Road to Detection: Training Tips for Scent Detection Handlers, Competitors and Enthusiasts

In this episode, I discuss the concept of inaccessible hides in scent detection training. I share my experiences with my own dogs, Valor and Vimy, highlighting the importance of introducing inaccessible hides early in training. The episode covers different types of inaccessible hides, the challenges dogs face when adapting to them, and strategies for handlers to ensure success. If this episode was...

In this episode, I discuss the complexities of training dogs on elevated hides. I break down the definitions, challenges, and training strategies necessary for success. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding your dog's change of behavior, the unique challenges posed by elevated hides, and the need for a tailored training approach based on each dog's abilities. In this episode: 02:...

In this episode, I'm joined by Terry Ann Fernando and Mike Neiduski. We delve into our journey with bird dogs and explore effective strategies for managing our high-energy companions. We highlight the numerous benefits of scent work for dogs, particularly in engaging high-drive breeds and navigating rehabilitation periods. We discuss the three pillars of dog training and the importance of building...

2024 is a wrap! In this episode I share wins and questions from Road to Detection students and friends. The best part of this sport is how incredible our community is, and I'm always grateful for everyone I've had the opportunity to meet and train with! Towards the end of this episode, I also share some mindsets for 2025 that might help you cultivate the year you want to have along your scent dete...

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...

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 Scoti...

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 sust...

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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 Dete...

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...

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...

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...

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. Lin...

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 a...

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 a...

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 s...

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,...

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 bei...

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 f...

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...