Choosing An Explosive Detection Canine
The so-called deployment of explosive detection canine (EDC) teams is both a relatively
new security tactic as well as an effective deterrent with regard to terrorism. Some of the most knowledgeable officials in government recognize that working canine teams should be used whenever and wherever possible. Agencies such as the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have strongly endorsed canine team use and law enforcement reliance has been in effect for generations.
The evaluation of programs utilizing different training methods has been the center of debate and controversy since the birth of the leash. Certain basic principles need to be used as guidelines when comparing the job at hand. To best present and explain the difference between a dog and handler team working on a 'play reward system, such as the teams run by Camp Frontline LTD. (CFL), http://www.campfrontline.com, versus other teams who work off a food reward system, I offer the following information for your consideration.
Bonding, trust and friendship are the foundation of a successful team.
First of all, picking both members of a team is all important. The selection of the appropriate handler to bond with a corresponding canine is critical. Just like any relationship or friendship if the personalities don't work well together the end results will not always lead to success. Relationship between dog and handler is a key ingredient to an effective functioning team.
With agencies that push a food reward system it is implied that the handler knows his/her dog well enough to differentiate between when the reaction to odor recognition vs. manipulation to obtain food and satisfaction. But the fact is when dealing with a team that relies on play reward, such as those at CFL, that handler knows that dog so much better since the training technique takes at least twice as long to master than a dog being rewarded with food.
In some private sector agencies the handler and canine may not have the bond to give the necessary information to help make an intelligent accurate determination. The dog may send a message to his/her handler that food is desired, however if the strength of the relationship is weak a scenario may develop which could result in an evacuation or business disruption. Two such examples of a possible weak relationship is the dog manipulating its handler for reward, or if the dog is not feeling well and the handler is fooled by these two scenarios.
When dealing with a food reward team it is important to know:
How does the dog eat on his day off? This is not a concern with a play reward team.
How about vacation or any day that the handler is not with the dog, how does the animal eat or spend its time? Does the dog have days off or a routine schedule? Our dogs live with our handlers and their families they work and play together.
What if the dog is spending time with many different handlers? This is not a concern with CFL since the canine works with the same handler.
Does the dog conform to the habits of someone not familiar with its behavior or habits? Will the dog be retrained to work with a substitute handler and then have to revert back to its steady handler's behaviors?No - when dealing with a single canine handler team. Whereas the handler may work with different dogs with different strengths and skills the dog only deals with one handler.
CFL's state-of-the-art training facility allows for a variety of training scenarios, we are constantly furthering our education and using that knowledge in the single handler team setup.
Letting the instinct play a part in the situation at hand.
Food reward teams need to conduct searches within arms length so that food can be administered. A play reward handler can stand in a doorway, put the dog to work and reward the dog from a distance. The same holds true for truck, vehicle and open area searches. This allows for the dog's instinct and the education it has been given on scents to be more natural.
Be consistent.
Consistency is a basic tool necessary for accurate repetition in training and real-world incidents.
Food reward animals are consistent as long as they are food dependent and in good health. If a canine is assigned to a new handler for a day or two how can the dogs desire for food be evaluated? If the dog is suffering from some sort of gastric or intestinal abnormality its appetite could easily be altered which could affect its effectiveness.
Having the right dog.
Not all dogs can be successful play reward dogs, but all dogs can be trained for food. The dog that is found to be an ideal play reward candidate has a higher drive and is more motivated. They are always up, for the ball reward game and willing to please its friend/handler. Dogs have a very basic understanding that the presence of a handler with the play reward item means work and work hard, followed by the reward for effort.
Overall dogs have a keen attentive awareness of the game and its reward. The bounce of a ball in front of a Camp Frontline play reward dog initiates a reaction that can and will employ the canine to conduct exhaustive and relentless searches with negative or positive results. In other agencies which a food reward canine desires food to such an extent that it transmits a message which may not be accurate or familiar to the handler. The introduction of the motivating play thing in public is far more practical than food in a crowded public environment. Keep in mind, CFL single handler teams never deplete their supply of play reward, the interaction of canine and person also aids in alleviating the stress that the teams face on a day to day basis.
For more on our dogs check out http://www.campfrontline.com.
by: Michael Stapleton
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