Simon Prins

Dunning Kruger Effect in detection training

We often discuss the Dunning Kruger effect when I meet detection dog trainers during my workshops. Because watching an experienced detection dog combination work seems so easy. The trainer gently handles the dog through a search area, moves in a structured way, and communicates calmly. The mechanical skills that the trainer uses to handle the …

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Create a safe learning environment

The ACT! Masterclass is a unique and intense workshop about animal training focusing on you as a person in the role of a handler, trainer, or coach. While the K9 community seems to be more polarized than ever, I like to go back to creating inclusive teams, psychological security, and enjoying training. I encourage people …

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Use a scentwheel to boost your detection work

I started to work with scent wheels in 1996 and experienced the benefits with hundreds of dogs. Working with a scent wheel is an excellent way to train detection dogs, as it can help to refine the dog’s odor-detection skills and lead to better results in the field. Scent wheels provide a way to isolate …

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Why are criteria so important?

When training animals, establishing criteria is one of the essential steps in the process. It is the foundation for successful animal training, setting the parameters for the behaviors you will reward and reinforcing consistency, clarity, and boundaries. Establishing criteria helps to ensure that the animal is learning the desired behavior. Criteria can be defined as …

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The bridge or a Keep Going Signal

Animal training is essential in helping dogs develop good behaviors and new skill sets. So they can become detection champions, good patrol dogs, wildlife detection dogs, service dogs, or just well-behaved members of society. Knowing the difference between a bridge and a keep-going signal (KGS) is essential to help dogs understand what is expected of …

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Empower trainers and handlers

My workshops are about empowering trainers, building your training protocols, collecting data, and using more positive training methods. Of course, we go into the newest insights in training. And yes, we train a lot of detection, hands-on. We teach what we just have learned in theory. You will find a mixture of lectures and actual …

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Pros and cons of Odor Detection Box training

Training a reliable detection dog is not easy because we need to dive into the minor details of training. Books, YouTube videos, FB posts, Insta tips, online courses, and instructors will tell you a different approach. Many roads lead to Rome. There is not one perfect approach that will always get you there. The reason …

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Why do we use Odor Delivery Devices

Training a reliable detection dog is not easy because we need to dive into the minor details of training. Many books, YouTube videos, FB posts, Insta tips, online courses, and many instructors will tell you a different approach. Many roads lead to Rome. There is not one perfect approach that will always get you there. …

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