Dog Nose Best

23/09/2025

15/09/2025

“No two dogs ever run the same search, no matter how hard we try to make it so.”

Time passes.
Temps change.
Humidity changes.
Airflow shifts.
Odor plumes.
Dogs who run the search prior change the search area.
Handlers influence the search without even realizing it.

We chase consistency, but detection work is never static. Every run is unique, every search evolves.

No matter how much we WANT things to stay constant, reality is that if we run multiple dogs on the same search, each interaction with the area influences the next dogs search.

Instead of trying to control every variable, build dogs and handlers who can adapt to them.

That’s effects-based training.

14/09/2025

13/09/2025

13/09/2025

12/09/2025

11/09/2025

10/09/2025

Everything has its time, there is
a time of joy, a time
of silence, a time of
pain, sorrow and
a time of gratefulness
Memory.

Her Majesty the Queen 👑👑👑
1926 - 2022
Thank you, you were great 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

08/09/2025

As a lover of Corgis and all purebred dogs, we keep Queen Elizabeth in our thoughts and prayers today. 🤍

08/09/2025

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

07/09/2025

“Coffee Thoughts: Odor Detection Edition” quick, hopefully insightful 😜, and caffeine-fueled ☕ reflections on the art and science of odor detection.

Today’s Brewed Thought:
“All the science won’t help you find the hide. Supporting your dog will.” - Integrity Nose Worx

This past week we had a discussion about science in class. We spoke about the Contingency Response Square and the importance of understanding when to Apply and when to Withhold reinforcement. We also spoke about Fixed and Variable Ratio and Intervals of Reinforcement. I learned about reinforcement schedules and how to use them paired with the 4 quadrants of operant conditioning when I was 18. These universal truths have followed me since the late 1900's to today.

We also spoke odor theory and how odor may move in class.

The most profound part of all of this knowledge... none of it matters during trial. Sure we can talk molecules, airflow, and scent theory all day. Yes we can discuss behavioral theory and how to teach train and proof behavior.

But when you step into the search area, it's you and your dog.

Science Explains the why.
Your dog shows the where.
Our J-O-B, support them to get there.

No One is Coming to SAVE YOU at trial. No amount of science can solve the equation of your training not meeting you and your dog where you're at. If you can't apply or synthesize the science, does it even matter?

I can coach you to success as a handler without YOU knowing the science. It's my responsibility to know the science.

Because here’s the truth:
- Your dog already understands odor.
- You don’t need to memorize chemistry to read your teammate.
- Success in the search area isn’t about theory it’s about trust, timing, and teamwork.

All the science is great. It explains concepts for those who need it and care. Really, the science is for the trainers and instructors. Handlers need to know how to apply the concepts when we're not there. Can the handler USE what we teach them when they leave us?

I LOVE science. However, theory doesn't solve problems. Competence does.

🐾 Trust your Training. Train with purpose.
☕ Inspired by Integrity Nose Worx