Selecting and Starting a Human Remains Detection Dog with Sonja Nordstrom - 2 parts

Sonja Nordstrom joins us on HFA to discuss how to select a dog for Human Remains Detection (HRD) work, as well as how to start training with the dog to prepare for real world deployments.  Sonja is a retired FBI Special Agent and has nearly three decades of K-9 search and rescue experience, additionally Sonja competed in Mondio Ring, French Ring, and IPO for nearly 10 years.  In addition to K-9 SAR and protection dog sports Sonja serves as a judge and trainer for UKC Nosework competitions.  Sonja is also the owner of Sonja's Dog Training and a Co-Founder of American Tactical Aggregate K-9.

In Part 1 of this episode of HFA we go into detail of what to look for and avoid when selecting a HRD dog, including breeders, puppy selection, and initial training of the dog.  We discuss the benefits of selecting a dog from working bloodlines, the importance of health testing in dogs, and so much more.  If you are interested in doing HRD with your dog, you will not want to miss this episode.  

In Part 2 we discuss in detail different methodologies of exposing dogs to odor, in addition to the odor imprinting process for green dogs. We also discuss dedication to odor, proofing off non-target odors and the all important TFR (mistakenly referred to by me as "FTR"). This episode is a great guide to HR handlers who are thinking of how to start their next dog, and provides great context and gotchas for adding odor to your dog.

Click here to listen to Part 1

Click here to listen to Part 2