April 29, 2011
After reading the warning labels that came with my pseudo, should I be concerned about handling pseudo during training?
Full Question:
I have watched your video Training Narcotic Detection Dogs and note that you use Pseudo narcotics in your training.I have purchased Pseudo for use by myself, but there were so many warnings and restrictions enclosed with it that I haven't dared use it! Warnings include instructions to wear rubber gloves and face masks when handling the powder. In total there are about eight pages of hazardous chemical warnings included in the packaging. However, I saw in your film that the handlers were touching the powder barehanded and sprinkling it on training aids in such a way that the dogs had direct contact with it. Do you have a guide to using Pseudo, and if so, could you please let me have a copy so that I can make best use of it? Are there any dangers attached to using Pseudo? At the moment it is still in its packaging because I dare not touch the stuff! I have found your video to be most informative, and has given me some very good ideas to follow up.
David
Ed's Answer:
First I need to remind you that I am not a fan of using pseudo. The only place there is a use for it is in the first stages of training. Once the dog is recognizing scent the pseudo is no longer used (not ever again).
There is no guide to handle pseudo.
As far as the warning labels on the pseudo, I am sure that this is a legal issue for the manufacturer and their legal staff. In my humble opinion this is all bunk. The majority of the material used is an inert substance. The little amount that you will be handling it and using it does not create any kind of danger. If it makes you feel better to use gloves then by all means do it. I do not. But then again I have not handled it in years because both of my drug dogs are trained. I will be training a new one this fall so I guess I will have to use it for a couple of weeks.
There is no guide to handle pseudo.
As far as the warning labels on the pseudo, I am sure that this is a legal issue for the manufacturer and their legal staff. In my humble opinion this is all bunk. The majority of the material used is an inert substance. The little amount that you will be handling it and using it does not create any kind of danger. If it makes you feel better to use gloves then by all means do it. I do not. But then again I have not handled it in years because both of my drug dogs are trained. I will be training a new one this fall so I guess I will have to use it for a couple of weeks.
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