What to listen for:

Our hosts Robin, Stacy, and Crystal tackle not just the technical, but also the legal considerations of cross-training your dogs. After all, when a dog is run through both narcotics and explosives detection work and engaged in a high-stakes operation, the consequences can be disastrous if they are unable to respond to the right odors on time–simply because their training emphasizes diversity over specialization.

At the same time, if done strategically, it is possible to cross-train in order to supplement detection ability, rather than cause frustration as odors compete in the field.

But it’s not just your dog’s interests and strengths that you have to consider, but your own as a handler as well. The Dames of Detection invite us to find our “why” when thinking about cross-training our canine. We need to consider our particular skill set and career goals before adding more training to our plate.

Are you more interested in athletics and competition, or are you dedicated exclusively to search-and-rescue? Are you focused on live or cadaver search? These elements all play a role in the decision to cross-train a dog!

Key Topics:

• Can a Dog Do All The Things? (00:00)
• Cross-Training in a Way That Avoids Putting Odors in Competition (12:39)
• Knowing Your Why (21:55)
• Cross-Training Your Dog for Live and Cadaver Search (37:17)
• How to Use Cross-Training to Complement Your Interests and Abilities as a Handler (47:29)

Resources:

• K9 Detection Collaborative Episode 54: Canine Handler Fitness with Liz Joyce
• K9 Detection Collaborative Episode 56: Talking K9 Fitness with Bobbie Lyons
• K9 Detection Collaborative Episode 81: Talking Nutrition, Fitness, and Training with Ronny LeJeune
• K9 Detection Collaborative Episode 40: K9 Cross Training: What Else We Do with Our Dogs

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing K9 Coach can be found here at CB K9 on Facebook + Instagram and here at Evolution Working Dog Club. Also, check out her Functional Obedience Class here.
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com