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In September of 2007, I attended a 3-day seminar featuring nationally known detection trainer Randy Hare of Alpha K9. I initially discovered Randy Hare through the internet. A friend sent me a link to detection training videos on his website www.alphak9.com. I was fascinated by the focus of the dogs depicted in the videos. The videos showed dogs searching through seemingly impossible distractions with no help or direction from their handlers. In fact, the handlers in these videos attempted to distract the dogs from their task on purpose. Tennis balls were dumped over the heads of the dogs as they worked to locate and alert on the target substance. All the while, the dogs remained on task. Intensity and focus were the hallmarks of dogs shown in the videos.
After viewing this video, I knew I needed to meet Randy to learn more about his training method. How did he achieve this intensity and focus with his dogs? How did he train his dogs to ignore such tempting distractions?
The 3-day seminar provided the insight I was looking for. Immediately I knew we could incorporate Randy’s methods into our disaster search training. In conjunction with Elizabeth Kreitler from VATF-1, I set out to completely restructure my training program. In the midst of this restructuring, and based on Randy Hare’s method, Elizabeth and I created the Focused Scenting method.
The Focused Scenting method is based on the following beliefs:
1. Selection of the proper canine is critical to success.
The selection criteria are non-negotiable. The method relies on the selection of highly driven, confident dogs. Dogs who display an intense desire to tug with the helper and possess a toy are good candidates. The desire to hunt for that toy is also a necessary trait. However, a dog that is driven to engage with the human shows a commitment to the scent source that enables him to excel in disaster search work.
2. “An excellent trainer is a master of manipulating the dog’s environment, allowing the dog to educate himself through his drives and by carefully timed reinforcements.” – Randy Hare
Self reinforcement has long been known as one of the most powerful learning mechanisms. The Focused Scenting method involves skilled manipulation of the training environment to allow the dog to teach himself what behavior brings reward. Corrections of any kind are not used.
1. Selection of the proper canine is critical to success.
The selection criteria are non-negotiable. The method relies on the selection of highly driven, confident dogs. Dogs who display an intense desire to tug with the helper and possess a toy are good candidates. The desire to hunt for that toy is also a necessary trait. However, a dog that is driven to engage with the human shows a commitment to the scent source that enables him to excel in disaster search work.
2. “An excellent trainer is a master of manipulating the dog’s environment, allowing the dog to educate himself through his drives and by carefully timed reinforcements.” – Randy Hare
Self reinforcement has long been known as one of the most powerful learning mechanisms. The Focused Scenting method involves skilled manipulation of the training environment to allow the dog to teach himself what behavior brings reward. Corrections of any kind are not used.
The results of this method have been dramatic for the CTTF-1 canines. In addition to a drastic reduction in training time from “green” to certification-ready, we’ve noticed a substantial increase in our dog’s focus to the task of locating and alerting on live human scent.
Following are two videos showing three of our dogs after a few sessions of the training:
Video 1
Video 2
Video 1
Video 2
Subsequent articles will touch on specific principles of the Focused Scenting method. Please email us if you have questions. k9riot@yahoo.com
