We Want to Build Great Detection Dogs

Thoughtful Thursdays

Every time we train, we are building our dog. We are teaching them what we want them to do in a specific situation, with a specific scent/odor, where it can be located and in what threshold. How we want them to respond and how they will be compensated for that effort.

Hopefully we are putting mortar around the building blocks we have already placed.

Or, are you chipping out that mortar and even cracking some of those foundational blocks?

Fundamentally, are you teaching/training your dog or are you testing a skill?

Think about how often you test a skill versus train a skill or ability. Plan your training accordingly.

I teach the skills and abilities I want to them have 35% of the time. I train 60% of the time. Because I want my dog to have the knowledge and reinforcement history based on the skills and abilities I have taught them to be successful. I test 5% of the time to learn what I need to go back and teach or train.

How do you define teach, train, or test? And in what combination do you spend your time?

The K9Sensus training calendar will be announced soon for 2023. I will also be launching several webinars for this winter. Make sure to join the K9Sensus Trainer's Group on FB!