K9s Talking Scents Cameron Ford

Summary
In this episode Cameron, Michael Ellis and Ivan Balabanov discuss various topics within the dog training industry. They cover the definition of a good repetition in training, the importance of timing and motivation, the impact of human intervention on dog evolution, the use of errorless learning versus trial and error learning, the utilization of a dog's genetic predisposition in training, and the changes in the detection dog world over the years. This part of the conversation focuses on introducing variable reward schedules in training, the legalities of working with detection dogs, the challenges of managing vocalization in dogs, and the distinction between opposition reflex and opposition response. The importance of introducing blanks and control negatives in training is also discussed, as well as the value of signaling and conditioned reinforcers. The conversation also touches on understanding dogs with ADHD-like behaviors, embracing challenges and failures in training, and the process of training obedience with distractions. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to dog training. They emphasize the importance of exposing dogs to different environments and not isolating them until their behaviors are perfect. They also discuss the use of personal vs. impersonal punishment and the role of clarity in training. The hosts share their thoughts on the use of pharmaceuticals in dog training, highlighting the need for a plan to eliminate them and the potential side effects. They also discuss the future of the dog training industry and offer advice for the next generation of dog trainers.

Cameron Ford http://www.fordk9.com
Michael Ellis. http://www.michaelellisschool.com
Ivan Balabanov http://trainingwithoutconflict.com

In this episode, Dr. Melanie Uhde of Canine Decoded (Canine Neuroscientist) discusses the topics of arousal, motivation, and learning in dogs. She explains how arousal affects search efficiency and the role of dopamine in the brain. The conversation also explores the impact of anticipation and cue-induced excitement on behavior. Additionally, Dr. Uhde addresses the lack of research on dopamine in dogs and the challenges of studying brain function in live animals. The episode concludes with a discussion on freezing behavior and its connection to anticipation. This part of the conversation explores the importance of zero and novelty in detection training, the contextual learning process in detection dogs, and the introduction of novelty and distractions in training environments. It also delves into the concepts of memory and inference in detection dogs, including spatial and procedural memory, working memory, and explicit and episodic memory. The impact of memory on odor recognition and the relationship between training frequency and memory are discussed, as well as the role of focus and distraction in memory formation. In this conversation, Melanie and Cameron discuss various topics related to dog behavior and training. They explore the similarities between ADHD and autism in dogs, highlighting the importance of motivation and focus in training. They also delve into the concept of variable reinforcement and its benefits in dog learning. The conversation touches on the genetic aspects of memory and whether it is possible to breed for specific memory capabilities. The idea of a 'smartest breed' is challenged, emphasizing that intelligence comes in different forms. The discussion concludes with a conversation about the timing of introducing odor to puppies and the potential risks involved. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into dog behavior and training.

You can find Dr. Uhde at http://www.caninedecoded.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
07:39 Arousal, Motivation, and Learning
11:15 Effects of Arousal on Search Efficiency
25:37 Dopamine in Dogs
28:14 Arousal and Behavior in Different Contexts
32:30 Freezing Behavior and Anticipation
36:39 The Importance of Zero and Novelty in Detection Training
38:47 The Contextual Learning Process in Detection Dogs
41:35 Introducing Novelty and Distractions in Training Environments
42:34 Memory and Inference in Detection Dogs
45:42 Spatial and Procedural Memory in Detection Dogs
47:05 Working Memory in Dogs
49:56 Explicit and Episodic Memory in Dogs
50:55 Implicit and Episodic Memory in Dogs
53:46 The Impact of Memory on Odor Recognition
57:48 The Relationship Between Training Frequency and Memory
01:00:26 The Role of Focus and Distraction in Memory Formation
01:09:36 ADHD and Autism in Dogs
01:11:09 Motivation and Focus in Dogs
01:14:13 Variable Reinforcement
01:17:34 Memory and Breeding
01:25:55 The Smartest Breed
01:28:17 Early Introduction to Odor
01:33:32 Developmental Stages and Risk
01:37:42 Finding Melanie

This episode contains a wealth of information. Dr. Gadbois delves into various aspects of detection dog work and general dog training. Some of the topics discussed include the use of markers, variable reinforcement schedules, the significance of blank searches, the acknowledgment that reality is not flawless, and the notion that training should not strive for perfection either.

Dr. Simon Gadbois integrates ethology, animal experimental psychology, and behavioural neuroscience to study wild and domestic canids. He completed his Ph.D. in behavioural endocrinology at the Canadian Centre for Wolf Research (CCWR) examining the hormonal correlates of social behaviour in wolves, as well as action sequences in wolves, coyotes and red foxes. When the CCWR closed in 2007, he started the Canid Behaviour Research Lab at Dalhousie University and focussed his research on coyote-human conflicts and canine scent detection and search. He is interested in the fundamental science of olfaction and olfactory learning, as well as some applications: His lab has focussed on environmental/conservation, biomedical, and forensic applications of scent processing in dogs.

To learn even more about Detection Dogs go visit http://www.fordk9.com 

In this Episode we sit down with Steven Atommarchi who is a police officer K9 handler and trainer, K9 researcher and owner of Next Level K9 located in TX.  Steven has a wide range of real world experience and now more and more experience with the various K9 research projects such as Hemp vs. MJ he has done with Dr. Kenneth Furton.  You can reach Steven via email at nextlevelk9texas@gmail.com

To learn about all things detection dogs and webinars from the best in the detection dog field go to http://www.fordk9.com

In this episode, Cameron Ford interviews Stu Phillips, an operational K9 handler and trainer. Stu shares his journey of working with military working dogs and transitioning to civilian work as a detection dog handler. He discusses the challenges and requirements of working with passive screening drug dogs in high pedestrian environments. Stu also talks about his experience working with explosive detection dogs during the London Olympics. The conversation concludes with Stu's work training whiskey barrel detection dogs and the process of training dogs to detect low-level odors. In this part of the conversation, Stu Phillips discusses the importance of recording and timing in dog training. He then shares the story of the whiskey dogs and the challenges he faced training them. He also talks about his work with tobacco detection dogs and the unique qualities he looks for in these dogs. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of reading your dog and incorporating blank searches into training. In this conversation, Stu Phillips and Cameron Ford discuss various topics related to detection dog training and handling. They cover the use of a middle position and reinforcing different search outcomes, the challenges of conservation detection work, the pros and cons of using Kong as a training tool, advice for handlers working with their first detection dog, and the differences between Springer Spaniels and working Cocker Spaniels. Stu Phillips also shares how people can connect with him and the services he offers.

You can reach out to Stu on Instagram @bwyk9
Website http://www.bwycanine.co.uk
CHAPTERS
00:00
Introduction and Background
01:19
Getting into Dogs and Working with Military Working Dogs
02:09
Transitioning to Civilian Work and Training Detection Dogs
03:36
Working as a Passive Screening Drug Dog Handler
04:55
Working in High Pedestrian Environments with Passive Screening Dogs
06:40
Qualities of a Dog for People Screening
08:16
Memorable Deployment with a Passive Screening Dog
09:02
Transitioning to Explosive Detection Dogs for the Olympics
19:46
Challenges and Issues with Contracting Companies
33:12
Training Whiskey Barrel Detection Dogs
39:40
Dog Selection and Training for Low-Level Odor Detection
48:51
Training Process and Proofing for Operational Readiness
51:24
The Importance of Recording and Timing
55:22
The Whiskey Dogs
59:27
Tobacco Detection Dogs
01:09:14
Challenges of Tobacco Detection
01:19:40
The Importance of Reading Your Dog
01:28:32
Qualities of a Tobacco Detection Dog
01:32:19
Training with Blank Searches
01:39:45
Using a Middle Position and Reinforcing Different Search Outcomes
01:41:41
Conservation Detection and the Challenges Faced
01:51:25
Pros and Cons of Using Kong as a Training Tool
02:04:32
Advice for Handlers Working with Their First Detection Dog
02:11:52
Differences Between Springer Spaniels and Working Cocker Spaniels
02:20:32
How to Connect with Stu Phillips and the Services He Offers

In this episode, Steven Antommarchi, a fellow Police K9 Trainer and Handler, engages in a deep and informative conversation with Cameron. 

The interview covers a wide range of topics, delving into both personal and professional aspects of Cameron’s life, with a significant focus on detection dogs. This episode offers a comprehensive insight into Cameron’s experiences and expertise, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in detection dogs. 

To explore more about Detection Dogs, visit http://www.fordk9.com