Highland Canine Training, LLC » Bomb Dog Training http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog Tips and Advice on Dog Training and Behavior Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:11:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 CNN Article on Scent Lineups http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/12/06/cnn-article-on-scent-lineups/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/12/06/cnn-article-on-scent-lineups/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:58:52 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=158 I recently saw an article which raised questions about scent line-ups conducted by police dogs. This article was brought to my attention by a friend who had some questions about the article and video that they saw, based on the fact that they encounter these line-ups in their work. Below is the video of the actual lineup that was conducted and later proven to be faulty. Later, in this article, I want to discuss how, in my opinion these line-ups can be improved to better serve law enforcement.

Many departments in the US are now utilizing scent line-ups as an investigative tool while many agencies in Europe have been using line-ups as evidence for years. In order for this method of investigation to be successful, there is definitely a foundation of training (both dogs and humans) that must take place. Dog teams should be able to clearly demonstrate a track record of accurate and effective recognition of target odor during scent line-ups in training before ever attempting to utilize this investigative tool during an actual case. I believe that this demonstration of accuracy should be recorded and properly documented over a number of months before the handler should ask the dog to perform in a real life environment.

Procedures should be established for scent line-ups in order to reduce the risk of contamination by the handler and others assisting in the investigation. In the video, you can clearly see the investigator handling the samples that are being used in the line-up. Handling these odor samples in this manner will undoubtedly contaminate them. Each dog handler that conducts scent line ups should have a documented method of performing them and should be able to demonstrate and articulate the procedures that are put in place to minimize contamination as much as possible. These line-ups should be set up similar to a scientific procedure rather than typical drug or explosives detection training.

Bloodhound

Bloodhound

Another aspect of training and performing scent line-ups that should be considered is what should be expected of the dog in the event that they encounter the target odor. In a nutshell, the dog should demonstrate a clear and discernable alert. This indication should not be something that takes the handler fifteen or twenty minutes to explain to the layperson in order for them to understand. This indication should be clearly recognized and understood by anyone watching the line-up being performed (either live or on video).

You should also take into consideration that the target odor should not always be included in the samples presented to the dog while training and establishing procedures for line-ups. The dog should be allowed an “out” in the event that they sniff all of the samples and they determine that there is no match with the target or suspect odor. The dog should be rewarded and encouraged to be accurate, not to always find a match. This is important because there will not always be a match to your suspect sample given a particular line-up. This scenario should also be included in your training program so that the dog understands what is expected of him in the event that there is no “match”. You should also consider having some type of “negative indication” where the dog clearly demonstrates that there is no match to the sample that has been presented to him.

Consistent training and effective reinforcement is key in any type of dog training program in order for them to be productive and maintain accuracy. I believe that this is imperative when performing scent line-ups as evidence or as an investigative tool. By establishing and effective training program, doing your homework and putting some controls and procedures in place to limit contamination and the risk of a false indication, K-9 teams can be efficient and productive in performing scent line-ups to identify suspects in criminal cases.

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/12/06/cnn-article-on-scent-lineups/feed/ 0 Upcoming Dog Trainer School Schedule http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/10/17/upcoming-dog-trainer-school-schedule/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/10/17/upcoming-dog-trainer-school-schedule/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:16:18 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=148 Highland Canine Training offers intensive and highly educational schools for dog trainers. Our programs teach students innovative methods of training dogs and gives our students everything they need to start their own dog training business. We offer training courses for basic dog obedience, advanced dog obedience, a Canine Training and Behavior Modification Professionals Course to teach the student how to train dogs as well as rehabilitate problem behaviors. We also offer working dog programs for the Police Canine Trainer / Instructor, Search and Rescue Trainer, Protection Dog trainer as well as courses to teach narcotics, explosives and human remains detection.

Our schedule for 2010 is listed below:

    January 4th, 2010
    April 5th, 2010
    July 5th, 2010
    October 4th, 2010

We are also offering discounted pricing for all of our courses for the Winter semester beginning on January 4th, 2010. Offers are available to those who register before December 1 , 2009. You can fill out our Dog Trainer Course Application here. For more information on our programs or our discounted prices, email us at training@highlandcanine.com or call toll free at 866.200.2207.

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/10/17/upcoming-dog-trainer-school-schedule/feed/ 0 NEW Location in Metro-Atlanta, GA http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/23/new-location-in-metro-atlanta-ga/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/23/new-location-in-metro-atlanta-ga/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:09:05 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=90 We are proud to announce that Highland CanineTraining, LLC has expanded to Atlanta, GA and the surrounding areas. Ray Figueroa will be operating the Metro Atlanta area training programs.

Ray is a police canine trainer and instructor in the Metro Atlanta area where he also serves as a full time police canine handler. Ray will utilize his experience with working dogs as well as pet dogs to help owners better understand and work with their dogs.

The Metro Atlanta location will offer Group Classes, Private Lessons and In-Home Training in basic and advance obedience and behavior modification. He will also provide in-service training for police dogs, protection and Search and Rescue.

To learn more about Ray and our Metro Atlanta programs visit the website www.dogtrainingatlantaga.com or email Ray at rfigueroa@highlandcanine.com.

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/23/new-location-in-metro-atlanta-ga/feed/ 0 Do female dogs make good Police Dogs? http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/22/do-female-dogs-make-good-police-dogs/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/22/do-female-dogs-make-good-police-dogs/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:31:36 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/22/do-female-dogs-make-good-police-dogs/ We trained a dual purpose police dog that is now working at a department in Alabama. The dog was trained in narcotics detection, police patrol, handler protection, tracking, article searches, agility and obedience. I trained with the dog almost every day for several months before it was eventually sold and went to Alabama. Now this wasn’t your ordinary German Shepherd. This dog was highly intelligent, extremely athletic and super talented (just check out our gallery and see for yourself). The training went something like this; show the dog what you expect one time…and it’s done. Yes, it was that easy.

As I continued to train with the dog, I had several police departments and “master trainers” come to look at it. They were in the market for a dual purpose German Shepherd and wanted to come by and see this one work. So, time after time, I had departments sending people by to watch the dog work. All of them were impressed with what the saw. However, no one was interested in the purchase. The dialogue usually went something like this: “Man that’s a really nice dog, so how old is he?” My reply was always the same “Well, SHE is about 18 months old.” Apparently the name Kira wasn’t feminine enough to clue these guys in. Or apparently they were dazzled by her work ethic and athleticism so much that they didn’t take the time to notice the undercarriage.

Once the cat was out of the bag about her gender, none of these guys were interested in working with her or giving her a second thought. I even had one handler, who stated that he had years of prior experience handling a dual purpose dog, that said “I can’t work with a B!%*h dog”. So I politely walked them back to their patrol cars and haven’t heard from any of them since.

About a month later and officer called and stated that he was in the market for a dual purpose police dog. He stated that he saw some dogs on our website that he wanted to look at. One of the dogs that we spoke about was in fact Kira. Well, I had been through the drill before and explained to him up front that Kira was a female. The last thing that I wanted was for him to drive 600 plus miles to look at her and later find out that he was a she. He stated that he had not preference as to the gender of the dog and that all that he was concerned with was whether or not the dog would work.

Well, it has been a little less than three months since the handler and Kira completed their training here at Highland Canine Training. The handler called me today to tell me that Kira “did it again” last night. He was referring to a successful track of two suspects in several car break-ins. It appears that Kira tracked the individuals for about ¼ mile and ended up at a house where she alerted to a door. After speaking with the occupants of the house, one of the suspects was found hiding in a closet and another was arrested from the home as well. All of the items that they had taken were recovered and at least four car break-ins were cleared. Great Job Kira! This adds to the other 10 successful tracks that Kira and her handler have completed along with the more than fifty…that’s right 50, felony arrests that this team has had in this short period of time.

I have seen plenty of successful police dog teams over the years. Some of the K9 counterparts were male and some were female. If you have a good quality dog, gender doesn’t matter. So the next time you find yourself in the market for a working dog, take a few minutes to look at the girls that may be available.
Report

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/22/do-female-dogs-make-good-police-dogs/feed/ 0 The Pursuit..Dog Training as a Career! http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/17/the-pursuitdog-training-as-a-career/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/17/the-pursuitdog-training-as-a-career/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:11:58 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/17/the-pursuitdog-training-as-a-career/ There is no time like the present to get started on a new career , start your own business, or simply do what you love everyday. Many people adore our four-legged friends and are intersted in pursuing a career in the dog training industry. My advice, is to go for it, there is plenty of business for everyone!

The first step is to decide which area of dog training is most interesting for you; is simply pet dog training (basic obedience and advanced obedience), behavior modification, agility, rally sports, herding, puppy training, therapy dog training, working dogs (police, detection, protection, Search and Rescue). The second area you should work on is deciding how you want to work your schedule or run your business. If you are the person who wants a little more freedom, then private lessons and group classes would be the area to focus on. However if you want the consistency of an everyday schedule, in-kennel training may be a better choice for you as a dog trainer.

Next you should narrow down a few schools that interest you, and go personally visit the site. You can get more out of personal visit than a telephone call; meeting the people you would be working and learning from can help you decide if you are a good fit for that particular school or environment. After a quick visit you can decide how much time you want to put into your career. For example, you could choose a 6 week program or tough it out and sign up for the 12 week program (which will allow you more experience by putting your hands on different breeds of dogs with different behaviors).

At Highland Canine Training we offer teaching for all the above areas of dog training. Students are able to combine classes and learn as much about as many areas of dog training as they can obsorb. Students who are just starting out,often sign up for obedience courses, but are also interested in protection courses; as a student you are able to take the both courses parallel for the length of time you wish to attend (6-12 weeks). Highland Canine also offers custom classes to fit your lifestyle. Many of our students also work full or part-time, have families, layed-off, or simply live out of state; we are able accomadate their schedules to help them earn the certification they are striving for!

Many students ask how they can gain experience after their school is finished and they are building their book of business? The answer is simple, pro-bono work with local shelter and rescue groups is the easiest way to gain experience and give back to your communities and the animals. Now more than ever, family pets are suffering because; people are surrendering their family pets at rescue groups or pounds because they are moving (leaving animals behind), have no time for the dog, or simply don’t like the dogs and will not take the time to place them in a proper home or work on fixing behaivor issues. Rescue groups will return the favor and referr business to you so everyone wins!

Finally, many people want to become dog trainer’s so they don’t have to work with people. That is not the case, the wonderful dogs usually belong to people and you must be able to communicate effectively with the owners to first off, diagnose the problem (if any), then teach dog owner’s how to work with their dogs! At Highland Canine Training we involve our students in the initial drop off of client dogs, what questions to ask the oweners, how to perform at both private lessons and group class settings, and how to teach the pet owner’s to work with their dogs and complete the “Go Home.”

If you think becoming a dog trainer may be in your near future, please give us a call or better yet stop by for a visit ,and we would be happy to introduce you to the wonderful world of dogs!

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/17/the-pursuitdog-training-as-a-career/feed/ 0 Police Dog and Working Dog Donations http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/05/24/police-dog-and-working-dog-donations/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/05/24/police-dog-and-working-dog-donations/#comments Sun, 24 May 2009 22:23:04 +0000 admin http://highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=39 As many of you know we do a lot of pro bono work to give back to our communities.  It is a wonderful feeling to give a police/sheriff department or individual that may not otherwise have to opportunity to work a dog,mostly for financial reasons a shot at it.  Highland Canine Training donated the first Police Dog in 2006 and has carried on this project annually.  In 2007 we named the project the Paul LeBlanc Memorial Working Dog Donation Program to carry on his memory.  Paul was a bomb dog handler from Desoto County, Mississippi that has left a lasting impression on our lives; he was a good friend, passionate father, coach, and a hard working dog handler. 

Here is a break down of the communites that have benefited from the Paul LeBlanc Memorial Working Dog Donation Program:

2006- Canine “Jake” Alexander County, NC

2007_Canine “Star” Vail, Colorado

2008-Canine “Hawk” Thomasville, NC

2008-Canine “Wiley” Desoto County, Mississippi

2009-Canine “Jerry Lee” Marietta, Georgia

Many thanks to the departments and individuals that make this program possible!

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/05/24/police-dog-and-working-dog-donations/feed/ 0 Socialization from Puppies to Adult Dogs! http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/05/18/socialization-from-puppies-to-adult-dogs/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/05/18/socialization-from-puppies-to-adult-dogs/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 15:42:58 +0000 admin http://highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/05/18/socialization-from-puppies-to-adult-dogs/ Many of you have heard from multiple dog trainers and veterinarians how  important socialization is for puppies and adult dogs.  Puppies need to be around different dogs and people of all shapes and sizes to get over any fear of the unknown.  Even your working dogs for both Police and Search and Rescue need to be socialized to people, dogs, animals, slick floors, riding in different vehicles, blue lights, sirens, and terrain changes.  Many unwanted behaviors in dogs may be contributed to lack of socialization for example, shyness, barking excessively, dog on dog aggression, people aggression, and simply shutting down in public situations due to lack of exposure.  The problems can arise more severely when dogs are kept from the world for years at a time, until dog owners are tired of tip toeing around the dog and changing their lifestyle to avoid confrontation that the unsocialized dog may cause, this is normally when a professional trainer would step in and assist dog owners with rehabilitation. 

However, it’s best to start at an early age if at all possible but if you decide to adopt or rescue and older dog, you can teach an old dog new tricks!  Let me give you a few examples of some experiences we have have personally encountered that has had a happy ending! I recieved a phone call from a client in Huntersville, NC who had explained to me that his dog was agressive and growled at any dog and most new people.  It was to the point where the owners were very paranoid to have take the dog out in public and mostly hid him from the outside world.  The straw that broke the camels back was that he had Max out in the yard on leash, but Max had gotten away from him by accident and ran over to a neighbors house and “loaded up” on the neighbor barking and growling…very scary for this dog owner.

After speaking with Max’s owner, we decided that our in-kennel training, or Boot Camp would be the best program for Max.  This would give us 6 weeks of diagnosing and rehabilitation with Max.  The day Max dropped off at our facility we didn’t quite know why Max was growling at anyone that made eye contact with him, he also growled at our 12 year old German Shepherd, Cyrus that wouldn’t harm a mouse! Max’s owners were very helpful and honest, which is huge in helping us understand what’s going on with their dog.  The owner’s admitted that Max was not socialized very well as a puppy and as his behaviors grew more cumbersome they began hiding him from the outside world, which is a typical method in these situations, since liability is a big factor in today’s society.

The first week with Max was very difficult for both the dog and our trainers, Max was terrified of everything and everyone.  His aggression grew worse as we were slowly putting more pressure on him to interact with us.  We actually had to feed him the first few days with a bite sleeve for our protection.  Slowly Max began to come around and trust us, everyday he got better it was even emotional for our trainers to see him actually start enjoying life again and trusting his surroundings!

By the time Max was ready to go home, he was interacting with strangers and new dogs, was he a social butterfly yet?  No, but the foundation was laid for his family to continue working with him and for Max to get better everyday.  Max is very fortunate to have such dedicated parents, after we gave them advice and steered them in the right direction for his continued success with rehabiliation, we recieve emails that Max is still improving! In fact the last email I recieved from his owners, was that they had began taking Max to a dog park and cutting him off leash with other dogs and people with no incident!  We are very proud of Max and his owners!

With that said, professional intervention with puppies may also be helpful for socialization issues.  We recently had a 4 month old puppy named Ginger that was highly food aggressive, and had no manners when it came to meeting new dogs at such a young age. Ginger’s owner also saw this to be a little too much and brought her to our in-kennel training program for obedience, socialization, and behavior modification.  Ginger would bark and growl at new dogs she met no matter how big or small they were, we worried about the safety of Ginger just as much as the safety  of other dogs that encountered her!

Our trainer Bobbie, worked with Ginger very consistently and by the end of her training session had Ginger learning to greet and play with new dogs of all shapes and sizes!  It’s crucial to understand how much to expose  a dog that has not been socialized properly, for what ever reason, and not shut them down.  Ginger is a very sweet puppy and will be a nice dog as long as the owner continues to expose her to new things and has a structured lifestyle!

Highland Canine Training offers several different dog training programs to help out with any issues you may be experiencing with your dog.  Our pograms include; inkennel training, private lessons, in-home training, group classes, and custom training.  Please contact one our trainers to see which program best fits the needs of you, your family, and of course your dog!

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/05/18/socialization-from-puppies-to-adult-dogs/feed/ 0 We’re Back! http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/04/27/were-back/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/04/27/were-back/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:01:14 +0000 admin http://highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=8 As many of you may know, our blog has been down for about a week.  We’ve received alot of calls about the problem and have been working diligently to try and fix it.  First the good news, we got the blog up and running again.  The bad news is that we lost all of the dog training articles, group class schedules and other information that we have been posting on our dog training blog for the past several years!

Well, we are going to continue to post new articles and even try to put back some of the old dog training posts that many of you liked.  We appreciate your patience while we rebuild our dog training blog.  As always, we welcome you comments on our articles as well as article suggestions.

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/04/27/were-back/feed/ 0