All About Scent Work Podcast

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

One Thing At a Time

In dog training, we know it is advantageous to break things down, work one "D" (duration, distraction and distance) at a time. Doing so avoids confusion on behalf of the dog and prevents a multitude of issues and pitfalls from cropping up. Yet, when it comes to Scent Work training, these principles are either forgotten, pushed aside or flat out ignored!
In this episode, we discuss why identifying all the various individual factors or elements of a given search area and/or exercise is a good idea. We delve into the importance of balancing the difficulty level of the hide against those factors and how this will ensure forward progression in our training, as opposed to going backwards. Basically, being mindful and thoughtful in how we train, even in Scent Work, is the way to go!
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Scent Work is for All Dogs. Period.

Strap in, our speaker is worked up.
Every single dog on the planet should be doing Scent Work. Full stop. This should NOT be some exclusive club that is only open to top tier of dog and handler teams. People should not be rushing out to get dogs with professional detection dog breeding or background to do this activity. Every. Single. Dog. Can. Do. Scent. Work.
As a community, we need to be more mindful about how we discuss this activity, the training options or approaches available and how we frame what the activity, and sport is. Because we can take this wonderful gift that we are FINALLY giving to our dogs, which celebrates them being a dog, and ruin it.
We hope you give this episode a listen. It is blunt. There is raw emotion in it. But we owe it to our dogs to keep this activity fun and something that celebrates them being dogs...not just another way we as handlers can stroke our ego.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Confessions of a Terrible Student

In our latest blog post, Trials and Tribulations of a Terrible Student, we discuss just how challenging it is to be a dog handler. Having to LEARN a skill yourself and then TEACH your dog a skill at the very same time is HARD!
We build off of this topic in this episode by sharing the experiences of a terrible student and how her mental baggage derailed her more often than not. But it not all doom and gloom. We also offer some creative ways people can avoid these same pitfalls and better partner with their trainer and instructor.
These types of open and honest discussions are important for our community to have. We hope you find this episode helpful.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Training On Your Own

Many of us will train on our own at some point when doing Scent Work with our dogs. You may even be doing all of your training one your own, preparing your hides, designing your searches and running your dog.
In this podcast episode, we discuss the various factors we should keep in mind when training on our own so as to avoid leading our dog astray unintentionally. Some of the pointers covered in this podcast were also discussed in our latest blog, Where We See a Tree, Our Dog Sees a Forest, so be sure to check that out here.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Clarity of Cues in Scent Work

When it comes to dog training, we are constantly giving our dogs cues to indicate what we would like for them to do in any given moment. "Sit", "Down", "Come" and so on. The same can hold true in Scent Work. But what if the cue you may be using in your everyday life would have an unintended consequence if you used it in Scent Work? Is that even possible?! Yes, yes it is.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of being as clear and mindful as we can when using cues, knowing what the true meaning of those cues are (to the dog), and whether using a certain cue could undermine the very thing we are trying to build in our Scent Work training.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Training for Fun v. Training to Compete

This episode is designed more as a discussion-piece rather than a "listen as we declare answers on a given subject". 
The question is rather simple: should there be an observable difference between a team playing Scent Work simply for "fun" and a team solely interested in competing? My gut tells me the answer should be "No". If that is the case, are we as a community, myself included, shooting ourselves in the foot with how we describe the delineation of the type of teams participating in Scent Work?
Who knows?! Let's discuss!
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos