Intentional Handling: The Other End of the Leash, Part 1
Developing an independent detection dog doesn't mean developing an irrelevant handler. Good detection work requires knowing when to give our dogs room to solve problems and when thoughtful participation can help them succeed. Let's explore the other end of the leash.
Why You Can’t Out-Exercise a High Drive Dog
Trying to physically exhaust a high drive dog often creates exactly what you don’t want: a fitter dog who can go longer and still hasn’t learned how to settle. Fulfillment matters, but so does teaching an off switch.
What Makes a Good Detection Dog? Why More Isn’t Always Better
What makes a good detection dog? It’s about a lot more than simply having “high drive.” From professional detection work to competitive nosework, the right dog depends on the job, the handler, and the goal.
Building Value for Odor: Part 3 — Quality Over Quantity
Quality training isn't measured by the number of searches you run or the time you spend training. It's measured by the quality of the learning that takes place. Discover how memory consolidation, confidence, clarity, and meaningful reinforcement work together to strengthen your dog's value for odor.
Building Value for Odor: Part 2 — Is Your Dog Getting Paid Enough?
The value of odor isn't determined by the odor itself. It's determined by what your dog earns for finding it. In Part 2 of the Building Value for Odor series, learn how reinforcement influences motivation and why the quality of your rewards matters.
Building Value for Odor: Part 1 — Why Doesn’t My Dog Care About Odor?
Why doesn't your dog seem interested in odor? It isn't because they can't smell it. In Part 1 of the Building Value for Odor series, learn why odor has no inherent value to dogs and why creating motivation begins long before advanced training.
Decision Making Is a Skill, Not a Milestone
We often expect dogs to make good decisions without ever teaching them how. Through Tavi's journey, I share why decision making is a skill that deserves to be trained intentionally and how that realization has changed the way I develop detection dogs.
Distractors Aren't the Problem
Distractors aren't something dogs are born ignoring. They're something we teach dogs to work through. Learn why I fill every container with information and how intentional training builds confident odor discrimination.