Humanity has achieved incredible things. From the first airplane in 1903 to landing on the moon in 1969 — progress has always come from people who dared to imagine, create, and share. Not from copying, but from innovating. So why is it that, in the K9 world, we often struggle to do the same? Why do we sometimes follow the loudest copycats instead of the quiet innovators? Why do we applaud those who repackage someone else’s work, instead of those who bring something truly new to the table?
I believe it’s because we lack a shared mission — like the Apollo 11 goal of putting a man on the moon. Back then, everyone was pulling in the same direction. In our K9 field, too often it feels like the Wild West: no common goal, too much ego, focus on making money and too little collaboration.
Protecting creativity in the K9 community
In most industries, the work of artists, writers, inventors and photographers is protected. It is illegal to copy their work and use it without permission. Just picking a photo from the internet and using it for your own website can lead to serious fines. So why is it seen as “normal” in the K9 world to copy methods, training devices, concepts, and protocols without permission?
I must highlight that there are trainers who operate with high standards of integrity. They contact the original inventor to ask permission before using their work. They mention the source when teaching a concept they learned elsewhere. They don’t copy a training device, rename it, and claim it as their own, they tell interested people where they can buy the original.
This should be our standard: giving credit to the person who did the work, protecting their creativity, and motivating them to keep innovating. Because make no mistake — the dark side of our profession can kill creativity.
The Dark Side in our profession 
This dark side thrives on:
- Stealing the ideas, methods, and inventions of others.
- Renaming and repackaging them as “new” without giving credit.
- Selling them for profit while shutting out the original innovators.
- Bullying anyone who dares to offer another opinion or method.
- Convincing others with volume instead of value.
We must change this.
We need to move away from exclusivity — from “special groups” with “special techniques” — and towards an inclusive, global K9 community where we help, compliment, and motivate each other.
My position
I have no problem with people using my methods — whether it’s radio directional camera work, laser guidance, direct odor imprint techniques, hard surface tracking tactics, special training odors, data sheets or tools I’ve developed to make training easier. That’s why I shared them. But I do have a problem when people from the dark side present them as their own “innovations,” market them as “new protocols,” and even instruct operational handlers without ever having been in a real operation.
Let’s be clear:
- You don’t need to have worked in real operations to coach operational handlers.
- But you do need to deeply understand dogs, animal behavior principles, people and protocols.
- You must listen, learn, and adapt your advice to real-world needs.
- Above all, you must lead with humility and integrity.
Because it’s not about you.
It’s about the mission.
It’s about the dog.
It’s about the team.
It’s about the way how we deploy K9’s in the nearby future
A call to action
To those on the dark side: If you’re here only for money, ego, or to bully others, you are damaging our profession. Change direction. Give credit where it’s due. Inspire without stealing. Earn your place through real work, not imitation.
To those with integrity: Don’t give up. Don’t trade your values for followers or quick profits. You will find others like you — people who push you to think deeper, work smarter, and raise the bar for everyone.
I’m fortunate to be surrounded by scientists, trainers, handlers, managers, and bright new talent. These are people who share knowledge, operate with integrity, and unite behind the same goal: to work with dogs in ways that serve people, save lives, and raise the standard for our entire community.
The future depends on integrity
In the end, integrity builds more than personal gain. It builds a standard worth protecting. It builds a community that respects, challenges, and supports one another. We are not just training dogs — we are shaping the future of the K9 world.
The next leap forward in K9 work won’t come from imitation. It will come from integrity.
Because the best working relationships — between people, between dogs, and between nations — are built on values that last.
ACT! operates worldwide. You can find more information on my website, www.simonprins.com, about the ACT! innovative training products and workshops about detection, odor recognition testing, tracking, scent wheel training, laser training, and radio-directional dogs. Visit my online detectiondogshop.com for the best detection products. If you are interested in the ACT workshops, don’t hesitate to contact me so I can provide you with the specific workshop you need for your organization!
Any questions or comments?
If you have any questions or comments about this article, feel free to send me an e-mail.