Are Drug Dogs Wrong More Than They Are Right? - Page 4

I would rather Nancy clarify her own statement but I took it to mean her "training partner" as in another dog trainer with whom she was partners with somehow. Thus at the end she wrote "good dog, impressive trainer"...again I took to mean the same person with whom she was partners with. 

But I could be wrong on this so I hope she replies. I just wanted to make light the possibility that she was referring to another dog trainer and not a k9 handler and his partner. 

Thanks for clarifying that SG, however I would still appreciate answers to the questions I asked from the other posters.

While I cannot speak for the other Professional K9 Handler on this post, I'm sure he would appreciate the questions being answered.

Maybe it is just a communication problem? 

This is not directly related to the article or the news clip. But do to old style type of training, dogs are imprinted with the handler on leash. The handler is giving cues to the dog that a behavior must go with the fact odor is present. The handler is not doing this on purpose....its just the dogs are picking it up. So the end result very often is: dog smells odor, handler stops moving or does a subconcious behavior, dogs waits for criteria, then sits, downs or scratches.  If dog is asked to work without handler by side...the dog is missing that imprinted criteria and may not alert....well probably not alert. At least this is what I have seen. THIS IS NOT DITECTED AST EVERY DOG AND HANDLER.  Just wanted to post this so people realize there are problems out there. When this happens, 4th ammendment rights go out the window.   No I am not saying a dog needs to work off lead on the freeway. You must work on lead for safety of dog. But if a show up is requested in court...the dog better be able to do something as simple and remedial as box drills with handler standing 30 feet away..off leash...and indicate and hold the indication.  If dog cant do this, we must assume the dog is picking up on a subconsious cue to alert from handler.     

Agreed Dave, thanks for clarifying that