Talking Cadaver Dog Training with Jack Thorpe and Annissia Justice (pt. 2)

K9 Detection Collaborative

What to listen for:

In the second part of the two-part discussion, our hosts, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing, continue their interview with expert trainers Jack Thorpe and Annissia Justice. Drawing from their recent experience doing search and rescue in the aftermath of the floods brought on by Hurricane Doreen, our guests do a deep dive into their best tips and strategies around cadaver dog training.

“Blinds are the number one way to read your dog.”

Jack and Annissia discuss the keys to incorporating blanks and blinds into training routines. With the belief that “blinds are the number one way to read your dog,” they explain how these tools enhance handlers' abilities to distinguish between novel and target odors, which prepares them for real-world challenges by extension.

In order to keep your dog improving their skills and behaviors consistently, it’s also important to motivate them with a mix of rewards and games that keep things varied and stimulating.

Jack gives his thoughts on specialized HR dogs. From locating dementia patients or navigating crime scenes, he explains why the industry needs to up its game regarding certification standards.

Our guests also give their best advice for selecting and raising working dogs, encouraging us to nail the balance between the dog’s social nature and work ethic to suit our abilities as handlers.

All this and more in this special edition of K9 Detection Collaborative!

Key Topics:

• Incorporating Blanks and Blinds in Your Training (01:04)
• Maintaining Consistency and Motivation with Games and Rewards (10:42)
• Specialization with HR Dogs (19:09)
• How Specialized Certifications Can Be Improved (24:44)
• How to Spot Fundraising Scams (26:45)
• Puddles, the Water Leak Detection Dog (34:55)
• Choosing a Search and Rescue Dog (42:07)
• Letting Your Puppy Be a Puppy! (47:40)
• Key Takeaways (52:10)

Resources:

• Find Annissia at Cultured Canine Training
• Find Jack at the North Carolina Trooper's Association K-9 Search and Recovery Team
• Make sure to keep up with what Crystal, Stacy, and Robin are up to! (Links below!)

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing K9 Coach can be found here at CB K9 and here at Evolution Working Dog Club. Also, check out her Functional Obedience Class here.
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com

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