Episoder
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In this episode, I'm joined by Paige as we discusses the intricacies of implementing variable reinforcement in scent detection. Paige has some concerns about motivation and confidence in her dog, Jake when transitioning from continuous to variable reinforcement.
Our conversation covers the importance of having solid skills before introducing variable reinforcement, strategies for implementing this reinforcement schedule, and the significance of observing dog behavior to adjust training methods.
In this episode:
00:00 Introduction to Training Audit
03:19 Exploring Variable Reinforcement
06:06 Background on Jake's Training Journey
11:11 Proficiency in Skills
16:57 Implementing Variable Reinforcement Effectively
22:44 Reflections on Training and Future Steps
I hope you enjoyed this episode with Paige! If you want to schedule a FREE training audit with me, you can book here.
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Today I'm joined by Lane Michie and her tiny dog, Wendel. Their journey in nosework began nearly four years ago but despite the relatively short time in the sport, they have participated in what equates to almost ten years' worth of trials due to their extensive trial and travel schedule.
The duo has traveled for trials extensively across North America, reaching locations as far east as Nova Scotia and as far south as Arizona. They currently compete in eight different organizations across Canada and the USA, trialing at the highest levels available in nearly all of them. Wendel recently made history by becoming the first mixed-breed dog to obtain the Grand Master title in the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). They are now focused on achieving additional titles, including the SDDA Elite Champion and Grand Master Champion, as well as the NACSW ELT 1.
In this episode, we explore the journey of getting into nosework, the various organizations involved, and the emotional highs and lows of trialing. Lane shares insights on the importance of training foundations, the all-or-nothing approach in trials, and the supportive community that surrounds our sport.
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:20 Journey into Nose Work
08:08 Trialing Experiences and Organizations
16:53 The Importance of Community in Nose Work
20:09 Training Techniques and Trial Preparation
23:06 Advice for Newcomers
26:13 Lightning Round and Wrap-Up
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Manglende episoder?
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In this episode, I discusses the challenges of burnout in training and the importance of setting clear goals to maintain motivation and avoid overcommitment. I discuss the need for handlers to reflect on their priorities and make strategic decisions about their training commitments. By understanding personal goals and the reasons behind their choices, handlers can create a more fulfilling and sustainable training journey.
Join me for this super quick episode as I share some of my own experiences with overcommitment and burnout, and what I've done to set myself up for a long journey in our favorite dog sport.
In this quick episode I discuss:
00:00 Understanding Burnout in Training
02:55 The Importance of Setting Goals
05:53 Finding Balance and Avoiding Overcommitment
09:14 Reflecting on Personal Priorities and Goals
Want a FREE copy of my training journal? You can download it here: https://www.caninedevelopmentandtesting.com/contact/trainingjournal
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Learn more about Road to Detection Program
This episode is an upcycled talk I did for one of last seasons Road to Detection coaching calls. Get nerdy as I break down the neuroscience (the best I can) behind working memory and focus and strategies you can incorporate into your routine to help you become a better team member for your dog!
If you love nerdy content like this, check our Road to Detection! Registration closes August 30!
PS - If you want to check out Huberman Lab, you can find that podcast on Apple and Spotify.
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Whenever we learn something new, mistakes and oversights are inevitable! Let me save you from at least a few of them as I share what I wish I knew when I started training my own dogs, and my students, in detection!
Want to learn HOW you can easily implement these lessons learned in your scent detection training? Join me for a FREE webinar, What I Wish I Knew and learn more!
The FREE webinar is happening August 26 and 28 with a morning and evening schedule so you can join LIVE! See you there :)
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A quick shout out to let you know Road to Detection is open for registration!
Road to Detection is a comprehensive 6-month program for scent detection training. It covers everything from starting your dog on target odor to refining their indication. The program also includes modules on teaching multiple hides, components (interior, exterior, vehicles, containers), trial preparation, and skills and challenges. Each month, there are master classes and Q&A sessions to help students progress. Training plans are provided to guide students on what to work on each week. The program also offers a supportive community and unlimited video feedback. Registration for Road to Detection is open until August 30th.
Learn more about the program here!
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In this Training Audit, Kathleen and I dig into the skills (dog and handler) that teams should start incorporating in their training as they move up the scent detection trial levels.
Kathleen discusses her experience in scent detection training with her dogs and shares how she discovered her Mini Poodle, Banner, had a strong scent orientation and decided to focus on scent detection with him. Fast forward to today, they've had a ton of fun and success and Kathleen wants to find success at the Excellent and Masters levels which if you've trialed at this level before, you know it can be a whole different kettle of fish compared to Novice and Open searches.
Join us as we explore 3 main strategies to ensure Kathleen's training is contributing to her team's success!
In this episode we discuss:00:00 Introduction
01:07 Kathleen's Background and Introduction to Scent Detection
03:05 Building Confidence and Achieving Success in Scent Detection
05:02 Benefits of Scent Detection for Dogs with Low Confidence
07:26 Goals for Higher Levels of Scent Detection Trials
09:05 Strategies for Training at Higher Levels
10:37 Understanding the Complexity of Scent Puzzles in Higher Levels
13:19 Identifying and Training Essential Skills for Higher Levels
15:02 Strategic Training Approach and Variable Practice
18:03 Developing Handler Skills
20:18 Challenges with Repetition and Odor Hygiene
22:22 Giving Dogs the Benefit of the Doubt and Individual Preferences
23:39 Advocating for the Dog
25:04 Using Nose vs Memory
27:08 Trust and Odor Obedience
29:21 Balancing Dog-Led and Handler-Led Searches
31:40 Search Strategies
36:01 Incorporating Blank Areas
Listeners of the podcast can have a sneak peek into my Road to Detection Program, launching officially on August 16 - Grab your early bird pricing and bonuses by following this link:
https://www.caninedevelopmentandtesting.com/roadtodetection
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In this episode, I discuss odor concentration, availability, and aging. These concepts continue to come up with my students and I often see these three things impact team's outcomes at sport detection trials.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for successful sport detection training
In this episode we discuss:
00:00 Understanding Odor Concentration and Availability
06:14 Residual Odor vs. Lingering Odor
09:33 Distractors and Proofing Items
13:30 Factors Affecting a Dog's Ability to Detect
16:12 Training Experience and Odor Detection
19:04 Building Hides for Maximum Odor Availability
26:53 The Impact of Hide Containment on Odor Availability
33:19 The Impact of Weather and Environment on Odor Availability
34:56 Understanding Scent Cones and the Role of Wind and Airflow
36:00 The Benefits of Aging Hides in Training and Trials
I only briefly touch on odor hygiene in this episode, but it's still an important topic! If you want to learn more about odor hygiene and hide building, you can grab my FREE Odor Hygiene Guide
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In this episode, I dive into the scent detection skill of converging odor. We'll explore the essential prerequisites before starting with converging odor, how to introduce new cues, and the art of progressing converging odor skills for your dog.
I'll also share some of my favorite tips for setting up multiple training areas, and gradually increasing the difficulty of converging odor setups. It's all about clear communication and prioritizing confidence, motivation, and independence in our training sessions!
In this episode we discuss:
00:00 Teaching Converging Odor: Requirements and Overview
14:38 Adding Multiple Hides and Cues to Containers and Area Searches
19:40 Tips for Setting Up Multiple Training Areas
24:34 The Importance of Confidence, Motivation, and Independence in Training
If you have any converging odor set-ups that you would love to share, send me a DM, or tag me on IG and FB! I love seeing other people's scent skill set-ups!
If you're looking for an interactive way to keep your scent detection training fresh and interesting, grab my Tiny Decisions: Scent Detection Skills Wheel and never be left wondering what skill you should train! https://caninedevelopmentandtesting.com/contact/tinydecisions
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This Training Audit Episode was a fun one! I'm joined by current Road to Detection student, Angela. We talk about the goals she set at the beginning of the program, and how to continue progressing to more fluid training concepts and skills.
Angela has two very different scent detection dogs. Dalton a Miniature Schnauzer, and Candela a Doberman. Both are progressing at a different pace and we can already see their individual styles emerge. We chat a bit about how to progress the different dogs, and also the importance of prioritizing confidence, motivation and independence as she moves forward with more complex scent skills.
Finally, I coach Angela through the process of using her training journal to not only plan training sessions but to look back at where she started! This is such a powerful aspect of our training and really puts a spotlight on all the progress made, rather than always thinking about what's left to work on.
One of my favorite quotes from Angela as she discusses the Road to Detection Program is, "This is like the PhD program. This isn't high school scent detection." I love this because Angela is as nerdy about this sport as I am, so we can really connect over the details. I hope you enjoy this episode!
00:00 Navigating the Challenges of Scent Detection Training
01:48 Exposure to Trials: Gaining Insights and Confidence
07:35 Progression Plan for Introducing New Scent Puzzles
13:15 The Importance of Clear Training Goals and Foundation
22:30 The Art of Search Area Setups in Scent Detection Training
24:54 The Value of Trialing and Training Takeaways
28:21 Individualized Trajectories for Training Different Dogs
32:49 The Power of Training Journals and Process Goals
35:35 Confidence, Problem-Solving, and Blind Hides
I have a great freebie that will help you with deciding what scent detection skills to work on.
You can snag it, here.
Show Notes
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In this guest episode, I'm joined by Dr. Melanie Uhde, Canine Decoded, to discuss the importance of stress and resilience in dog training, specifically in the context of scent detection. We explore the idea that inducing low levels of stress can actually cultivate resiliency in dogs and the difference between productive and unproductive stress and how exactly we can "micro dose" our dogs. Fellow scentwork nerds, this episode is for you! You can check out Dr. Melanie's incredible background and accomplishments on her Canine Decoded website. She also has a YouTube account under the same name that is definitely worth a follow as she shares so much theory there in a really relatable way. Let me know what your takeaways are from this episode, I would love to hear from you! Check out the show notes for this episode!
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In this solo episode, I discusses the importance of having a pee-pee routine for competition dogs, especially for our scent detection and nosework competitions. I share my (unfortunate) personal experience with my own dog marking in a search area and the negative impact it had on his confidence and motivation. Let me know if you implement any of this routine for your own scent detection training, I would love to hear from you! Check our the show notes here: https://www.caninedevelopmentandtesting.com/podcast
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In this Training Audit Episode, I chat with Vee and discuss her dog, Jenko, who has been working through some reactivity issues and is also training in scent detection. Vee contacted me to better understand how to work through Jenko's reactivity while taking her detection training on the road. Vee's goal is to be able to take Jenko to different locations and have him focus on detection without being distracted by triggers in the environment.
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In this very first episode of Road to Detection, I'm joined by Cameron Ford of Ford K9. We discuss our journey in the world of scent detection training and the changes we've seen over the last several years. We discuss the importance of sharing knowledge and being open-minded in training methodologies, the need for flexibility in training and the challenges of helping our students overcome their fear of trying new things. This was an incredibly insightful interview and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.
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Join me as I introduce my new podcast Road to Detection. A podcast for scent detection handlers, competitors and enthusiasts! In this podcast I'll share a little about my passion for scent detection and nosework, training tips and strategies, and several different episode formats that will keep you listening and learning.
In this Road to Detection trailer, I discuss my background, my journey into scent detection, and some of the challenges I've faced with my own dogs. I also outline the mission of this podcast and what you can expect from the content here!
And, because I know Netflix has trained our brains to seek a good binge, I've released the first several episodes to get you going.
Cheers!
Show Notes
