Joint Symposium for Working K9s

In this episode, I interview Dr. Lucia Lazarowski and Bart Rogers of Auburn University's Canine Performance Science Center about a recent study they have wrapped up on the usage of markers for detection dog training. In this study, they compared the learning rate and performance of dogs trained on a detection task using a marker or not. Which was better? Listen in to find out (and read the stu...

In this episode guest host Dr. Lucia Lazarowski interviews Dr. Smith on a recent study conducted at Auburn University exploring the ideal training schedule for dogs. Should training be spaced with breaks or condensed? Which leads to the best outcomes. Listen in to find out. This study was funded by the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, Detection Canine Program Of...

In this podcast we learn more about Craig Shultz of K9 Sci Con and JSWK9. Learn about his background and where he got introduced to animal training from zoo, marine mammal and detection dogs. Learn more about his workshop at JSWK9, "Drop that reward".

In this episode I speak with the Penn Vet Working Dog Center's Director, Dr. Cindy Otto. We learn about the workshop she is teaching at JSWK9 on Monday April 7th, called Keeping Cool. Learn more about this workshop and how to keep your dog cool!

In this episode, I interview Dr. Mia Cobb Canine Welfare Scientist at the University of Melbourne. Dr. Cobb will be plenary speaker at the JSWK9 conference. Dr. Cobb is the Chaser Innovation Research Fellow in Canine Welfare Science and critical researcher in working dog welfare. In this conversation, Dr. Cobb discusses her journey in animal welfare, the importance of understanding canine needs, a...

In this episode we learn more about Fed Helfers and his exciting career with detection dogs. Mr. Helfers is the instructor for the workshop, "Conducting Double Blind Exercises for K9 Team Certifications and Odor Recognition Tests". In this episode we learn about the importance of double blinds and how his workshop will give practical advice on how to implement them in your training progr...

Listen in on this joint interview with Dr. Tiedemann and Cameron Ford on firearms detection. They are instructing a JSWK9 workshop, "The Smoking Gun: Understanding the Detection of Firearms from Odor to Training Methods". In this episode we learn about the differences between an explosives detection dog and a firearms detection dog and the critical operational and training differences. T...

In this episode, I interview Bob Dougherty of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, who is instructing the JSWK9 workshop, "The Prepared Puppy: Foundational Training for Law Enforcement". In this episode we learn about Mr. Dougherty's vast experience and evolution in Law Enforcement K9 training. We also get a sneak peek to what is covered in the workshop. Learn how Penn Vet develops puppi...

In this podcast I interview PhD candidate Sarah Kane, Dr. Lucia Lazarowski, and canine instructors Bart Rogers and Jennifer Davis-Miller on a recent project conducted by Auburn University and Texas Tech University.  If you need to train dogs on a range of explosives, how do you do this most efficiently? Do you train one at a time? Do you mix multiple together to make a “stew”?  Do you introduce th...

Meet Dr. Meghan Ramos, the medical director for the PennVet Working Dog Center. Dr. Ramos will be instructing the PennVet Canimetrics workshop at the JSWK9 conference. In this episode, learn more about Canimetrics, working dog fitness, and what you can learn from this workshop!

In this episode we meet Brad Gillespie, invited speaker for the JSWK9 conference. Brad has 25 years experience, handling and training law enforcement K9s. Listen in to learn more about Brad's experience in lessons he has learned handling and training!

In this episode, I interview Dr. Emily Bray, Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona. Dr. Bray talks about her research with guide and assistance dogs. Dr. Bray has investigated the effect of maternal style and mothering of dams on their pups’ future success in guide and assistance dog programs. Is a more engaged mother better or worse in predicting dogs qualifying as a guide or assistanc...

In this episode, I interview Dr. Paul Waggoner, Co-Director for the Center of Canine Performance Sciences. Dr. Waggoner is the keynote speaker of the JSWK9 conference and an industry leader for detection dogs for the last 30 years. We will discuss the history of Auburn’s Canine Performance Sciences, how Dr. Waggoner got started, and what trends he has observed over the last 30 years. We will talk...

In this episode, I interview Dr. Zenithson Ng at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Ng will talk about his experience as a veterinarian for working dogs and his research on human-animal interactions. How important is the bond between handler and working dog? How can a handler improve this relationship and what can a handler look for to identify issues earlier? Dr. Ng talks about how he recommends as...

In this episode, we interview JSWK9 founding team member Dr. Lucia Lazarowski. We answer important questions like: What is a dog's memory for odor like? What cognitive and behavior traits are associated with working dog success? What traits seem stable across development and are things to look out for? We also learn about how Dr. Lazaroski started her impressive career in working dogs. Today,...

Meet JSWK9 Conference organizer and Director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, Dr. Cynthia Otto. Get to know Dr. Otto, her background, and how she started with working dogs. Learn about the moment that changed it all, and the dog that taught her everything. Don't forget to comment on the dog that changed it all for you! Last but not least, we must talk about fitness! Why is fitness important...

In this episode, Lauryn and I battle out dog vs. instrument! Here is a video of Lauryn doing this test! Or perhaps there is a world where we live together with dog and instrument? We talk about the limitations of each as well as where dogs are unique. We then dive into, what is odor? Why is it complex and why are there few simple answers about what dogs are smelling?

Meet the team for the Joint Symposium for Working K9s. In this episode, I (Nathan) interview Cindy Otto, Melissa Singletary, Lucia Lazarowski, Paola Tiedemann, Lauryn DeGreeff-Silk and Craig Shultz. We introduce the podcast and the upcoming 2024 Joint Symposium for Working K9 conference.