Clever Hans Effect in Detection Dog Training

Discover the famous story of Clever Hans, the early-1900s horse who amazed crowds by “answering” math questions—until researchers uncovered the truth: Hans wasn’t doing calculations at all. He was reading subtle, unintentional cues from his handler. In this video, we break down what really happened with Clever Hans and explain why this lesson is crucial in detection dog training today. From cueing risks to handler influence and the importance of blind testing, you’ll learn how trainers ensure dogs are responding to odor—not people. Perfect for anyone interested in scent work, detection sports, and the science behind reliable canine training.