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

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.

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Herding dog training builds a special relationship between dog and handler and also has many other benefits. Herding will help to build good communication and teaches the dog and handler to work well as a team to accomplish particular goals. Herding helps to build cinfidence in dogs as well as challenging them mentally. Herding dog training also challenges dogs physically; good herding dogs are true canine athletes.

Highland Canine Training offers herding dog classes and private lessons for those who would like to do herding work with their dogs, even if just for fun. Herding is a great way to spend quality time with your dog and is something you both will enjoy. We offer free evaluations to anyone wishing to do herding work with their dog. If you are interested in herding training or if you would like to schedule a free evaluation, please feel free to give us a call at 866.200.2208 or email us.

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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.

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The article “The Secrets Inside Your Dog’s Mind” explains some of the recent developments of the study of canine cognition. The article describes some of the studies that have been done in the past, as well as studies that are currently being performed to learn more about how dogs think.

I think that the article explains some rather intriguing discoveries that have developed as a result of the current studies that have been going on. For example, Professor Brian Hare of Duke University, has done some research and continues his research into the fact that dogs have developed social skills that allow them to recognize a finger being pointed at an object in order to receive food or a toy. This study utilized something other than what most people would naturally recognize that a dog would utilize in order to obtain food or a toy, for example, their extremely acute sense of smell. The research tends to show that dogs can recognize something as simple as a pointed finger, something that primates could not do without a considerable amount of training.

Recently, I had an opportunity to speak with Brian Hare about his research at the Canine Cognition Center at Duke University. He explained the research and how his curiosity about the researched developed. A dog reacting to a pointed finger is often something that would seem to be natural to many dog owners and those who work with dogs on a regular basis. However, this research shows that there is often more skill and social development that plays a part in this ability. In my opinion, the importance or significance of these “simple tasks” are often negated or overlooked by humans because of the abundance of anthropomorphism that humans rely on to explain their dogs behaviors and intelligence.

I also found the research that was done in Novosibirsk, Russia to be very interesting as well. This research explained how a group of foxes were bred against and control group of foxes. The test group was bred for a number of generations for their sociability towards humans where the control group was allowed to breed, unrestricted. After a number of generations, the foxes became more “dog-like” and approached humans in a very similar as dogs. Hare, was able to also determine that these “dog-like” young foxes were able to pass his finger pointing test as well as dog puppies had been able to before them.

I also found interesting, the research conducted by Alexandra Horowitz of Barnard College in which she studied the reaction of “guilt” where dogs held their heads down and sulked away from their scolding owners after the dogs exhibited poor behavior. This researched showed that the dogs reacted the same way, even when their owners were tricked into thinking that the dog had done something wrong even though it hadn’t. I feel that this research demonstrates how well dogs have been able to interpret human behavior and have the mental capacity to react to this behavior.

I think that this article and more importantly the research that has been done sheds some much needed light on the overall cognition and social “skill set” that dogs have developed over the years. It demonstrates how well these canids have developed alongside humans and vice-versa. It also demonstrates how selective breeding has allowed dogs to more closely interact with humans on a daily basis.

Below is a video demonstrating some of the research that Brian is conducting at the Canine Cognition Center

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This production outlines:
• Basic principles of scent
• What affects odor and tracking conditions
• How tracking and trailing dogs work
• Psychological profiles of fleeing suspects
• What officers should do on a perimeter
• Proper containment techniques

Proper response and containment is the only effective method of catching fleeing criminals with a police canine. This video explains the role of the perimeter and containment officers to ensure the best possibility of capturing fleeing suspects. The methods and techniques explained in this video have been successfully utilized by departments across the country and have been shown to drastically increase the success rate of their police canine tracking and trailing teams.

High Quality DVD- Approximate run time 11 minutes- this training video is a must have for every police team that wants to apprehend criminals and get the most of their K-9 teams. Available for $14.95 plus shipping and handling. Order your copy by clicking here

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