All About Scent Work Podcast

Cyber Scent Work: Lisa and Rickon

This is the first entry in our brand-new series where we speak with participants of Cyber Scent Work, Inc. to hear their stories, what their Scent Work training journey has been like and to learn more about their partnership with their dogs as well as their experience with Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
For our inaugural episode, we are delighted to speak with Lisa Bartel about her journey with her wonderfully adorable boy, Rickon, how they got started in Scent Work as well as how Lisa has successfully leveraged sniffing to help Rickon build more confidence. Additionally, we hear from Lisa regarding her experience in going through Cyber Scent Work, Inc., the training feedback she received as well as her future sniffy plans for Rickon, who has proudly and bravely earned his Cyber Sniffer Beginner Paired Odor Track Level Title!
We are thrilled that Lisa agreed to speak with us about her experience with Cyber Scent Work, Inc. and we look forward to hearing from more Cyber Scent Work participants to hear about their take and future sniffy plans. 
Learn more about Lisa and the dog training services she offers here.
Be sure to also check out the Animal Friends, the shelter Rickon was adopted from and where Lisa volunteers and trains.
Did you want to learn more about Cyber Scent Work, Inc.?
Cyber Scent Work website
Cyber Sniffing Games Program
Traditional Cyber Scent Work Program
Evalautor Program
Facebook Page
Friends of Cyber Scent Work Facebook Group
Instagram Page
YouTube Channel
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Lisa Bartel

Canine Fitness and Scent Work

Many people are under the impression that canine fitness and Scent Work are unrelated and have nothing to do with one another. Nothing could be further from the truth! To be successful in Scent Work, particularly when competing in the upper levels, your dog MUST have a level of fitness to meet the demands, otherwise they have no hope of succeeding.
In this episode, we speak with Donna Morgan Murray, PhD, CPCFT regarding the importance of canine fitness, how fitness impacts dogs who are doing Scent Work and other scent sports as well as the various life stages where a fitness program can be successfully utilized.
We are also incredibly fortunate that Donna has put together several webinars focusing on canine fitness.
Be sure to check them all out:
Fitness for the Life of Your Dog Webinar
Keeping Your Senior Dog Fit to Work and Play Webinar
Fitness Exercises for You Puppy Webinar
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Donna Morgan Murray

Human v. Canine Experience with Odor

The human experience with odor is far and away what our dogs are experiencing when they encounter odor. For one, they can actually "see" odor by using their incredible sense of smell. We cannot. Yet, time and time again, handlers will discount what the dog does, communicates or tries to do within a given search.
In this podcast episode, we discuss this vastly different experience on either end of the leash and how we as handlers need to own our own shortcomings. How we must improve our own skills, both in understanding odor and in reading and supporting our dogs, to best allow our dog to be successful.
Here are some resources available through Scent Work University that may help with bridging this gap regarding expectations and more properly supporting our dogs when doing searches with them:
Hide Placement and Odor Movement Seminar with Laurel Scarioni
All About the Box; A Detailed Look at Container Searches with Dana Zinn
Tools to Help Design Your Scent Work Searches Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
Wait, Quit or Help Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Spotlight: ARSA - Titling Opportunity

In this spotlight episode, we speak with Melissa Stagnaro regarding the titling organization in the United States, American Rettungshunde Sport Association (ARSA), where teams may work a variety of classes based upon the rules set by the international Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the International Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO).
This is excellent conversation discussing the details of ARSA and also how handlers may volunteer for local SAR-groups, to learn the ropes and see if they and their dogs may up for the task to join a team and deployed.
Be sure to check out the following links to learn more about ARSA:
https://www.searchandrescuesport.orgARSA - FB Page
ARSA - YouTube
 
Melissa also mentions a great book that listeners may want to look into:
Family Disaster Dogs by Amber Higgins
 
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Melissa Stagnaro

Roundtable: Managing Expectations

In this roundtable discussion headed by Michelle Doram, we hear from the three varied experiences on how to manage expectations when competing in Nose Work. An excellent conversation between Jessica Koester, a CNWI and NACSW Judge, Monica Flores, a 10-year veteran Nose Work competitor and Jill Marie O'Brien, the co-founder of NACSW. The insights and stories shared in this conversation will help all dog and handler teams who are in any part of their competition journey, regardless of the venue. 
Check out Michelle's Great Expectations: Creating your Scent Work Trial Experience Webinar.
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Michelle Doram
Jessica Koester
Jill Marie O'Brien
Monica Flores

Understanding Canine Body Behavior

In Scent Work, we must be able to read our dog. What the dog's tells are as they are working a space, detecting, chasing and sourcing odor or investigating dog odor or crittering. However, missing from the conversation is having a more general understanding of how our dogs communicate with their bodies and how WE communicate to THEM with our bodies, movements, actions and inactions. Having this knowledge and understanding is crucially important for everyone to understand, whether they are handlers, trainers, instructors, class assistants, trial officials or trial volunteers. For instance, what a dog does to communicate they are being threatened or are putting out a threat or warning.
Why does this matter within the context of Scent Work? Remember in this activity we are asking our dogs, predators, to hunt. If we are not careful with how we conduct ourselves, we could illicit a dog to try to bite.
In this episode, we discuss the importance for everyone, but particularly trainers, instructors and trial officials, to have a solid understanding and education regarding canine body behavior to ensure everyone stays safe. At the very same time, stressing that owners be honest about their dogs and how as a community, we need to get off the trajectory of excusing dogs biting, minimizing behavioral issues such as resource guarding to "no big deal" and so on. 
While these are difficult topics, we must talk about them. We will do our part at Scent Work University to provide resources geared toward helping owners, trainers/instructors and trial officials. Stay posted about our upcoming webinar series focusing on understanding canine body behavior within the context of Scent Work.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Spotlight: Dana Zinn and Sue Sternberg Collaborative

In this spotlight episode, we speak with Dana Zinn and Sue Sternberg about their collaborative. Dana and Sue are helping Scent Work teams elevate their training by focusing on the handler, highlighting what we are saying to the dogs during a search and how we may be clearer and more supportive throughout.
Everyone who participates in Scent Work should look into what Dana and Sue are offering! Whether you are a handler, a trainer or instructor, their insight will allow you to improve your game and ensure you are being the best teammate your dog can have!
Learn more about the video review webinars Dana and Sue offer here: Dana Zinn and Sue Sternberg Video Review Webinars — Zinn Dog Training
Request a workshop here: Sternberg-Zinn Nose Work Collaborative — Zinn Dog Training
Contact Dana Zinn here: Contact — Zinn Dog Training
Contact Sue Sternberg here: suesternberg@icloud.com
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Sue Sternberg
Dana Zinn

Enough is Enough

Strap in, this is a blunt, real-talk episode.
It is high-time that all of us within the Scent Work community hold ourselves to a higher standard where treating one another with respect is a requirement. Addressing questions, concerns or issues directly with those involved instead of rushing to social media to bash them behind their back. Calling out people who try to steal someone else's light just to make themselves appear "bigger and better". Demanding that instructors, trial officials and professionals stop expecting reverence while treating their colleagues as "lesser than" or dirt. Instead, requiring these professionals to treat each other as equals with the common goal of HELPING dogs and their handlers.
We need to focus on our DOGS. 
In short: We. Must. Do. Better. Enough is enough.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

That Was Too Easy...Or Was It?

Working on advanced, higher-level, or challenging training concepts seems to imply our dog must struggle when they are trying to solve the puzzle. Otherwise, it is not a challenge, right? But what if the dog goes into the space, applying all the skills they mastered already, and immediately solves the puzzle? "UGH! I guess that was too easy. So disappointing!"
In this episode, we discuss the importance of keeping in mind what our goals are when we are training and properly rewarding the dog when they do what we were looking for in the first place. If your dog aced the same search in a trial, you would be THRILLED. Why then are you disappointed in training?
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Instructor Talk: Dealing with Expectations

This roundtable discussion is dedicated to all the Scent Work instructors out there. In this episode, we discuss dealing with expectations and how instructors can steal their own joy if they are not careful. This is a riveting conversation we are hoping will help all instructors realize they are not alone if they are struggling with self-doubt, second-guessing themselves or worried about stepping out to showcase their abilities. We have all been there!
This conversation is only possible thanks to the incredibly talented Michelle Doram of White Collar K9, Michele Ellertson of The Dog's PACE, Michael McManus of Ready, Sit, Go and Khara Schuetzner of The Doggie Spot. It is wonderful they were all open to having this discussion, sharing their stories and making it okay to talk about these topics openly!
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Michelle Doram
Michele Ellertson
Michael McManus
Khara Schuetzner

Cringey Trial Moments

In this roundtable episode, we discuss what makes Michelle Doram of White Collar K9, Michele Ellertson of The Dog's PACE, Michael McManus of Ready, Sit, Go and Khara Schuetzner of The Doggie Spot cringe at Scent Work trials. We hope that everyone who competes gives this episode a listen to ensure they are not causing their trial officials to cringe.
Be certain to check out Michele Ellertson's How to Make Your Trial Official (and Instructor) Cringe Webinar.
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Michelle Doram
Michele Ellertson
Michael McManus
Khara Schuetzner

Spotlight: Becky Thomas Growing K9 Nose Work in Australia

In our latest Spotlight episode, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with Becky Thomas of The Ultimate K9 in Australia about how she has been helping to grow K9 Nose Work® in Australia. This conversation is fantastic, as it highlights how this activity is for all dogs and handlers and is something that everyone should play. Becky's enthusiasm is contagious and we are fortunate to have her as a part of the community.
Learn more about Becky here:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ultimatek9training
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Becky Thomas

Dealing With Failure

The topic for this roundtable discussion is ways instructors can help their students better deal with "failures” they may experience at trial...whether "failure" is a real thing or not, how handlers may set better expectations for themselves and their dogs, how balancing training and trialing is incredibly important and so much more! We are so thankful for Michael McManus of Ready, Sit, Go and Khara Schuetzner of The Doggie Spot for having these riveting conversations with us, and we think you will enjoy this one as well.
As mentioned in the episode, be sure to check out Michael's previous podcast episode, What is Failure?, where he talks about failure as well as his Conquering Competition Stress Webinar.
If you would like to work one-on-one with Michael or Khara, you can regardless where you live!
Submit a training or trialing video for them to review and provide feedback on or schedule a virtual Zoom consultation. Choose between 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes to have your Scent Work training questions answered and solutions provided. Again, Michael and Khara are incredibly experienced and talented trainers and instructors. Don't pass up the opportunity to work with them!
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Michael McManus
Khara Schuetzner

Responsibilities of Scent Work Instructors

With Scent Work continuing to explode in popularity around the globe, there is an ever-growing demand for more classes and training. Instructors and trainers are working to meet this demand. However, it is crucially important that every professional instructor or trainer keep in mind the responsibilities associated with this role. No matter if you are newer or have been teaching since the sports inception, your responsibilities are the same.
In this podcase episode, we highlight how being an instructor and trainer is indeed an honor and privilege that we need to take very seriously to ensure we ae doing all we can to help our human and canine students learn, grow, progress and succeed.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Spotlight: Natalie Duberow and Growing Scent Work Worldwide

In this spotlight episode, we speak with Natalie Duberow, an approved USCSS CSD and Judge and AKC Scent Work Judge, who is quite literally helping to spread the word about Scent Work worldwide! Natalie travels the globe providing workshops for dog handlers, competitors and those interested in becoming trial officials with United States Canine Scent Sports. With her expertise and enthusiasm, Natalie is helping handlers near and far to remember to have FUN with their dogs as they play the sniffy game, regardless of where they hail from or what part of the equation they want to participate in, be a dog handler, competitor, trial official or trial host. We are so fortunate to have passionate people like Natalie who are spearheading the task of getting Scent Work into as many places as possible.
You may learn more about Natalie on her Happy Dog College Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/HappyDogCollege
Learn more about United States Canine Scent Sports here: http://www.uscaninescentsports.com/
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Natalie Duberow

Spotlight: Michele Ellertson and PACE Team Games

In this spotlight episode, we have the privilege to speak with Michele Ellertson, CNWI, a professional dog trainer, instructor, CO with NACSW and the owner of The Dog's PACE about her PACE Team Games program. This program is a fabulous way to encourage people to support one another while tackling challenging, and FUN, searches. It has been a big hit in the Northeastern US and the Los Angeles-area as well.
Be sure to learn more about the PACE Team Games program here.
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Michele Ellertson

Spotlight: Marcella Winslow, Photographer Extraordinaire

In this new series, we are highlighting individuals and businesses who are giving back to the Scent Work community. For this episode, we spoke with Marcella Winslow, a professional photographer who has been instrumental in creating memories for countless dog and handler teams throughout the Western United States.
As we touch upon in this episode, having a talented, thoughtful and experienced professional to capture these memories and moments with our dogs is immensely valuable and important. If you are not already, please support the professional photographers and videographers who work Scent Work trials. Their photos and videos not only can be provide you with helpful information for you training, they are also precious memories that can look back on when your dog is no longer with you.
Check out Marcella's business Facebook Page, Pawprintz: https://www.facebook.com/pawprintz.pics
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Marcella Winslow

Are You Rewarding Effectively?

As dog trainers and handlers, we use rewards to communicate to our dogs when they have done a good job. But when it comes to Scent Work, this message can be easily muddled and confused depending on the reward placement and timing! In this episode, we discuss the importance of effective reward usage as well as exercises you can try to improve your own timing and mechanical skills.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

New Dog Woes

A challenge many experienced Scent Work handlers will encounter, but do not often talk about, is trying to adjust to a new canine teammate. You, as the handler, have more knowledge and experience, perhaps even reaching high levels of success, but your new dog does not.
How can you adjust your expectations, training plan and goals to this new dog? We discuss this, and more, with a roundtable of instructors, Michelle Doram of White Collar K9, Michael McManus and Natalie McManus of Ready, Sit, Go.
Speakers:
Michelle Doram
Michael McManus
Natalie McManus

Helping Instructors Go Virtual

In this episode, we speak with Geryah Dingle of Dingle Days YouTube channel about her dog training journey, how she got started in Scent Work and the consulting services she offers to help dog training professionals bring their services into the virtual space.
If you are an instructor looking to create virtual training solutions for your clients, whether it be training videos, online classes or more, reach out to Geryah to see how she can help! With her experience with video, audio and editing, she can point you in the right direction or even partner with you to create quality solutions for your clients.
Find Geryah's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/DingleDays/featured
Here is Geryah's website - look under Videography Services for more information:
https://www.dingledaysphotography.com/
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Geryah Dingle

K9 Nose Work Shelter Program

In this episode, we speak with the Co-Founder of NACSW™ and Founder of the K9 Nose Work® Shelter Program, Jill Marie O'Brien and Steven DeTata, CNWI who is spearheading the growth of the program and spreading the word on social media.
This wonderful program pairs up of K9 Nose Work® certified instructors, or those who are going through the certified instructor program, with shelters and rescues to provide much-needed enrichment to shelter dogs. 
If you want to learn more about the K9 Nose Work® Shelter Program and how you can get involved, whether you an instructor, volunteer or shelter staff member, be sure to check out the program's Facebook Page here.
You should also check out the webinar Jill offered that goes into even more detail about the program. 
There are also some articles that offer a great overview of using K9 Nose Work® in shelters. Article 1. Article 2. Article 3. 
If you interested in learning more about K9 Nose Work® and/or NACSW™, click this link, which includes information about workshops, webinars, Instructor Program and an Instructor search.
If you want to learn more about the competition-side of things, be sure to check out the NACSW™ site.
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Jill Marie O'Brien
Steve DeTata

My Dog Lies! ... Or Does He?

"My dog lied!" This is a common statement made by handlers...but is it true? Are dogs knowingly going around lying to their people about where hides are? Or, are our dogs merely playing the game they thought we wanted them to play? We answer this question in this episode!
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Cyber Scent Work: Shelter Dogs

In this short episode, we continue to discuss Cyber Scent Work, Inc. and how it can help resident shelter dogs. This is a feature of Cyber Scent Work, Inc. that we are particularly excited about!
Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. here: https://www.cyberscentwork.com/
Are you a staff member of a shelter and interested in applying for approval? You can here: https://www.cyberscentwork.com/shelter-approval
Be sure to follow Cyber Scent Work on social media:
Facebook Page
Friends of Cyber Scent Work Facebook Group
Instagram Page
YouTube Channel
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Cyber Scent Work: Something New

In this episode, we speak with Sean McMurray of Tails U Win! Canine Center, LLC in Manchester, CT about a brand new organization, Cyber Scent Work, Inc. that is launching on June 7, 2021. Cyber Scent Work is the perfect bridge between training and trialing in Scent Work and stands to provide a service that has been needed for a LONG time.
Check out Cyber Scent Work here: https://www.cyberscentwork.com/
Be sure to follow Cyber Scent Work on social media:
Facebook Page
Friends of Cyber Scent Work Facebook Group
Instagram Page
YouTube Channel
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Sean McMurray

Rewarding at Trial

We received a wonderful question regarding what to do when, at an AKC Scent Work Trial, a dog hits upon a blue "x" showing where a hide used to be - do you reward or not?! The best thing to do was to pose this question to a panel of our talented instructors to get their take!
In this episode we hear from Michelle Doram of White Collar K9, Khara Schuetzner of The Doggie Spot and Michael and Natalie McManus of Ready Sit Go. We look forward to having many more conversations with these talented instructors and trainers, so if you have a question about Scent Work you would like for us to pose to them, let us know!
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Michelle Doram
Michael McManus
Natalie McManus
Khara Schuetzner