What to listen for:

“So I think dog training is almost 90% thinking and preparing, and 10% working with your dog.”

Two of our three hosts, Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett sit down for part 2 with Adee Schoon, an expert in the detection field with over three decades of experience, to explore her diverse and groundbreaking projects.

What happens when man's best friend becomes a vital ally in solving sexual crimes? Together with Amsterdam University and a local fertility clinic, Adee and team faced numerous challenges, from acquiring diverse samples to ensuring ethical evidence handling. Discover how these canine detectives are transforming forensic investigations, enhancing accuracy, and speeding up case resolutions.

Adee and our hosts dissect the intriguing ways in which a dog's natural tendencies—whether they're quick to alert or more methodical—affect their performance. Comparing high-pressure training scenarios like mine detection to more relaxed, recreational approaches, they highlight the importance of tailoring training strategies to individual dogs. By understanding and adapting to each dog's unique behavior, trainers can maximize both effectiveness and safety for the canine and its handler.

Adee recounts stories of dogs identifying fungus-infected wood under extreme conditions and even tackling complex tasks like recognizing different types of vanilla scents. This episode also offers a glimpse into the broader implications of using dogs for natural substance detection and the crucial need for validated studies to ensure reliability. All this and much more in this episode of K9 Detection Collaborative!

Key Topics:

• Working with Sexual Crime Dogs (0:31)
• Using Dogs to Locate and Analyze DNA Evidence (04:59)
• Training Dogs with Individualized Approaches (17:23)
• The Methods Behind Detecting Fungus in Trees (22:43)
• Detecting Bed Bugs and Spotted Lanternfly with Potential Applications in Pest Control and Forensic Work (28:00)
• Training Dogs to Detect Vanilla and Other Scents (36:47)
• The Concept of Cognitive Testing and Predicting Dog Performance (42:48)
• Adee’s Dream Project if the “Research Grant Fairy” Were to Visit (45:20)
• Takeaways (49:25)

Resources:

• Training Dogs To Use Their Nose, A Blueprint (by Adee Schoon)

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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 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

What to listen for:

In this episode of K9 Detection Collaborative, Our hosts Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett sit down with Adee Schoon, an expert in the detection field with over three decades of experience, to explore her diverse and groundbreaking projects.

Prepare to be fascinated by Adee’s incredible journey, from her early days researching scent identification with the Dutch police to her current role as a leading consultant. Robin, Stacy, and Adee delve into her international collaborations, including de-mining efforts with Apopo, detecting rust in the oil and gas industry, and groundbreaking cancer detection initiatives. Adee passionately discusses the importance of scientific validation and the ethical considerations in training and maintaining the well-being of detection animals.

In this episode, you'll also gain valuable insights into the techniques and challenges of training detection dogs and African pouch rats. Learn about the crucial role of motivation and reinforcement and the meticulous strategies needed for effective scent detection. Don't miss part two of this conversation next week!

Key Topics:

• Detection of Corrosion in the Oil and Gas Industry (04:30)
• Detection Dogs and Mine Detection (10:38)
• Balancing Motivation and Nutrition when Using Food as a Motivator (17:47)
• Training Dogs for Landmine Detection (24:19)
• Training Dogs and Rats for Search and Rescue Work (29:08)
• Training Rats to Detect Landmines in Tanzania (33:08)
• De-mining Techniques and Guidelines for Detecting Landmines (38:22)
• Small Odor Profiles, Including Electronics Detection and De-mining (41:20)
• Adee’s Book and its Immense Value in the Detection World (49:12)

Resources:

• Training Dogs To Use Their Nose, A Blueprint (by Adee Schoon)
• Animal Training 101 (by Jenifer A Zeligs)

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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 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

What to listen for:

Today, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing address a common concern among handlers: what to do if your dog is having trouble finding the source of an odor during a training search. First thing’s first: “Your dog is just giving you information. It’s not personal. They don’t have it out for you!” Fixing this problem starts, our hosts say, by approaching trial searches from a place where you’re judging neither yourself nor your dog.

Listen in and learn the steps you need to take when your dog is struggling during search training, from troubleshooting problem points to creating a search environment catered to your particular dog’s strengths and skills. Is an odor not presenting itself the way you intended? “If the odor is not available,” say the Dames of Detection, “the hide might as well not be there.” In which case, you might not have a training problem, but a handling problem. Our hosts break down the art of hide placement and optimizing your training space.

They also discuss how to identify behaviors that indicate frustration in your dog during the search and, from there, how to eliminate variables to get to the root cause of that frustration. They stress the influence of your body language on your dog’s ability to operate, and how to troubleshoot the so-called “eight indicators'' that can help keep your dog within a productive pattern of work during a search.

Key Topics:

• Odor Availability and Hide Placement Best Practices (01:44)
• It’s Not Personal: Addressing Your Dog’s Frustrations Objectively (10:00)
• Troubleshooting Your Training Space (20:26)
• Identifying Patterns, and Frustration Behaviors in Your Dog (22:38)
• How Your Body Language Influences Your Dog’s Performance (27:19)
• Odor Availability and Breaking Patterns (33:27)
• The Eight Indicators (45:09)

Resources:

• K9 Detection Collaborative Episode 111: The Importance of Setting Hides
• K9Sensus: What Do I Do with this Dumpster Fire?
• Stacy Barnett: NW190: Training a Thinking Nosework Dog using a Cognitive Approach
• Thousand Hour Eyes: Reading Scenting Dog Behavior w/ Scott White

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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 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

What to listen for:

"Physical agility gives them some mental agility too, and so it's giving them that well-exercised brain, and then that's helping them make decisions, helping them solve problems."


Today, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing break down the components and applications of functional agility. They offer a roadmap to training and maintaining your dog’s dexterity, conditioning, and proprioception–building a priceless level of trust, confidence, and adaptability between canine and handler!

Listen and learn how methods such as cross-training and ladder work build a dog’s muscular and core strength, and how to incorporate that skill growth into search work. Our hosts talk everything from agility training must-haves and how you can structure your own backyard obstacle course using these easy-to-find supplies.

Dewclaw removal is a common point of concern for dog handlers. Many believe their non-functionality and potential to increase the likelihood of injury are causes enough for removal. The Dames of Detection, however, advocate for keeping your dog’s dewclaws, explaining that they improve grip, allow for better turns, and prevent torque on the legs, among other long-term benefits.

Overall, agility training does wonders for your dog’s focus. With greater awareness and confidence over their bodies and abilities, your furry friend can become more adaptive and efficient out in the field–on or off-leash and on any terrain!

Key Topics:

• Defining “Functional Agility” (02:42)
• Examples of Agility Training Methods (09:36)
• Agility Training Must-Haves (and Where To Get Them) (12:11)
• How Training Agility Bolsters Injury Prevention (27:04)
• Dewclaws: Remove or Keep? (28:04)
• Improving Your Dog’s Focus (32:57)
• Key Takeaways (48:01)

Resources:

• K9 Sensus: Agility Pics and Plans

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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 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 to enjoy the freebies, and tell your friends so you can keep the conversations going.

Jingle by: www.mavericksings.com Instagram: @mavericktastic

Audio editing & other podcast services by: www.thepodcastman.com Instagram: @the_podcast_man

What to listen for:

“When you have that young dog, don’t put out that super hard hide. You don’t have that reinforcement history.”

Our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing discuss one of the most crucial elements of canine nosework: hide placement! Listen in as the Dames of Detection walk us through what we need to consider regarding our environment and our particular dog’s abilities, the proper use of Q tips, as well as setting multiple hides of varying odor profiles.

They also speak on the nuances of firearms detection as compared to cadaver detection, and what you need to be cautious of when searching cars and other vehicles, as well as hides in elevated or otherwise inaccessible areas. To wrap up, our hosts talk about the merits of adding distraction elements in training for inaccessible hides. Stay tuned to the very end to get the details on a series of upcoming classes designed to help handlers master the art of setting hides, and more!

Key Topics:

• An Introduction to Hide Placement (02:05)
• Setting Multiple Hides (05:16)
• The Odor Characteristics of Your Chosen Hides (09:12)
• Noting How Your Hides Interact with Each Other (12:29)
• The Challenges of Car Searches (17:15)
• The Value of Anticipation in Dog Training (24:39)
• Elevated Hides (30:19)
• Nosework Training Versus Application (37:41)
• Discrimination Drills (49:53)
• Upcoming Classes and Events from Our Hosts! (53:37)

Resources:

• K9Sensus Art & Science of Setting Hides
• NW215: Air Flow Superpowers for the Developing Dog
• Webinar On Demand “Scent Theory Simplified”
• K9Sensus Scent/Odor Theory Webinar, Location Games for Detection Dogs, Search Games
• Distraction Camp Registration
• SciK9 LLC image about residual vs lingering
• SciK9 LLC image about levers you can pull affecting odor/scent

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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 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

What to listen for:

“Success is the joy that we have with our dogs and the relationships that we're building.”

Ever wondered how small victories can pave the way to grand achievements with your canine companion? Our hosts Robin Greubel, Crystal Wing, and Stacy Barnett, come together for an insightful discussion on the nature of success in canine detection training. They give us the scoop on how to set SMART goals that embolden both you and your canine teammate, and why falling in love with the training journey is just as important as the results.

This episode doesn't shy away from the personal growth and philosophical shifts that come with the territory of dog training. As the Dames of Detection traverse through their own experiences, you'll find that success isn't one-size-fits-all. They also tackle the ethical consideration of our choices, ensuring our dogs' well-being is always at the forefront. If you're curious about how our understanding and methods evolve over time, join us; we're peeling back the layers on how knowledge both simplifies and complicates our approaches.

Whether you're a seasoned handler or just starting out, get ready to be inspired to define and chart your own course of success with your loyal canine companion.

Key Topics:

• The Dames of Detection’s Definitions of Success (03:18)
• Understanding and Celebrating Each Dog’s Unique Abilities (08:10)
• Balancing Legacy and Progress in Dog Sports (15:04)
• Personal Successes with Dogs (28:34)
• Takeaways (43:43)

Resources:

• Upcoming Distraction Camps

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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 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 to enjoy the freebies, and tell your friends so you can keep the conversations going.

Jingle by: www.mavericksings.com Instagram: @mavericktastic

Audio editing & other podcast services by: www.thepodcastman.com Instagram: @the_podcast_man

What to listen for:

“My job as a coach is not to identify your destination, but your goal, and to help you identify and remove roadblocks to your goal.”

Today, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing unearth valuable lessons from coaching humans that handlers can apply when training canine companions.

They talk about what it means to create an environment conducive to learning, cultivating a delicate balance of pushing boundaries while remaining supportive of your trainee, and what it really takes to unlock the full potential of your learner–human or canine!

The Dames of Detection also give their thoughts on the importance of understanding learners’ unique learning curves, the keys to clear communication, and how to hold your learner to a high standard without falling into the trap of abuse, however the word may be defined.

They also discuss the art of coaching different breeds and personalities and laying the groundwork for search and rescue training according to the strengths and preferences of your unique dog.

Key Topics:

• How Athletic Coaching Applies to Dog Training (02:00)
• The Benefits of Crafting a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment (04:20)
• Helping Learners Identify and Create a Roadmap Towards Their Goals (07:17)
• What It Means to Coach “Hard,” but Not to the Point of Abuse (12:42)
• Five Tenets to Keep in Mind When Training Dogs (and Coaching Handlers) (20:01)
• Why It’s Important to Identify Your Dog’s Struggles and Preferences (28:34)
• The Necessity of Having Reasonable Expectations and Goals (37:08)
• The Ideal Coach (46:25)
• Takeaways (50:34)

Resources:

• The Fluffy Badger Etsy Shop
• Upcoming Distraction Camps

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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 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 to enjoy the freebies, and tell your friends so you can keep the conversations going.

What to listen for:

“We're dealing with a dog who has its own set of motivators. And so we just need to always be conscious of the fact that we can reinforce at any point along the chain.”

Unleash the power of your canine's nose and transform your four-legged friend into a search-and-rescue superhero with insights from our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing. They navigate the complex training terrain, from crafting the perfect final response to harnessing the nuances of canine olfactory prowess, and offer up a treasure trove of practical advice that's essential for anyone looking to master the art of air scent search and rescue with their dog.

As the Dames of Detection unravel the challenges of search and rescue, they emphasize the critical role of an effective alert technique. Through laughter and learning, they shed light on the various alert styles and the impact of environmental factors on search strategies, all while keeping their canine companions' well-being at the forefront.

Key Topics:

• All Things Area Search (00:44)
• Search and Rescue Certification and Canine Behavior (02:26)
• Runaways (07:17)
• Training Search and Rescue Dogs (18:00)
• Training a Dog to Return to its Handler (24:00)
• GPS Tech in Dog Training (36:46)
• Dog Training, Reinforcement, Search Techniques, and Generalizations (41:32)
• Takeaways (51:29)

Resources:

• Stacy's class: NW345: Container Wizardry: Fixes, Proofs, and Results
• Robin's Spring Webinars
• K9 Detection Collaborative Episode 55: Talking Search and Rescue Sport with Melissa Stagnaro
• Development of an automated human scent olfactometer and its use to evaluate detection dog perception of human scent (research article)

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• 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 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 to enjoy the freebies, and tell your friends so you can keep the conversations going.

Jingle by: www.mavericksings.com

Audio editing & other podcast services by: www.thepodcastman.com