Intermediate Detection Dog Training Seminar 6-Hour Intensive Program
 

Prerequisites
– Basic odor recognition training completed
– Solid foundation in nose work basics
– Good drive and focus for detection work
– Basic obedience skills
– No aggressive tendencies
 
Equipment Needed
– Various target odours ( Provided )
– Clean containers/tins ( Provided )
– Boxes/vessels for hiding ( Provided )
– Reward toys/treats
– Timer 
– Blindfolds (for handlers)
– Different surface materials ( Provided )
– Training logs ( Provided )
 
Hour 1: Advanced Odour Theory & Handler Skills
**8:00 AM – 9:00 AM**
 
*First 30 minutes – Classroom:*
– Understanding scent theory
  – Factors affecting odor movement
  – Temperature and humidity effects
  – Wind patterns and air currents
– Common handler errors
  – Reading dog body language
  – Leash handling techniques
  – Timing of rewards
 
*Second 30 minutes – Practical:*
– Scent mapping exercises
– Air current testing with smoke tubes
– Handler positioning practice
– Body language identification exercises
 
Hour 2: Complex Hide Placements
**9:00 AM – 10:00 AM**
 
*First 15 minutes – Demonstration:*
– Height variations
– Inaccessible hides
– Multiple hide scenarios
– Converging odor challenges
 
*45 minutes – Hands-on Practice:*
– Progressive height challenges
– Introduction to inaccessible hides
– Working through odor pools
– Understanding threshold detection
 
Hour 3: Environmental Challenges
**10:00 AM – 11:00 AM**
 
*First 20 minutes:*
– Different surface materials
  – Metal
  – Plastic
  – Wood
  – Fabric
– Temperature variations
– Moving air conditions
 
*40 minutes – Rotation Exercises:*
– Surface discrimination
– Weather impact assessment
– Airflow challenge courses
– Environmental distractions
 
Hour 4: Multiple Hide Scenarios
**11:00 AM – 12:00 PM**
 
*First 15 minutes – Theory:*
– Hide placement strategy
– Odor interaction understanding
– Search patterns
– Clear communication
 
*45 minutes – Practice:*
– Two-hide scenarios
– Three-hide scenarios
– Varying difficulty levels
– Different spacing patterns
 
Hour 5: Advanced Search Areas
**1:00 PM – 2:00 PM**
 
*First 20 minutes:*
– Vehicle searches
– Interior room complexity
– Exterior challenges
– Elevated searches
 
*40 minutes – Rotating Stations:*
– Vehicle hide rotations
– Interior room challenges
– Exterior search patterns
– Elevated search techniques
 
Hour 6: Problem Solving & Assessment
**2:00 PM – 3:00 PM**
 
*First 30 minutes:*
– Complex scenarios
– Blind hides
– Troubleshooting exercises
– Handler challenge courses
 
*Final 30 minutes:*
– Individual assessments
– Feedback sessions
– Development planning
– Next steps guidance
 
Performance Metrics
*Handler Skills:*
– Search strategy development
– Dog body language reading
– Reward timing accuracy
– Area coverage efficiency
 
*Dog Skills:*
– Search motivation
– Odor bracketing
– Alert behavior consistency
– Environmental stability
 
Safety Protocols
– Regular water breaks
– Dog stress monitoring
– Environment safety checks
– Emergency procedures
– Maximum work time limits
 
Success Indicators
– Confident working in new environments
– Reliable alerts on elevated hides
– Effective multiple hide searching
– Strong drive maintenance
– Clear handler communication
 
Follow-up Resources
– Training logs template
– Video review guidelines
– Practice exercises
– Advanced seminar information
– Recommended reading list
 

Notes for Instructors
– Monitor dog fatigue levels
– Rotate working/rest periods
– Adjust difficulty as needed
– Document individual progress
– Provide specific feedback
 
Certification Preparation
– Relevant certification requirements
– Common test scenarios
– Preparation strategies
– Practice test procedures