detection dog field go to http://www.fordk9.com

In this episode, Cameron Ford interviews Stu Phillips, an operational K9 handler and trainer. Stu shares his journey of working with military working dogs and transitioning to civilian work as a detection dog handler. He discusses the challenges and requirements of working with passive screening drug dogs in high pedestrian environments. Stu also talks about his experience working with explosive detection dogs during the London Olympics. The conversation concludes with Stu's work training whiskey barrel detection dogs and the process of training dogs to detect low-level odors. In this part of the conversation, Stu Phillips discusses the importance of recording and timing in dog training. He then shares the story of the whiskey dogs and the challenges he faced training them. He also talks about his work with tobacco detection dogs and the unique qualities he looks for in these dogs. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of reading your dog and incorporating blank searches into training. In this conversation, Stu Phillips and Cameron Ford discuss various topics related to detection dog training and handling. They cover the use of a middle position and reinforcing different search outcomes, the challenges of conservation detection work, the pros and cons of using Kong as a training tool, advice for handlers working with their first detection dog, and the differences between Springer Spaniels and working Cocker Spaniels. Stu Phillips also shares how people can connect with him and the services he offers.

You can reach out to Stu on Instagram @bwyk9
Website http://www.bwycanine.co.uk

CHAPTERS

00:00

Introduction and Background

01:19

Getting into Dogs and Working with Military Working Dogs

02:09

Transitioning to Civilian Work and Training Detection Dogs

03:36

Working as a Passive Screening Drug Dog Handler

04:55

Working in High Pedestrian Environments with Passive Screening Dogs

06:40

Qualities of a Dog for People Screening

08:16

Memorable Deployment with a Passive Screening Dog

09:02

Transitioning to Explosive Detection Dogs for the Olympics

19:46

Challenges and Issues with Contracting Companies

33:12

Training Whiskey Barrel Detection Dogs

39:40

Dog Selection and Training for Low-Level Odor Detection

48:51

Training Process and Proofing for Operational Readiness

51:24

The Importance of Recording and Timing

55:22

The Whiskey Dogs

59:27

Tobacco Detection Dogs

01:09:14

Challenges of Tobacco Detection

01:19:40

The Importance of Reading Your Dog

01:28:32

Qualities of a Tobacco Detection Dog

01:32:19

Training with Blank Searches

01:39:45

Using a Middle Position and Reinforcing Different Search Outcomes

01:41:41

Conservation Detection and the Challenges Faced

01:51:25

Pros and Cons of Using Kong as a Training Tool

02:04:32

Advice for Handlers Working with Their First Detection Dog

02:11:52

Differences Between Springer Spaniels and Working Cocker Spaniels

02:20:32

How to Connect with Stu Phillips and the Services He Offers

In this episode, Steven Antommarchi, a fellow Police K9 Trainer and Handler, engages in a deep and informative conversation with Cameron. 

The interview covers a wide range of topics, delving into both personal and professional aspects of Cameron’s life, with a significant focus on detection dogs. This episode offers a comprehensive insight into Cameron’s experiences and expertise, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in detection dogs. 

To explore more about Detection Dogs, visit http://www.fordk9.com

K9 Handler, Trainer. FEMA Task Force, Fire Captain... Tim Houweling has REAL experience and and understanding of Dogs and use of K9s in Search and Rescue.  Tim is passionate about being a dog handler and working in the Search and Rescue field.  Tim specializes in Human remains detection and has been there done that with his dogs.  You can find Tim on Instagram at @Tim_houweling.

Non Profits mentioned in this podcast on Instagram:
@hdsearchdogfund
 @SpikesK9Fund
 @SearchDogFoundation  

To learn all things Detection dogs go to http://www.fordk9.com

Episode #94 with Geryah Dingle of Dingle Days on You Tube.  Geryah is a passionate Detection dog trainer and handler who runs a successful YouTube channel @dingledays she also runs a podcast called "Dogs are People too".

We discuss her journey in detention dogs, how she got into her YouTube channel and the various training topics of Nosework and Scentwork dogs.

To learn everything about Detection Dogs go visit http://www.fordk9.com 

In this Episode I sit down with Sgt. Jaye Lilley of the Queensland Police Dog Squad. Sgt. Lilley, is the Lead Detection Trainer and Breeding Supervisor for the state of Queensland.  She has worked many roles in the Police Dept. and her hard work has put her in the position she has today. 

We speak about the evolution of training and the increasing role of women in Police and K9 Training. We cover training lessons learned and how to constantly improve your program from puppies to adult dogs and handler training. 

For everything Detection go visit http://www.fordk9.com

In this Episode I get to sit down with Glenn Cooke of the Canine Paradigm and do a interview  with the fascinating Water Leak Detection Dogs of Sydney Water in Australia.  Right now this unit has 5 Dogs, these dogs a specialized in detecting waste water leaks and fresh water leaks.  

We cover everything from how this program started to they type of dogs selected, how they are trained, how the are deployed and the overwhelming success of the program.

Thank you Glenn for letting me use your studio and do this interview with you. 

Handlers and Trainers:
Kaylee-lee Black  [email protected]

Nicole Harvey  [email protected]

Bettina Grieve  [email protected]

For everything detection go visit http://www.fordk9.com 

Episode #91 "Trainers in Cars" with Laure Hanouna of Chein Zen.  Laure is a Dog Trainer, and Nosework Handler and Trainer based in Switzerland.  Laure works with teams in France and Switzerland helping grow Nosework around Europe.  Her experience came initially working and training dogs in Bed Bug Detection, then got into Pet Obedience training and later Nosework.

In this interview we talk about similarities and differences between Nosework in the US and Europe.  We talk about the growth of the sport and things for those getting into Nosework to consider as they start this fun journey.

You can find Laure here at https://chienzen.ch/

For all things Detection Dog and to get your K9s Talking Scents Swag go to http://www.fordk9.com