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: