K9s Talking Scents Cameron Ford

#103. Many have heard of Getxent tubes OR the detection odor training aids sold by Precision explosives.  I always get so many questions about this product how it works and what is the MAGIC behind this.  This episode I sit down the with co inventor Gregory Herin of the Getxent tube and this  is dedicated to answering all the common questions as well as covering lots of the common questions abut odor in general.  

Contact Gregory and Getxent here: http://www.getxent.com
Order various detection REAL odors here: http://www.pre-exp.com
Learn about all things Detection dogs and to join the Ford K9 membership go here: http://www.fordk9.com

Episode #102 In this conversation, Cameron Ford interviews Wesley Visser from Sent Imprint for Dogs. They discuss Wesley's background and the work his company does in conservation detection. Wesley shares his passion for training dogs to protect endangered species and combat poaching. They talk about the most common items that are poached, such as rhino horn, pangolin scales, and ivory. Wesley emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation and the connection between poaching and other criminal activities. They also discuss the dangers faced by handlers of conservation detection dogs. The conversation in this part focuses on the training process for conservation dogs, specifically in the areas of wildlife detection and tracking. Wesley explains that the training time for wildlife detection dogs is around 5 to 6 months, while tracking dogs require more time, sometimes up to 2.5 years. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right breed for each specific task and training them from a young age. Wesley also discusses the challenges of training dogs to work in different environments, such as high humidity, high temperatures, and wet conditions. He highlights the need for handlers to be able to read their dogs' behavior and understand the terrain they are working in. Additionally, he mentions the importance of teaching dogs both ground tracking and air-scenting techniques, depending on the operational requirements. Wesley shares stories from his deployments in Africa and the Ivory Coast, highlighting the challenges of searching for both poachers and wildlife. He discusses the different types of dogs used in tracking, their behaviors, and the importance of training them in lower drive to avoid burning out too quickly. Wesley emphasizes the need to reward the search and focus on the process rather than just the end result. He also talks about the unique challenges of searching on boats and the importance of adapting tactics to different environments. Wesley encourages handlers to think outside the box and reward the dog for searching, not just finding.
Takeaways

Conservation detection dogs play a crucial role in protecting endangered species and combating poaching.

The most common items that are poached include rhino horn, pangolin scales, and ivory.

Poaching is connected to other criminal activities such as human trafficking and terrorism.

Wildlife conservation is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

Handlers of conservation detection dogs face significant risks in their work. 

Training time for wildlife detection dogs is around 5 to 6 months, while tracking dogs may require up to 2.5 years of training.

Selecting the right breed for each specific task is crucial in conservation dog training.
Handlers need to be able to read their dogs' behavior and understand the terrain they are working in.
Dogs should be trained in both ground tracking and air-scenting techniques, depending on the operational requirements. Deployments in Africa and the Ivory Coast present unique challenges in searching for both poachers and wildlife.
Training tracking dogs in lower drive helps prevent burnout and allows for better behavior observation.
Rewarding the search and focusing on the process, rather than just the end result, leads to better performance and reduces false indications.
Adapting tactics to different environments, such as boats, is crucial for successful searches.
Thinking outside the box and rewarding the dog for searching, not just finding, enhances motivation and performance.
You can contact Wesley at http://www.scentimprint.com

Ford K9 for all things Detection dogs such as Detection Classes, Seminars, Webinars and Online classes got visit Http://www.fordk9.com

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