K9s Talking Scents

In this episode, Cameron Ford, Michael Ellis, Michael Nezbeth and Forrest Micke discuss the complexities of dog training, particularly focusing on skills transition for police dogs. They explore the importance of mental flexibility, managing arousal levels, and the role of handlers in facilitating effective training. The conversation emphasizes the need for calmness, the development of rituals and cues, and the application of matching law in reinforcement strategies. The trainers share insights from their experiences, highlighting the challenges and solutions in training dogs for law enforcement tasks. In this conversation, Cameron Ford delves into various aspects of dog training, focusing on the matching law, reinforcement strategies, and the importance of understanding hedonic value in training. He discusses the nuances of negative punishment and the significance of using markers effectively. The dialogue emphasizes the need for actionable skills in dog training, encouraging trainers to adapt their methods

In this episode, Cameron Ford and Dr. Paola Tiedemann discuss the role of OSAC and NIST in establishing standards for canine detection in forensic science. They explore the publication process, the importance of standardization, and the voluntary nature of these standards. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of these documents and the significance of defining dogs as sensors. Legal implications and community engagement are also emphasized as crucial elements in the successful implementation of these standards. In this conversation, Paola Tiedemann and Cameron Ford explore various aspects of canine detection, including the analysis of Kongs, the misconceptions surrounding bomb and gun dogs, and the complexities of chemical detection in firearms. They discuss the challenges posed by 3D printed guns, the evolving threats in explosive detection, and the ongoing research into fentanyl. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding chemical mixtures and the need for handlers to ask the rig

In this episode of K9's Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford engages with Todd Wilber from Precision Explosives to discuss the intricacies of explosives, odor prints, and their applications in training detection dogs. The conversation delves into the science behind odor absorption, the importance of surface area in training aids, and the safety considerations when handling hazardous materials. They also explore the debate surrounding the use of Kong toys in detection training and innovative solutions for integrating scent into training tools. This conversation delves into the intricacies of dog scent detection, focusing on various training methods, the implications of 3D printing in creating training aids, and the evolving landscape of bomb detection. The speakers discuss the importance of adapting training to current threats, the effectiveness of different detection materials, and the necessity of realistic training scenarios to prepare dogs for real-world applications. In this conversation, Todd Wilber an

In this episode, Cameron Ford interviews Dr. Katylynn Sloan, a chemist with the United States Secret Service, who specializes in canine detection and odor availability. They discuss her extensive background in explosives research, recent publications on canine training, and the importance of understanding odor dynamics in detection work. Dr. Sloan emphasizes the significance of surface area, temperature, and generalization in training dogs, as well as the challenges posed by packaging and standards in the field. The conversation aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application for canine handlers. In this conversation, Katylynn Sloan and Cameron Ford delve into the complexities of odor detection training for dogs, discussing the challenges of teaching dogs to recognize different odors, the importance of understanding vapor pressure, and the implications of using synthetic and alternative training aids. They also address the evolving threats in explosive detection, emphasizing the n

In this conversation, Cameron Ford and Natalie Morris discuss the evolution of training methods in the detection dog community, emphasizing the importance of adapting techniques to enhance communication, search intent, and the use of blanks in training. They explore the balance between science and experience, the significance of markers, and the role of handler behavior in shaping effective detection work. The discussion highlights the need for trainers to embrace change, implement variable reinforcement, and ensure clear communication with their dogs to improve overall performance. In this conversation, Cameron Ford and Natalie Morris delve into the intricacies of dog training, particularly focusing on detection dogs. They discuss the importance of understanding dog search behavior, advocating for the needs of the dogs, and the evolving trends in detection dog training. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in training methodologies, the significance of community support among trainers

This podcast is from an impromptu Zoom Q&A session where I answered a variety of questions, ranging from basic detection concepts to more advanced or unique topics. I hope you enjoy the discussion! For more Q&A sessions, detection training tips, or to submit your own questions, visit http://www.fordk9.com

In this episode of K9s Talking Scents, Cameron Ford engages with a panel of experienced search and rescue professionals Diana Bunch, Athena Haus and Jack Thorpe who share their insights and experiences from recent disaster recovery efforts in North Carolina following a hurricane. The conversation covers their backgrounds, the scale of the disaster, the importance of training, and the mental and physical preparedness required for such challenging deployments. The panelists emphasize the need for adaptability, the significance of exposing dogs to real-world distractions, and the critical human factors involved in disaster response. In this conversation, the speakers discuss their experiences in search and rescue operations, focusing on the unpredictability of the environment, the importance of teamwork, and the mental resilience required in high-stress situations. They share profound experiences from swift water searches, the significance of proper training and equipment, and the human element that emerges duri

In this episode of K9's Talking Sense, Cameron Ford engages in a deep conversation with Michael Nezbeth, exploring various aspects of dog training, particularly in detection work. They discuss the importance of communication between trainers and handlers, the balance between scientific methodologies and the art of training, and the emotional connections that exist between dogs and their handlers. The conversation also touches on the evolution of training methodologies, the significance of learning through failure, and the impact of handler emotions on dog performance. They emphasize the need for inclusivity in training approaches and the importance of fostering constructive conversations within the dog training community.Sponsors:Getxent http://www.Getxent.comPrecision Explosives http://www.pre-exp.comFord K9http://www.fordk9.comGrassroots K9http://www.grassrootsk9.comMichael Ellis Schoolhttp://www.michaelellisschool.com

Episode #107 with Shay Cook. In this episode, Cameron Ford interviews Shay Cook, a search and rescue dog handler, about her background and experiences in the field. They discuss the different disciplines within search and rescue, such as tracking, trailing, and area search, and the definitions and differences between them. They also talk about the importance of experience and learning from failures, as well as the need for ongoing handler education and support for volunteers in the search and rescue community. The conversation explores the importance of education and the ability to read the dog in search and rescue work. It emphasizes the need for handlers to have humility, learn from their mistakes, and trust their dogs. The use of control negatives and scent discrimination in training is discussed, as well as the challenges of collecting and storing scent articles. The conversation also touches on the need for training with diverse subjects, including those with medical conditions, and the importance of exp

SummaryIn this episode, Cameron Ford sits down with Dr. Stuart Hilliard to discuss their experiences in the dog training world. Dr. Hilliard discusses the importance of looking at the scientific data and conclusions without prejudice or bias when it comes to dog training. He emphasizes the need to understand the science of aversive control and communicate what is known to practical dog trainers. The conversation then shifts to the concept of incorporating appropriate levels of reinforcement and punishers in dog training, and the search for a new term to express this approach. They also discuss the challenges of achieving stimulus control in detection dogs and the balance between specificity and generalization in Detection Dogs.To learn more about Kynology events go to http://www.michaelellisschool.com To learn more about Detection Dog training go to http://www.fordk9.com

In this Episode Laleh Aksu, a trainer of C. difficile detection dogs, discusses the importance of using dogs to search for C. diff in hospital environments. C. difficile is a bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and is a hospital-acquired infection. The dogs are trained to detect the presence of C. diff in the environment, such as on surfaces and in the air. Laleh explains the training process, the different strains of C. diff that the dogs are trained on, and the success rate of the program. She also discusses the challenges of training C. diff dogs and the rewards and markers used in training. Cameron Ford discusses the operational utilization of bio-detection dogs in hospitals, specifically for detecting C. diff. He explains that the dogs are trained to search areas such as supply rooms and storage rooms, but not patient rooms unless they are terminally cleaned. Ford also addresses the issue of false alerts and emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the dog's behavior. He highlights

In this episode, Dr. Nathan Hall and Dr. Paola Tiedemann discuss their research on canine detection applications and the use of olfactometers. They explain that olfactometers are scientific instruments used to provide measured and standardized odors to animals. The researchers have been working on miniaturizing olfactometers and making them more rugged for various applications. They also discuss the merging of technology and dogs, predicting that within a few years, cameras and olfactometers could be used for initial dog training. They also explore the importance of the handler-dog relationship and the potential for technology to provide confirmation of the dog's findings. In this part of the conversation, Cameron and Paola discuss the importance of unifying the protocols and procedures used in scent detection. They emphasize the need to consider variables such as the length of time, collection methods, and the type of container used. They also discuss the plausibility of dogs remembering scents in real-

#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.comOrder various detection REAL odors here: http://www.pre-exp.comLearn 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. We

SummaryIn 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 trai

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

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 s

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.comTo 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 conversati

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