The Essential Factor.

The College of Scent Dogs

Acknowledging the importance of positive reinforcement in our scent detection training is essential.

 A few days ago, I stumbled upon an image of a dog trainer engaged in indication training, it was a present-day current picture. One particular aspect of the photo caught my attention - the dog was wearing a spike/pinch collar and a secondary collar that supported a small black box. I couldn't quite decide if, it was an E-Collar, a GPS device, or a vibration collar. This prompted me to visit this subject in the attached blog. If we are to engage in scent dog or sniffer dog training, we must, must! Maintain a Force Free approach.

I want to start by highlighting work from Stephen Lindsay ‘Applied Dog Behaviour and Training’ where he uses the phrase ‘cynopraxis’ taken from the Greek ‘cyno’ or dog and praxis ‘to do’. He further states “Praxis is the application of theoretical knowledge for some practical purpose” This refers to the application of ethology, and learning theory, also supporting areas of scientific research, humane management and successful force-free management of canine behaviour. This particularly applies to our community of practice, scent detection training and search dog handling.

Lindsay’s (2000) singular phrase cynopraxis, or cynopraxic trainer is a recognition that behavioural modification and all dog training must result in happiness and joy for both dog and handler. The trainer guides their actions from evidence-based knowledge and understanding to maintain the best human/canine relationship. The cynopraxic dog trainer believes in encouraging the dog rather than forcing it, recognising the importance of companionship their actions and lessons are based on teamwork, relationships and understanding, knowledge, and trust.

As a retired police dog handler and trainer, I fully understand the importance of building a solid relationship when working with a scent-detection dog. Furthermore, improving the relationship with your pet dog is crucial. Positive reinforcement is essential for scent detection and any other kind of training.

In my Doctorate, I highlight the importance of force-free scent detection training, and how it can positively impact the regrowth and improvement of olfactory neurons. However, I also believe these neurons may not regenerate as effectively if the dog is punished, experiences fear, or is subjected to force during training. Positive reinforcement is essential for odour recognition and the overall scent-detection training process. Using a "search-find-reward" approach, we can ensure the successful regeneration of olfactory neurons. Conversely, if the dog is punished during training due to the environment or the handler's frustration, the training and scent can become associated with negative consequences, leading to a lesser regeneration of the olfactory neurons and a less efficient search dog.