Abstract
Collaboration between researchers and detection dog practitioners is key to optimizing training practices for operational detection dogs, yet published research is often difficult to obtain and not always easy to apply to practice. This chapter sets out the most common detection dog training practices and explains the science currently available in each area of the detection task: odor learning, odor discrimination, indication/alert and finally the search. Odor generalization and factors that impact it are clearly set out alongside the potential for recently researched new training paradigms to be incorporated into practice. Factors that affect operational performance and potential causes for incorrect final responses are discussed including; reinforcement schedules, training session structure, motivation and arousal, and the impact of the human half of the detection team. Throughout the chapter knowledge gaps in odor learning and training have been highlighted and suggestions of key areas for future research are made. An easy-to-read glossary provides the reader with clear definitions of the key terms used within the literature relating to operational detection dogs. This chapter aims to start to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and their field application by presenting the science to practitioners in an accessible way.
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Caldicott, L., Zulch, H.E., Pike, T.W., Wilkinson, A. (2023). Olfactory Learning and Training Methods. In: Lazarowski, L. (eds) Olfactory Research in Dogs. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39370-9_9
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