K9 Conservationists

Training an "All Clear" for Detection Dogs with Paul Bunker of Chiron K9

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In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Paul Bunker about all clear procedures.

Science Highlight: An assessment of the effects of habitat structure on the scat finding performance of a wildlife detection dog

What is an all-clear response?

  • The dog’s formal response to let the handler know there is no odor to alert to

    • What is a go-no-go response?

    • The dog’s NON-formal response to let the handler know there is no odor to alert to

      • What’s a situation we may want to teach this for?

      • Odor recognition tests
      • Teaching them that they can still get rewarded for no odor, which reduces stress
      • Good to check for contamination
      • Teaches them to be confident in leaving a search area with no target present knowing they will still be rewarded

        • What components make for a successful all clear?

        • Ensure it is maintained and refreshed
        • Prepare your training session in advance. Progression plans are extremely important.
        • Variable reinforcement with your dog’s reward hierarchy
        • The dog must 100% understand target before learning all clear
        • Don’t use jackpot rewards for an all clear

          • What other options do we have for reducing stress and reducing false responses (go-no-go)?

          • Teach odor separately from systems of searching so they are not codependent
          • Train blank sessions
          • Train longer sessions (within the abilities of your dog) so that it is similar to long working days
          • Develop independence early

            • Links Mentioned in the Episode:

            Where to find Paul Bunker:  Website | Instagram | Facebook

            You can support the K9 Conservationists Podcast by joining our Patreon at patreon.com/k9conservationists.

            K9 Conservationists Website | Merch | Support Our Work | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

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            K9 ConservationistsBy Kayla Fratt
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