Have a few more questions pertaining to me personally.

About me personally:

The original question was in the context of determing the feasability of training my dog in narcotics work as a civilian contractor. It would be nice to be a paying part-time thing, but I'm not holding my breath.

Basically:
#1. I want to work a dog for real. Not holding my breath for K9 handler position at work (Plainfield, IL btw).
#2. I want to train the dog myself. Sports and training groups wear on my patience; their politics, my rotating night schedule, everything.
#3. I want to do something with a valuable point.

As for my additional inquiries:

-Anyone familiar with Ed's video on training narcotics detection? If so, opinions. If not, speculation?
As far as content, does it have a comprehensive break-down of appropriate record keeping? I really don't have a concept of what it should look like, or when it should start.

-I don't think my Deputy Chief would be inclined to share the wealth that is his DEA license. This puts a damper on my availability to the real stuff. Our current K9 guy is willing to train with me, but I can't impose on him with the frequency with which I'd really prefer (every day). So, opinions on bare minimum frequency to train with real vs. pseudo? Pseudo will be a reality for me, however.

-Private services for k9 narcotics detection is not as pervasive as I thought it would be (based on internet searches). Anyone know of a reason for that? Are schools spooked by non-LEOs? Are non-LEOs spooked by the hoops they gotta jump through to do so?

-I had my dog briefly evaluated by some guy who seemed versed in the matter. He gave his thumbs up, but he also turned out to be be kind of a hack in certain other matters, so I don't even know what his opinion is worth anymore. Anyone have opinions based on some short video clips of him finding his toy? Or is it hard to tell?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7773681443239780641

&

From what I saw in the film, I'd sure give the dog a chance. My eval would be a little more extensive, but I did like what I saw in the film. I would also have the x-rayed and physicaled.

I've never seen Ed's films on drug detection so I couldn't comment one way or the other. I've heard good things about them, but have never seen them. I don't say this as a braggart, but I've been training detector dogs for well over 35 years and watching training videos really bore me. While I certainly don't think I know it all, it would take something to show me something new. How's that for a healthy ego.

I know the schools in my area actually contract drug detector services out to civilian companies. The local police and county S.O's as well as the state, are called on occasion.

It's difficult to train a detector dog of any kind without assistance. Teaching odor and response isn't so much a problem, but for actually teaching good search technique and building the dog's proficiency you really need help.

My feeling for psuedo is no secret, I'm opposed to it. In my opinion, you are training a dog on an substance that is not illegal to possess, so what's the point. I try to be fair in my discussions about pseudo. I freely admit, there is no current case law where pseudo has had a negative impact on a court case. For me it's strictly a training matter. I understand people have to do what they have to do. A DEA license is available if you are willing to jump through the hoops to get it.

Good luck.

DFrost

My previous post indicated search times during actual real life bomb searches. Because each area has to be really detailed I keep the search times low to prolong the dogs' effectiveness for large areas. During training I'll make them longer to condition the dog as David stated. I do however, give the dog a find at various intervals to keep the dog on task.

Howard

Steven,

I have the video and it is pretty good. It has been a while since I watched it but I don't really recall any details on how to keep records; just that they need to be kept (if memory serves correctly).

The content of the tape deals with how to select a dog for detection work, how to imprint the behavior, how to train a dog to give an active indication on an odor, how to introduce additional odors, and how to proof the training. I have seen and read about different methods to accomplish this but the steps shown on the dvd will work very well too.

As far as a comparison to how those methods relate to others I have seen and used I can't honestly answer because I have not yet used the initial training methods shown on the tape to train a green dog.

Any records you keep should start on day one. Howard, David, agree or disagree? As far as what the records should contain or show may depend on what you will be using them for (i.e. further training, for court, to secure a private contract by demonstrating ability, etc.). You may be better off starting a new thread on record keeping if you want some info. I can send you samples of various record logs I have made myself, some of which have been put into service in private and government establishments.

Brad, I certainly agree with keeping records from day 1. In our program we start the first day the dog is introduced to odor. When the dog team graduates/certifies, those records are kept for one year. A new record is started on the dog that documents all training and utilization from the certification date forward. That record remains with the dog for the working life. When the dog is retired, we keep the record in an inactive file for 5 years.

DFrost

Well, if anyone is inclined to scan and e-mail a copy of a sample training log sheet(s), I'd be very appreciative.

sjlepic@yahoo.com

 Quote:

Well, if anyone is inclined to scan and e-mail a copy of a sample training log sheet(s), I'd be very appreciative.

I would also love a pm on this topic if anyone has some info for me. I got no bites on my question on log books some time ago. I currently do keep log books but was wondering about a few things... Obviously I am not in LE but SAR. Sorry not trying to hijack

Here is my old thread:


http://www.leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/142822/page/1#Post142822

Thanks,

I'm willing to share my record sheets with anyone who wants them for a lawful purpose. (Not to incline anything, but this thread started as a narcotics thread and has taken a different turn. Actual LE subjects are touchy for anyone involved.)

The last time I sent one it couldn't go through the forum as a PM but I sent it to a private e-mail account. They are Excel documents so if you don't have that program I think there will be problems opening the sheets. I'm a bit anal when it comes to record keeping (haven't figured out if that is a strength or weakness yet ) so there is quite a bit of info listed on them.

The only thing I would ask in return is a critique. Let me know how they worked out for you; pros and cons; and if they will be utilized as a part of any structured programs. Deal??

Howard, David, if you have 10 minutes to kill some day I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.

Brad, send it to my email address. I'm always looking for better ways to keep records and I might be able to use part of what you have. I'll give you my take on it after looking it over.

Howard

Thanks Howard. I'll send it tonight; I'm looking forward to your input.