Shows
K9 Detection CollaborativeAnnouncements for 2026 Distraction Camp and Intentional Handling and Hide SettingWhat to listen for:Our hosts, Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett, announce the opening of signups for the 2026 Distraction Camp and Intentional Handling and Hide Setting. Signups began on January 4 at noon Central Standard Time. Christi Raak, who has been on the podcast, will lead the Distraction Camp, focusing on engagement, focus, arousal, and mobility. Lily Strassberg, currently in Israel, has given a tentative yes to co-teach Intentional Handling and Hide Setting. Both camps are expected to sell out quickly, with past camps selling out in 45 minutes and 24 hours, respectively.The Dames of...
2025-12-3009 minK9 Detection CollaborativeBob Deeds: FEMA K9's, Nosework, and Chicken WorkshopsWhat to listen for:Our hosts, Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett, welcome veteran USAR handler Bob Deeds, whose journey from compulsion-based training to positive reinforcement transformed both his career and the field itself!His career trajectory spans volunteer search and rescue in the early nineties through Texas Task Force One, where he deployed to the World Trade Center with his partner, Kenzie.The devastating loss of Kenzie in a 2007 training accident nearly ended his career until his friend Sonja Heritage called at 2 AM with a powerful message: quitting meant Kenzie died...
2025-12-161h 00K9 Detection CollaborativeChocolate Cake, Green Eggs, and Ham: Analogies in Canine Detection & GeneralizationWhat to listen for:Our hosts Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett explore generalization as the foundation of reliable detection work.Together, they reveal generalization as extending far beyond simple obedience across locations. It encompasses odor variability, environmental context, behavioral chains, and handler presentation.They explain how explosive and narcotic sources vary like chocolate-cake recipes: different manufacturers, cutting agents, and absorption materials create distinct odor profiles.Dogs trained on limited sources may fail to recognize the "same" target odor prepared differently. That’s why handlers must expose dogs to diverse tr...
2025-12-0245 minK9 Detection CollaborativeDoing the Thing that Scares YouWhat to listen for:“[Being a part of] this podcast terrified me. Putting myself out there was so vulnerable, and I felt like it was such a big risk for you guys, as well. I’m so thankful. I’m glad you made me, but I’m also going to say I’m glad that I did it because in the end, I had the final say in buying the microphone and the headset.”After 151 episodes, Crystal Wing says goodbye (or rather, seeya later) to the K9 Detection Collaborative family, and lets us know the exc...
2025-11-1834 minK9 Detection CollaborativeThoughts on Manipulating Odor AvailabilityWhat to listen for:Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing, break down how time, airflow, and placement reshape detection dog work!They kick things off by describing a week of hides left up to 96 hours, the longest-out scenario that reveals how odor pools migrate and change. Drawing from this experience, our hosts brainstorm creative ways to design hides that can better help your dog read scents.Central is the concept of "odor availability", which explains why surface area, sealing, and enclosure control whether a source itself (and not...
2025-11-0454 minK9 Detection CollaborativeTalking Detection with Steve White Pt. 2What to listen for:“Search and rescue work is the volunteer profession that you pay to do and is one of the most stressful things you can ever do, because somebody else's life could depend on what you're doing.”In part 2 of their conversation with Steve White, Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett ask about the development of Hydrated Intensive Tracking (HIT), which evolved from experiments with scent-in-a-bottle methods.Steve’s breakthrough came at a U.S. Police Canine Association seminar when handlers lacked marker training skills. By hybridizing traditional food-in-footstep methods with spray lines...
2025-10-2150 minK9 Detection CollaborativeTalking Detection with Steve White Pt. 1What to listen for:Two-thirds of The Dames of Detection, Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett, welcome Steve White, a veteran law enforcement K9 trainer whose 46-year career began in military working dog handling in 1975.Steve discusses the challenges facing modern police canine programs, particularly how vendor-driven training models often prioritize efficiency over optimization, which creates sessions where handlers log hours without meaningful individual development.Central to Steve's philosophy is building fluency in component behaviors before chaining them together. He emphasizes the "search-locate-report" sequence as the foundation of detection work, and warns...
2025-10-0753 minK9 Detection CollaborativeWorking in K9 With Kate Graham from Katalyst KennelsWhat to listen for:"Get a dog, take the dog you have, start training, do it yourself. Yes, the client dogs will come, the other pieces will come, but get yourself out there."2/3 of our hosts, Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett, sit down with Katelyn Graham from Katalyst Kennels, who shares her expertise in breeding and training Labrador Retrievers for detection tasks while managing a multifaceted kennel operation!Katelyn’s going deep into producing what she calls “green dogs”: canine companions who are behaviorally and health-wise ready for specialized training without formal...
2025-09-2350 minK9 Detection CollaborativeChoosing to Reinforce Pieces and PartsWhat to listen for:Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing, dive deep into a counterintuitive training philosophy sparked by their recent interview with Petra Ford: sometimes accepting imperfection creates better performance in complex behavior chains.The conversation began with Petra's story about reinforcing her dog even when she knew it wasn't sitting perfectly square. When working on complex detection behaviors, trying to perfect every element simultaneously can destroy the bigger picture. As Robin notes with her recall-refine work over 600 feet of varied terrain, if she withheld reinforcement because her dog's...
2025-09-0945 minK9 Detection CollaborativeDownload from Intentional Handling and Hide Setting 2025What to listen for:Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing, do a deep dive into their recent Intentional Handling and Hide Setting camp where, during a sweltering week in Iowa, seventeen detection dog teams discovered how unconscious body positioning can make or break a search!The breakthrough moment came on Thursday during an outdoor search. A handler, diligently following instructions to avoid "going full frontal" on hides, had positioned herself away from the actual hide, directly facing an odor pool instead. Her dog searched frantically in that pool, unable to...
2025-08-2652 minK9 Detection CollaborativeDistraction Camp 2025 DownloadWhat to listen for:“We’re always inspired by the students and all the hard work that goes on. It blows my mind every single year.”Today, our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing, reflect on their recent experience at Distraction Camp 2025, where handlers and dogs from across the country gathered on Robin's Iowa farm to build deeper relationships through the chaos of real-world distractions.This year's breakthrough came from an unexpected source: cats. The rallying cry “I like cats” (a Crystal original) turned into a reminder to not push your...
2025-08-1253 minK9 Detection CollaborativeMUTC 2025 Recap and Updates!What to listen for:“You’re putting so much pressure on yourself, and that’s impacting your dog.”Today, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing chat about what they’ve been up to lately, including their recent experience at the Muscatatuck Open, a high-level canine detection seminar known for its complex scent theory drills and immersive training.They discuss how the seminar’s intense setups—with full-body donor work, long-term odor problems, and unique hide placements—challenged both handlers and dogs in ways that left a lasting impact...
2025-07-0152 minK9 Detection CollaborativeDetection Dog Science with Secret Service Chemist Dr. Katylynn Sloan Pt 2What to listen for:Robin Greubel and Crystal Wing return with the brilliant Katylynn Sloan for part two of their conversation on the intersection between chemistry and K9 detection!“Train with as much variety as often as you can, in the weirdest of circumstances you can possibly get to, with as many groups and as many people as you can.”Katylynn dives into one of the most misunderstood topics in the detection world: training aids. She breaks down why the term “pseudo” is falli...
2025-06-1745 minK9 Detection CollaborativeDetection Dog Science with Secret Service Chemist Dr. Katylynn Sloan Pt 1What to listen for:“The dogs are so good at what they do, it’s brain-boggling.”Today, 2/3 of our hosts, Robin Greubel and Crystal Wing, welcome Katylynn Sloan, a chemist with the U.S. Secret Service, to explore the eye-opening intersection of science and canine detection work.With a PhD in chemistry and years in explosives research, Katylynn brings a fresh lens to how odor behaves, how dogs detect it, and why context matters. She explains how high vapor pressure substances like nitrog...
2025-06-031h 03K9 Detection CollaborativeCritical Thinking in Dog TrainingWhat to listen for:"To truly understand your dog, embrace the power of observation, question the environment, and engage with the nuances of their behavior."Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Crystal Wing, and Stacy Barnett, take a deep dive into the role of critical thinking for handlers.We’ve all been there—reading a viral dog training post and feeling an emotional gut-punch, or second-guessing ourselves after watching a training video. We need to learn to slow down, analyze, and ask better questions. Robi...
2025-05-2057 minK9 Detection CollaborativeConsistency in Dog Training Pt 3: Why is it So Hard?What to listen for:In the third part of the series on consistency, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing dive deeper into what makes consistency such a challenge—and how to truly make it work in real life.Staying consistent isn’t just about following a routine. It’s about self-awareness, emotion management, and breaking behaviors down into manageable slices.The Dames of Detection get real about how emotions, fatigue, scheduling, and even peer pressure can all derail our best i...
2025-05-0654 minK9 Detection CollaborativeConsistency in Dog Training Pt 2: Mechanics and ReinforcementWhat to listen for:In the second part of the series on consistency, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing take a closer look at the mechanics of consistency, from creating intentional setup signals to reinforcing behaviors for longevity! You’ve probably heard about marker timing and reinforcement. Today, our hosts take a fresh look at the finer details—like how you stand, where you point your toes, and even the words you use when training your dog to shape new behaviors.The Dames of Detection chat abou...
2025-04-2255 minK9 Detection CollaborativeConsistency in Dog Training Pt 1What to listen for:“You’re constantly writing and rewriting a contract with your dog.”Today, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing tackle the power of consistency, the pitfalls of “lumpy” training, and why even small slip-ups can throw your dog off track. They break down how to build a rock-solid training environment and avoid the hidden traps that sabotage progress.“The clearer and more predictable you are, the faster your dog will learn.”Our hosts swap real-life...
2025-04-081h 00K9 Detection CollaborativeHow Do I Pick My Criteria?What to listen for:Training your dog to adhere to your criteria consistently is not a cut-and-dry process. It’s one of the trickiest balancing acts in dog training: when to hold the line and when to make adjustments within behavior chains.“Consistency is not about perfection, but predictability.”Dog handling, whether for sport or operational detection, is both an art and a science–which means embracing flexibility and precision in equal measure. Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing outline their best str...
2025-03-2557 minK9 Detection CollaborativeGetting the Most Out of Virtual CoachingWhat to listen for:Today in K9 Detection Collaborative, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing discuss the keys to successful virtual training.“Virtual coaching is student-driven. Anything propelled by student drive, drives results.”Making the switch from in-person to online coaching can be a tough sell for many. But as our hosts explain, there can be many limitations to your growth as a handler when you confine yourself to local training sessions.“When you’re stuck in your...
2025-03-111h 00K9 Detection CollaborativeReflections on Chatting with Denise FenziWhat to listen for:Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing, reflect on their recent two-part conversation with Denise Fenzi and her strategies for ensuring steady, measurable progress when training your dog.“Learning is a fragile place. Being correct is a reward in itself.”Denise is a staunch advocate for finding your compass—a guiding principle that does wonders not just in your career as a handler, but in your personal life as well. This, along with understanding that learning requir...
2025-02-1156 minK9 Detection CollaborativeA Conversation with Denise Fenzi Part 2: Choosing the Right Dog for the JobWhat to listen for:In part two of their discussion with the brilliant Denise Fenzi, our hosts Robin Greubel and Crystal Wing explore the delicate dance between striving for precision and cherishing the quirks of canine behavior!“Your dog has to have a lot of ‘want to.’ If they don’t have a lot of ‘want to,’ they’re not the right dog for the job.”Denise explains why picking the right dog for the job from the get-go is foundational to success. When you bring a dog with the right desire...
2025-01-281h 02K9 Detection CollaborativeA Conversation with Denise Fenzi Part 1: A Humane Approach to Building Behavior ChainsWhat to listen for:“If I cannot, in five repetitions, isolate a variable down and get it where I want it, I do need to stop. That doesn't mean the next time we'll be successful. What that tells me is, don't do the same thing again and again and again. And there's been a lot of variation. Isolate that variable. It looks good now. Put it back in a chain, it doesn't look good. What have I done wrong?”In part one of this two-part discussion, Robin Greu...
2025-01-1446 minK9 Detection CollaborativeReflections on Training Ideas and Takeaways from our SAR FriendsWhat to listen for:Today, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing reflect on key takeaways from their recent conversations with Diana Bunch, Jack Thorpe, and Annissia Justice – all expert handlers with a golden nugget or two (or 100s) around cadaver dog and disaster response training.From avoiding the "ego hide" trap, to getting more out of nose time, to the importance of balancing motivation and frustration during training, our hosts explore the nuances of preparing dogs—and their handlers—for real-world challenges by preparing the training environment right from t...
2024-12-3159 minK9 Detection CollaborativeDo You Want to Reinforce Sniffing During a Search?What to listen for:In today’s episode of K9 Detection Collaborative, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing discuss the keys to cleaning up your dog’s behavior chain to help them stay on track and avoid distractions in the field.When it comes to reinforcing behavior, it’s just as important to get clear on when not to train particular habits. Their rule of thumb? Avoid reinforcing tactics during moments of frustration in your dog. It’s important to be systematic when training for search & rescue s...
2024-11-1258 minK9 Detection CollaborativeRelaxed and Stressed People & K9 LearningWhat to listen for:“Don’t rush the training. Don’t trial too early. Because you’re short-changing that important part where you’re thoughtfully adding the right stress to the picture.”What’s the difference between “good” and “bad” stress in dog handling, and how do you incorporate the former into your training while minimizing the latter?Drawing from a groundbreaking study in Nature, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing discuss how stress impacts our dog’s learning and behavior. You’ll get a treasure tr...
2024-10-2959 minK9 Detection CollaborativeRecognizing and Dealing with Displacement BehaviorWhat to listen for:In this episode of K9 Detection Collaborative our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett and Crystal Wing explore the intricate world of displacement behaviors in dogs. They kick off by discussing recognizing these behaviors, which often arise from stress, frustration, or internal conflict in our canine companions. Our hosts share practical insights and anecdotes to help you identify and address these signals, ensuring a more harmonious training environment for both you and your dog.The Dames of Detection also draw parallels between displacement behaviors in humans...
2024-10-1551 minK9 Detection CollaborativeWorking Up Your Behavior Chain to Find Where it Went WrongWhat to listen for:"I found that the things I taught in higher arousal have held up better in higher arousal environments. The things done very slowly in lower arousal haven’t held up as well."Ever wondered why some detection dogs excel under pressure while others not so much? Join in exploring the dynamic world of canine detection training, guided by the unique experiences of our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing. They share their journeys through the challenges of maintaining behavioral fluency in high-arousal situations, breaking down the complexities of foundational tr...
2024-10-0153 minK9 Detection CollaborativeDeveloping Training Plans without In-Person MentorsWhat to listen for:Our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing offer their best tips for creating a training plan and measuring your progress without the help of an in-person mentor.Crystal sets the stage with a top ten list that includes strategies such as assessing your current skill level, setting long and short-term goals, varying your training environment, incorporating feedback loops, maintaining a balance of fun and stress, and networking with other handlers.As they kick things off, our hosts shine a light on that critical first step: getting clear...
2024-09-1758 minK9 Detection CollaborativeHandling: When Do You, When Don't YouWhat to listen for:Odor detection handling mastery comes down to hitting that delicate balance between doing too much and too little for your dog–the ability to offer intimate guidance while nurturing confidence.Our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing offer their best tips and strategies for using your presence as a handler to nudge your dog towards their goals without smothering their autonomy. They draw lessons from a variety of training scenarios and odors, whether essential oils or narcotics. They also touch on the difference between distraction and diversion, and the us...
2024-09-0349 minK9 Detection CollaborativeEncouraging Your Dog to Be BraveWhat to listen for:Today our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing walk us through essential strategies for fostering independence and courage in dogs (and trainers!). They share their insights on avoiding the pitfalls of being an overprotective "helicopter handler" and how to allow your canine companion the freedom to explore their world and build self-assurance.The Dames of Detection explain stress inoculation and how providing dogs with coping mechanisms can build resilience. Discover the importance of consistent and clear training, and how the thoughtful introduction of...
2024-08-2051 minK9 Detection CollaborativeDistraction Camp 2024 Hot Wash!What to listen for:“Every distraction is a possible reinforcement.”Could minor changes in your training strategy routine drastically improve your dog's performance? Join Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing as they uncover the secrets behind intentional handling, drawing from their recent experience at Distraction Camp.From hide setting and odor pool navigation to handling blank areas, our hosts open a treasure trove of insights to elevate your training game that you won’t get anywhere else!They kick t...
2024-08-0650 minK9 Detection CollaborativeThe Importance of Known HidesWhat to listen for:“Even if you don't give them a cookie, you don't play, the dog has been reinforced. [It’s] just the way their brain works.”Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing discuss how to use known hides to your advantage during training as compared to blind hides.They dive deep into the high stakes of detection work, such as why avoiding false alerts is crucial. Whether you're training for competitions or prepping your dog for operational tasks, understanding the im...
2024-07-3049 minK9 Detection CollaborativeTalking Detection Dogs with Adee Schoon Pt 2What to listen for:“So I think dog training is almost 90% thinking and preparing, and 10% working with your dog.”Two of our three hosts, Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett sit down for part 2 with Adee Schoon, an expert in the detection field with over three decades of experience, to explore her diverse and groundbreaking projects.What happens when man's best friend becomes a vital ally in solving sexual crimes? Together with Amsterdam University and a local fertility clinic, Adee and team faced numerous challenges, from...
2024-07-1652 minK9 Detection CollaborativeTalking Detection Dogs with Adee Schoon Pt 1What to listen for:In this episode of K9 Detection Collaborative, Our hosts Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett sit down with Adee Schoon, an expert in the detection field with over three decades of experience, to explore her diverse and groundbreaking projects.Prepare to be fascinated by Adee’s incredible journey, from her early days researching scent identification with the Dutch police to her current role as a leading consultant. Robin, Stacy, and Adee delve into her international collaborations, including de-mining efforts with Apopo, detecting rust in the oil and gas industry, and groundbreaking cancer de...
2024-06-1859 minK9 Detection CollaborativeTroubleshooting Your Detection ChainWhat to listen for:Today, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing address a common concern among handlers: what to do if your dog is having trouble finding the source of an odor during a training search. First thing’s first: “Your dog is just giving you information. It’s not personal. They don’t have it out for you!” Fixing this problem starts, our hosts say, by approaching trial searches from a place where you’re judging neither yourself nor your dog.Listen in and learn the steps you need to take when your do...
2024-06-0447 minK9 Detection CollaborativeFunctional Agility and All its BenefitsWhat to listen for:"Physical agility gives them some mental agility too, and so it's giving them that well-exercised brain, and then that's helping them make decisions, helping them solve problems."Today, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing break down the components and applications of functional agility. They offer a roadmap to training and maintaining your dog’s dexterity, conditioning, and proprioception–building a priceless level of trust, confidence, and adaptability between canine and handler!Listen and learn how methods such as cross-training and ladder work buil...
2024-05-2151 minK9 Detection CollaborativeThe Importance of Setting HidesWhat to listen for:“When you have that young dog, don’t put out that super hard hide. You don’t have that reinforcement history.”Our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing discuss one of the most crucial elements of canine nosework: hide placement! Listen in as the Dames of Detection walk us through what we need to consider regarding our environment and our particular dog’s abilities, the proper use of Q tips, as well as setting multiple hides of varying odor profiles.
2024-05-1459 minK9 Detection CollaborativeHow Do You Define Success?!!?What to listen for:“Success is the joy that we have with our dogs and the relationships that we're building.”Ever wondered how small victories can pave the way to grand achievements with your canine companion? Our hosts Robin Greubel, Crystal Wing, and Stacy Barnett, come together for an insightful discussion on the nature of success in canine detection training. They give us the scoop on how to set SMART goals that embolden both you and your canine teammate, and why falling in love with the training jour...
2024-04-3048 minK9 Detection CollaborativeBeing Coached Hard to Advance Your TrainingWhat to listen for:“My job as a coach is not to identify your destination, but your goal, and to help you identify and remove roadblocks to your goal.”Today, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing unearth valuable lessons from coaching humans that handlers can apply when training canine companions.They talk about what it means to create an environment conducive to learning, cultivating a delicate balance of pushing boundaries while remaining supportive of your trainee, and what it real...
2024-04-1653 minK9 Detection CollaborativeAll things Area Search/Live Find SARWhat to listen for:“We're dealing with a dog who has its own set of motivators. And so we just need to always be conscious of the fact that we can reinforce at any point along the chain.”Unleash the power of your canine's nose and transform your four-legged friend into a search-and-rescue superhero with insights from our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing. They navigate the complex training terrain, from crafting the perfect final response to harnessing the nuances of canine olfactory prowess, and offe...
2024-04-0253 minK9 Detection CollaborativeHow Do You Define Struggle?What to listen for:How do you define “struggle” in dog training? Today, our hosts, the Dames of Detection, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing are breaking down just that, sharing potent personal stories that will shift your perspective on canine learning curves. Together, they probe the gap between expectation and reality, dissecting how 'struggle' can embody both momentary challenges and the broader journey toward canine mastery.Navigating the delicate dance between pushing your pooch and knowing when to pull back is an art form. Our hosts take us through strategies to avoid overwhelming your...
2024-03-1950 minK9 Detection CollaborativeBomb Dog Research, Odor Purity, and Research Update with Dr. Lauryn DeGreeff, Dr. Michele Maughan and Jenna GadberryWhat to listen for:Our hosts Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnett dive headfirst into the high-stakes world of canine explosive detection with an esteemed panel of experts, Dr. Lauryn DeGreeff, Dr. Michele Maughan, and Jenna Gadberry. As they dissect the complexities of non-detonable canine training aids, you'll get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the intricate dance of odor chemistry and the safety measures paramount in training with both traditional and peroxide-based explosives. Safety for furry detectives and their handlers leads the charge in the discussion, as they navigate the laboratory and field labyrinth to analyze the effectiveness...
2024-03-051h 12K9 Detection CollaborativeMythBusting: Obedience to Odor, +R Placement, and Using the Word Always/NeverWhat to listen for:“The odor that they get reinforced for may not be the odor that you think you’re reinforcing. So, odor obedience is starting by building (in my mind) a reinforcement system.”Unlock the secrets behind the incredible resolve of detection dogs to seek out the right scent in any situation. From bounding into untamed thicket to swimming across lakes, our canine companions demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the odors that matter. This episode is a deep dive into odor obedience, with the Dames of Detection, Robin Greubel, Stacy...
2024-02-131h 06K9 Detection CollaborativeMartha Hoffman: Bali Dogs and 5000 Hours of Observation Pt. 2What to listen for:Join in as K9 Detection Collaborative hosts Robin Greubel and Crystal Wing continue their conversation with Martha Hoffman, delving into the nuanced world of dog training around the world! They discuss the unique insights gained from working with various dog breeds in bite sports. Listen in as they tackle the intricate topic of canine behavior and communication. They dissect the importance of recognizing a dog's body language to prevent bites and ponder breed-specific behaviors. They also delve into the behaviors of Bali heritage dogs and their unique cultural co...
2024-01-3045 minK9 Detection CollaborativeTinkering and Creativity in TrainingWhat to listen for:“I look at the dog and if something goes wrong I say, ‘Thank you for the information.’ As dog trainers, we modify behavior and in order to modify behavior we have to be able to take good data.”Our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing explore the intricate dance of dog training, where the art of tinkering plays a pivotal role in shaping the behaviors of our canine companions. They share personal tales from the trenches, revealing how the subtle art of adjusting techniqu...
2024-01-1659 minK9 Detection Collaborative100 Episodes In and Collaboration is Still the KeyWhat to listen for:"I appreciate the fact that our little collaborative thing has allowed us to have some of these really, really hard conversations in a public format."Welcome to episode 100 of the K9 Detection Collaborative with the Dames of Detection themselves - Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing!It feels like just yesterday when our hosts first set out to create a space for sharing the wonders and challenges of canine detection. This episode peels back the curtain on the competitive...
2024-01-0956 minK9 Detection CollaborativeReflections on 2023What to listen for:"As a trainer, no matter what you're doing with your training or where you are, what level you are, how advanced you are, how new you are, whatever, it should always be about growth because if you're not growing, you're stagnating.”In this episode of K9 Detection Collaborative, we’re treated to the return of all three of the Dames of Detection - Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing! They reflect on a year of personal growth, both in life and in the realm of d...
2024-01-021h 01K9 Detection CollaborativeQuestions From the Crowd - Winter 2023 Pt 2What to listen for:“How well does the dog actually understand target odor? Part of the issue is that we think we've taught the dog to alert on a birch container. But in some cases, if you don't train with distractions enough, for instance, the dog is going to alert on what they think is just the non-empty box. So what you think you’re training may not be what you’re training.”Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Dames of Detection, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing! In...
2023-12-2655 minK9 Detection CollaborativeQuestions from the Crowd - Winter 2023 Pt 1What to listen for:“If you have a good reinforcement system, it really doesn't take long. And that reinforcement system is how you pay the dog for doing whatever work you're asking it to do. And you actually have to teach and learn how your dog likes to be reinforced.”Whether it be Robin’s knee surgery or Crystal’s voiceless bout with a nasty cold, it’s been tough for all the Dames of Detection to unite for episode recordings these days. But that won’t stop them from bringing you value-packed...
2023-12-1948 minK9 Detection CollaborativePuppies, Turtles, and Internships with Julia SiroisWhat to listen for:“Conservation dogs have been around for maybe 20, 30 years, starting to grow in popularity. But more conversations need to be happening, and dogs are so amazing, and such valuable tools.”With all the amazing stories you’ve heard about our furry companions in the first 95 episodes of K9 Detection Collaborative, you probably aren’t too surprised to hear that dogs play a vital role in conservation work. Today, Stacy and Crystal interview Robin’s brilliant Intern, Julia Sirois.Julia is no stranger to this unique wor...
2023-12-121h 11K9 Detection CollaborativeHandling Peer Pressure in Training and Method JumpingWhat to listen for:“Be kind and open and giving, even when they don't know anything, that's okay, still give and still branch out. And that's where those connections happen. And it's magic. And I'm so thankful for all these connections.”Ever wondered how your training methods truly impact your loyal canine? Join our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing as they unravel the hidden implications behind various training techniques and their potential dangers. They share their personal experiences, insights, and challenges faced in the canine detection domain and stress the valu...
2023-12-0556 minK9 Detection CollaborativeSummits, Certifications and Travel Part 2What to listen for:“I think I've made a lot of personal growth. I was okay with it. I was like, ‘you know, what? Yeah, it's a bummer.’ Powder did the best she could have done and I'm human. And you know, what, 15 seconds? Well, whatever, who cares? And so then the next summit the next weekend, she won high in trial.”Our hosts Stacy Barnett, Robin Greubel, and Crystal Wing share their latest experiences and accomplishments in canine detection training. In this part-two episode, Robin and Stacy continue their stories, wins, and lessons...
2023-11-281h 02K9 Detection CollaborativeConquering Summits and FEMA Recertifications Part 1What to listen for:“When I'm getting ready for trials, I feel like that week before I'm not building new skills. I'm building the relationship and the joy of training and I'm building confidence for both of us that we both are like ‘oh yeah, we got this we're a great team.’”Our hosts Stacy Barnett, Robin Greubel, and Crystal Wing share their latest experiences and accomplishments in canine detection training. Listen in as they recount their stats from attending and titling in multiple summits, the challenge of managing nine puppies while preparin...
2023-11-2154 minK9 Detection CollaborativeChanging Your Training Contract with Your DogWhat to listen for:“That's the hard part. That paralysis that you can get into of being afraid to train something because it can make things a lot harder. So, what I would say is, don't be afraid. Experiment a little bit. You can always modify a little, you can always rename something, you can always tweak something.”Today Robin, Stacy, and Crystal chat about recognizing our training mistakes and understanding how behavior changes in our furry companions. From adapting training rules to being aware of physical limitations, they discuss the impo...
2023-11-1445 minK9 Detection CollaborativeReflections on Chatting with Lee LaubachWhat to listen for:“I've had lots of people ask me questions about, should you train your dog to tell you that nothing's there. And I was like, no, you should be good enough…Lee knew there was nothing there. But this is the protocol that we use. So we have to do this. And I absolutely don't believe in training your dog to tell you that odor is not available.”Today the Dames of Detection - Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing - recap their two-part series with Lee Laubach, a prof...
2023-11-0744 minK9 Detection CollaborativeMental Management and Training: It's the little things.What to listen for:“Finding those little ways to help you get back on track, and the appropriate people to talk to, so that you can do mental management of expectations of yourself is really important.”Have you ever felt the weight of life’s rough roads and unexpected turns affecting your motivation to train your dogs? In this engaging episode, the Dames of Detection - Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing - candidly discuss this struggle, and share their experiences. They share insights and strategies that have worked for them...
2023-10-1050 minK9 Detection CollaborativeReflections on Ronny LeJeune, Christi Raak, and Jill KovacevichWhat to listen for:Step into the world of canine detection with the Dames of Detection, themselves - Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing - as they journey through the three most recent guests, Ronny LeJeune, Christi Raak, and Jill Kovacevich, and share unforgettable insights from these value-packed episodes of K9 Detection Collaborative.Key Topics:Recapping Dog Nutrition, Fitness, and Health with Ronny LeJeune (01:49)Recapping the Chat with Christi Raak (12:00)Recapping the Nosework Talk with Jill Kovacevich (32:04)Today’s Takeaways (44:30)...
2023-10-0350 minK9 Detection CollaborativeStupid Question Day 2023What to listen for:The time has come, once again, for Stupid Question Day! Of course, there are no stupid questions. In fact, The Dames of Detection - Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing - were very impressed with this round of questions!Key Topics (Questions): How do you guys manage to do everything you do and still train your own dogs? (02:21) If you could do any dog sport you've never trained in before, what would it be? (08:28) Does it affect your dog's scent wor...
2023-09-2655 minK9 Detection CollaborativeAll things Nosework with Jill KovacevichWhat to listen for:“I think the story is very similar to a lot of folks who, even in our present day, are doing Nosework. We find out about this very cool sport in a very weird way, and we decide that we want to try it, have no idea what we're doing, and then it just becomes this geeky dedication that you cannot saturate yourself with enough of, and you find yourself, almost 12 years later, still doing the same wonderful thing.”2/3 of the Dames of Detection - Ro...
2023-09-191h 12K9 Detection CollaborativeKickin' Back with Christi RaakWhat to listen for:“We can adjust. So, to be able to build that confidence in that handler, or dog, it’s both actually, and to be able to adjust if something maybe doesn’t work out. But I think all in all, there’s no magic answer. It’s based on each person individually.”Meet Christi Raak, a canine detection specialist with a fascinating journey. From training pet dogs to working dogs, Christi has a wealth of experience and unique insights into the world of canine training. Our hosts Robin Greubel and Stacy Barnet...
2023-09-1251 minK9 Detection CollaborativeIt's All About Time...and TrainingWhat to listen for:“It's really important for us to understand that as we're setting up hides and things of that nature, we should really be looking at it as ‘how am I putting more tools in my dog’s toolbox so they can more efficiently and effectively solve a problem?’”Have you ever wondered how to handle the pressure of time management in the competitive world of detection dog training? Time management and strategic thinking play a significant role in maximizing points and reducing unnecessary time wastage when working with dogs in ce...
2023-09-0558 minK9 Detection CollaborativeLine Handling and Dog IndependenceWhat to listen for:Today, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing examine the essential skills of canine training and handling, focusing on developing the dog's independence while maintaining handler guidance. Borrowing from the educational world, they explore the concept of 'teacher guided, student decided' and how it applies to dog training.The Dames of Detection then take a closer look at leash-handling skills and how different types of leashes can be used in various scenarios. They emphasize the need to find a leash that fits...
2023-08-2249 minK9 Detection CollaborativeDistraction Camp 2023 DownloadWhat to listen for:“As long as you’re being kind to your dog and how you’re training is very simple, straightforward and you’ve sliced things thin enough, how you get there, as long as the dog learns it effectively and efficiently, doesn’t really matter.” “It comes down to clarity and fairness.”Join the Dames of Detection, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing, as they recount their exciting two weeks of Distraction Camp. They share the ups and downs of the camp, from adapting to unpr...
2023-08-1551 minK9 Detection CollaborativeThoughts on Dog Directed SearchesWhat to listen for:“When you’re thinking dog-directed search, try to be aware of the fact that you are a very important part of the team. You’ve really got to be thoughtful in your handling.”In this episode of K9 Detection Collaborative, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing unravel the concept of dog-directed searches, the role of the handler, and how to efficiently navigate through the search process. They explore how body movement, body pressure, and body language can be used to guide yo...
2023-08-0152 minK9 Detection CollaborativeWashouts, Work Ethic & OptionsToday, our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing open up the doors to the Home of Wayward Dog Trainers (Robin’s home). The Dames of Detection are knee-deep in canine detection training, layering skills, understanding scent theory and even tackling vehicle searches.As they chat about the growth and development of their own dogs, they emphasize the importance of patience, building relationships, and the crucial role of maturity in their training. They share their insights into the joys and challenges of being an owner, trainer, and handler, as well as the significance of giving their pu...
2023-07-2551 minK9 Detection CollaborativeBoundaries For Our DogsWhat to listen for:“I don’t randomly run up to people’s kids and start hugging their kids. Why are you doing it to my dog?”Listen in as our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing share how to successfully set and maintain boundaries with our dogs. From blocking off dedicated training time to the importance of managing our dogs' arousal levels to prevent unwanted behaviors, they explore the significance of setting boundaries in different contexts - at home, outdoors, and with (or often, against...
2023-07-1855 minK9 Detection CollaborativeReflections on Talking with Jens FrankWhat to listen for:Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett and Crystal Wing break down and reflect on their conversation with Jens Frank of the Scandinavian Working Dog Institute. Our hosts chat topics such as number of hides vs percentage of finds, imaginative hide placement, and beyond.They discuss the need to expand our dogs' skill sets and fluency by offering them a variety of training scenarios. They highlight the value of setting hides differently for nose work and other disciplines, acknowledging that messy and negative marks are part of the...
2023-07-1157 minK9 Detection CollaborativeProgression Plans, Handler Education and Science for Practitioners with Jens Frank (pt 2)What to listen for:Get set for an enlightening conversation with the brilliant Jens Frank of the Scandinavian Working Dog Institute. Jens spills the secret sauce behind his team's progression plans app, specially designed to bridge training gaps for dog handlers. Experience first-hand how it simplifies training goals and prevents handlers from falling into unproductive routines. Prepare to be amazed at how this tool controls the level of arousal required for different steps, making training easier and more efficient.In this second part of...
2023-07-0449 minK9 Detection CollaborativeTalking Arousal vs Drive and Selection of a Dog with Jens Frank (pt 1)What to listen for:In this fascinating episode, our hosts Robin Greubel and Crystal Wing had the pleasure of chatting with Jens Frank from the Scandinavian Working Dog Institute about his experience training dogs for police and military work, as well as his research project to detect soil pollutants. Listen in as Jens shares how the institute works with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences to interact with the surrounding society, and how the institute is a great extension model that links science and practice.They also...
2023-06-2751 minK9 Detection CollaborativeA Little Bit of EverythingWhat to listen for:What do you get when you combine fascinating canine adventures, valuable lessons learned, and a supportive community of dog handlers? An incredible couple of months filled with learning opportunities and unforgettable experiences! Join our Detection Dog Training Trio as they discuss recent adventures at Muscatatuck, K9SciCon, and beyond.In this episode, Robin Greubel, Crystal Wing and Stacy Barnett dive into the world of canine sports, comparing protection sports with Flyball and emphasizing the importance of play for our four-legged friends. They discuss...
2023-06-2052 minK9 Detection CollaborativeBoundariesWhat to listen for:Ever struggle to set healthy boundaries in your life and business? You're not alone. In this candid conversation, the Dames of Detection - Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing - open up about how setting boundaries, even small ones, can make us more productive, creative, and overall better professionals and individuals.From tackling client expectations to finding a balance between giving free advice and building meaningful connections, they lay out strategies for protecting our time, energy, and well-being. They also navigate the...
2023-06-1358 minK9 Detection CollaborativeReflections on the Benefits of Gun Dog Training. Thanks Jo!What to listen for:Today, the Dames of Detection Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing reflect on last week’s episode with Jo Laurens on Gun Dog Training. All three agreed that Jo’s teachings are incredibly useful for any kind of search, sport, or working dog. They explore the concept of environmental reinforcement and how it can be utilized to train our dogs effectively. They discuss the importance of competing reinforcers and managing high-drive dogs, and how Jo's teachings have inspired them to create progression plans for their canine companions.
2023-05-231h 01K9 Detection CollaborativeTalking the Versatility of Gun Dog Training with Jo LaurensWhat to listen for:"Basic gun dog training is just good general dog training, really. It’s outside, in a natural environment, in a sort of rural environment where you have all the distractions or environmental reinforcers that every dog is exposed to.”Discover the world of gun dog training and its incredible benefits for both dogs and dog trainers in this engaging conversation with Jo Laurens, author, instructor, podcaster, and gun dog trainer. Not only will you learn about the foundations of gun dog training, but you...
2023-05-161h 03K9 Detection CollaborativeTalent and Desire and Our K9 PartnersWhat to listen for:Today, the Dames of Detection dig deep into the meaning behind talent and desire as these often-subjective terms pertain to the world of dog training and detection work. Our hosts Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing share experiences and stories in an attempt to pin down what it means to have a talented dog or be a talented trainer.How much of the equation is talent vs. training? What do temperament and genetics have to do with a dog’s success? Our ho...
2023-05-0958 minK9 Detection CollaborativeResiliency in our K9 PartnerWhat to listen for:Today, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal talk all things resiliency in our dogs.They kick off the discussion with examples of lack of resiliency in detection work, including slowing down or checking out. This is often when the handler starts to over-direct, sending the dog further down a vicious cycle of learned helplessness.Our hosts agree that play is the best way to teach resiliency, because playful activity minimizes stress and anxiety, builds confidence, encourages problem-solving, and improves concentration...
2023-04-1858 minK9 Detection CollaborativeSetting Goals based in GratitudeAfter two episodes of celebrating what they and their guests were most grateful for in the past year, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal dedicate today’s conversation to their personal and professional goals in 2023!Listen in as our hosts talk about the importance of a growth mindset and open-mindedness to new possibilities. They share why setting big goals doesn’t need to be an overwhelming process as long as your goals stay true to why you got into the world of dog training to begin with.Our hosts also discuss why...
2023-01-1059 minK9 Detection CollaborativeReflections on Talking with Amy HerotToday, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal reflect on their recent conversation with Amy Herot, co-founder of K9 Nose Work alongside Ron Gaunt and Jill-Marie O'Brien. Amy has over 20 years of experience under her belt as a trainer, handler, and educator. She has certified teams in Narcotics and Explosives and has logged over 1,500 instructional hours in detection dog training.Our hosts touch on the differing standards between the professional handling world and that of the sports world. They agree that, to get the best out of both your dog and yourself, you as a trainer must...
2022-12-1358 minK9 Detection CollaborativeAmbush Episode: Let's Talk About Being Dreamers, Doers, and Self CareWhat to Listen For:Today, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal explore a bit of a different—but no less important—topic: practicing self-care and chasing your dreams! Building a successful career or business doesn’t have to come at the expense of your physical and mental well-being. The key to achieving so-called “work-life integration?” Setting boundaries. As our hosts discuss, anybody can create the life of their dreams by getting clear on their values, priorities, and, of course, their self-care non-negotiables.One of the strategies they share is setting aside mental spa...
2022-11-0859 minK9 Detection CollaborativeTrain Your Detection Dog with a PurposeComing off three weeks of teaching, training, and certifications, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal discuss training your dog with a purpose, emphasizing the importance of advocating for your dog and knowing when to stop pushing. Crystal talks about how because different breeds work differently, some people have preconceived ideas about how a dog should work that won’t apply universally. They introduce the term ‘reactive’ dogs, which means a dog that is hyperaware of its surroundings and tends to act in an escalated fashion. This is interconnected to the concept of ‘stimulus thresholds,’ which measure how much of a trigger i...
2022-08-2357 minK9 Detection CollaborativeQuestions From the K9 Community: Round Table Wrap Up Pt 2Today, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal continue to answer questions from their roundtable. They begin responding to the question, Does everybody have to say ‘alert’ in nosework? While there are some variations, Stacy explains, most do use the word. It becomes a conditioned reinforcer. With markers like this, trainers need to be careful not to train additional behaviors. This prompts a discussion around the next question about how to catch oneself cueing a dog when solo training. Crystal recommends recording trainings and watching videos to try to catch any potential cues. Robin advises trainers to stand suspiciously still.
2022-08-0952 minK9 Detection CollaborativeQuestions From the K9 Community: Round Table Wrap Up Pt 1Today, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal discuss questions from their roundtable that they were unable to answer. They begin comparing their dogs’ workdays with their rest days, sharing anecdotes around what their dogs’ days off look like. This leads to a discussion around time management. Robin mentions that a dog’s training hours can be dependent on weather and climate. Search and rescue work, Crystal explains, will take all your time and all your money. They share the most effective ways in which they practice time management.The next question is about training every day, multiple times a day, a...
2022-08-0257 minK9 Detection CollaborativeEngagement and Advocating for Your DogToday, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal discuss how to set your dog up for success by becoming their advocate.Listen in as our hosts explain how to see consistent growth in your training—pushing your dog while ensuring that you only put them in situations that they can handle. To them, a key factor to building your dog’s confidence in this way is by assuring them that they always have a choice during your sessions. They remind us that we as handlers are here to train our dog, not test them.
2022-06-2857 minK9 Detection CollaborativeUsing Speed Drills / Games in K9 TrainingToday, Crystal, Stacy, and Robin discuss how they use speed drills, or speed games in their training. They chat about the value of speed games as a teaching tool, how they allow for efficient training, and the ways in which they make training fun for the dogs. Crystal leads an effort to rebrand speed drills as speed games, to drive an emphasis on the point that they are not just for training, but also for fun. Stacy notes the importance of centering motivation over outcome when setting speed games. They explore the concept of rate of reinforcement, and the...
2022-06-1454 minK9 Detection CollaborativeMUTC 2022 Cadaver Dog Training Reflections and RevelationsToday, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal reflect on their top takeaways from attending a three-day cadaver dog seminar held at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, a 1,000 acre urban training facility located near Butlerville, Indiana—affectionately referred to by the K9 community as “dog training Disneyland."Listen in as our hosts paint a picture through their three distinct lenses of participation of the inspiring environment they shared and the value of being surrounded by a like-minded community of K9 professionals throughout the three-day seminar which included sixty handlers, six instructors, seven assistants and two helpers.
2022-05-3158 minK9 Detection CollaborativeMotivation and Editing Your ExpectationsToday, Crystal, Stacy, and Robin take a deep dive into motivators, or the things that drive your dog to do the things that it does, and they explore different ways to harness those motivators. Stacy explores how she makes activities intrinsically motivating, so that the work itself is interesting and not just reward driven. In doing so, something that they coin a “positive addiction” emerges. Stacy then introduces her ultimate sourcing game, where she created a course in her crate room that was so engaging for the dogs, they’d be eagerly waiting for their next turn.They discus...
2022-05-241h 01K9 Detection CollaborativeThe Woes and Joys of Transitioning K9 PartnersToday, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal discuss the ins and outs of working with a new K9 partner. They explain how to familiarize yourself with the dog’s personality, work ethic, and learned mechanics, as well as how to help them get into the right frame of mind as the two of you build your relationship.All the while, our hosts encourage us to remember that with every K9 partner, “you have this incredible genetic package and you’re trying to do justice to that.”They also speak on the importan...
2022-05-171h 13K9 Detection CollaborativeFrom Narcotics K9 to Nosework K9 with Holly Bushard: Interview & Reflections Part 2Today, Crystal, Stacy, and Robin dive into part two of a reflection on their interview with Holly Bushard, playing back clips from the best moments in their conversation and expanding on them. Holly breaks down the difficulties of trialing with non-traditional breeds, as she does with Whippets. “Love what your dog is, and accept that it won’t be what it isn’t,” she advises. Stacy shares the difficulties of her 11-year-old miniature American Shepherd. They discuss how selecting a dog to focus helps build a maintenance cycle rather than teaching a training cycle, which leads into a conversation around t...
2022-05-101h 24K9 Detection CollaborativeFrom Narcotics K9 to Nosework K9 with Holly Bushard: Interview & Reflections Part 1Today, Crystal, Stacy, and Robin reflect on their interview with Holly Bushard, playing back clips from the best moments in their conversation and expanding on them. Holly was a police officer, working as a narcotics detection dog handler with the police department, which eventually led her into nosework.Holly shares about the dog that helped her overcome her initial struggles and jumpstarted her career, and Crystal, Stacy, and Robin also think back on their most difficult-to-train dogs. Holly discusses the value of watching and learning from the wins and mistakes of other handlers. Stacy...
2022-05-031h 01K9 Detection CollaborativeThe D's of Detection WorkToday, Crystal, Stacy, and Robin discuss the 4 Ds of detection work: distractions, distance, difficulty, and duration. Then they add a few more Ds of their own, like diversions and discrimination. Robin breaks down how she uses the Ds to shift her criteria by making a hierarchy of Ds. She breaks down what bridges are and how she uses them in training. Stacy explains how she uses the 5 Ds, and adds in her sixth D, discrimination. They outline the definitions of each of the 5 Ds and dive into the differences between them. Distraction i...
2022-04-261h 00K9 Detection CollaborativeReflections on Odor / Scent Science with Dr. Lauryn DeGreeffToday, Crystal, Stacy, and Robin reflect on their conversation with Dr. Lauryn DeGreeff. They revisit some of their favorite topics, like the DustBuster-turned-scent vacuum. They discuss best practices in making collector and explore their own trials and errors in attempting to perfect it. Robin shares her experiences at body farms and explains how they function and how they serve cadaver dogs. They explore how drugs affect cadaver odor and what responses they elicit from dogs. Then, they dive into training aids, highlighting a webinar from Michele Maughan, before sharing their own experiences with them.Crystal, Stacy, and...
2022-04-1950 minK9 Detection CollaborativeCanines as the Original Biosensor & Odor/Scent Chemistry with Dr. Lauryn DeGreeffToday, Stacy and Robin sit down with Dr. Lauryn DeGreeff, who has worked in analytical chemistry in support of canine detection for over a decade. She received her Ph.D. in Chemistry with an emphasis in Forensic Science from Florida International University, and her research focuses on the sampling, characterization, and delivery of human odor, living and deceased, for the purpose of canine detection. In this episode, Stacy and Robin ask Lauryn questions like “Did the FBI actually advertise for a research scientist?” and “Do you think you'll ever invent an instrument that will replace...
2022-04-121h 07K9 Detection CollaborativeDealing with Post Certification or Competition Mental ExhaustionToday, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal reflect on certifications, focusing on the mental aspects you need to manage with a trial, test, certification, or deployment. They discuss the emotional ups and downs of the process as well as what they have learned from passing and failing trials.They dive into the logistics of earning certifications, their most exciting and most challenging experiences, considerations around safety and style in setting up trials and choosing trials to take part in, the influence of your energy on your dog’s energy, and the similarities between sport and certification....
2022-04-051h 09K9 Detection CollaborativeReflections on the Interview with Tabitha & Relationships with our K9 PartnersToday, Stacy, Robin, and Crystal reflect on their interview with police K9 officer Tabitha. They discuss their biggest takeaways from the conversation, including the bedrock of engagement and building a relationship with your dog, as well as the power of using imagination as a training tool.They also talk about the differences between working with a “hard” dog as compared to a “sensitive” dog, practical tips on earning the trust of a difficult dog, avoiding the pitfall of using “the leash as a substitute for the relationship,” and giving your dog enough attention every day.
2022-03-291h 03K9 Detection CollaborativeThe Journey of Building Relationships with Dual-Purpose K9 with K9 Trainer TabithaToday, Robin and Crystal sit down with Police K9 Officer Tabitha. For over 15 years, she has worked for a large police department in Missouri, and has been a K9 handler for the last eight of those years. Aside from her work as a unit trainer, Tabitha is also a trainer for the American Mantrailing, Police & Work Dog Association (AMPWDA).Tabitha does a deep dive into the unique challenges of her role, all while reminding handlers of every stripe that the entire trainer-dog dynamic rests on: the bedrock of engagement and relationship development. Engagement covers...
2022-03-221h 04K9 Detection CollaborativeLet's Talk About PressureToday, our hosts Stacy, Crystal, and Robin pick up where they last left off with their prior conversation about fluency. They discuss what it takes for a team to grow past the first two of the three stages of dog training mastery, namely competency followed by proficiency.The road to true fluency begins once a trainer or handler realizes and embraces the fact that “you don’t know what you don’t know, until you know that you don’t know it.” One can’t grow in a vacuum. Our hosts encourage everyone to find the rig...
2022-03-1555 minK9 Detection CollaborativeLet's Talk FluencyToday, Crystal, Stacy, and Robin talk all things fluency.“Fluency” can be described as “a performance measure which refers to speed and accuracy of responding.” Another way to put it is as “the fluid combination of accuracy plus speed that characterizes a competent performance.”In the realm of dog training, fluency can be considered the third and final “stage” on the road to mastery. The first stage is competency, the second proficiency. Once a trainer has achieved proficiency (usually this is when they attain certification for a particular skillset), the final step i...
2022-03-0855 minK9 Detection CollaborativeGetting to know Crystal WingToday, Stacy and Robin chat with fellow co-host Crystal Wing, who has been training dogs since 2006 and has been involved in protection sports over the years. She is the Training Director for the Evolution Working Dog Club located in St. Louis, Mo. and a certified trial helper through GSDCA for IGP and training decoy for Mondioring.Our conversation centers around Crystal’s focus on engagement as being foundational when it comes to dog training of any kind, alongside her conviction that imagination is your most powerful tool as a trainer....
2022-03-0158 minK9 Detection CollaborativeGetting to know Robin GreubelToday, Stacy and Crystal chat with fellow co-host Robin Greubel. She, alongside her husband Joe, co-own and manage Dog Day Acres Land & Cattle Company. Robin also is the CEO of the K9Sensus Foundation which coaches the human end of the leash. Robin has been involved in detection work since 2001, yet remains an avid student who always aims to stay on the cutting edge by learning from groups that cover subjects beyond her expertise. In Robin’s own words, “Some of the most valuable information can’t be learned in my circle.”
2022-03-0157 minK9 Detection CollaborativeGetting to Know Stacy BarnettToday, Robin and Crystal chat with fellow co-host and detection dog extraordinaire Stacy Barnett. She is the founder of the Scentsabilities Nosework training platform, an avid and successful competitor, as well as a talented instructor.Stacy kicks off the conversation going down memory lane. She reflects on her long, multifaceted journey from corporate America to working with horses and, finally, to dog training, and why she decided to specialize in Nosework in particular. She also touches on the many useful skills that carried over from her previous jobs into her current work.
2022-03-0154 min