I have written a few posts here mentioning that I am aspiring to police work and more accurately K9 work therein. I understand the importance of good records for detection training as well. I am planning on attempting some basic detection with black powder, in order to gain a bit of a background in that aspect of dog training. I am wondering if there are any sites on the net that may have examples of proper records, so that I can practice keeping records too? Or if there is someone who has their own who might be willing to share them with me. If you would consider this, but not be so willing to share them in an open environment, maybe you might entertain the idea of PM-ing me with some input. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

To add to this, I am also working on tracking (FS) and am still at the beginning stages. I have learned that it is not wise to teach an open search before the dog has a good knowledge of what is expected on the track as that will lead to the dog tracking with a "high nose". So... would that concept also apply here? Should I hold off from scent indication until my pup is at a decent stage in her tracking?

Thanx for your advise! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The basic record keeping information you'd want to document for detection dogs (ANY detection dogs) is as follows:

Agency Name (NYPD)
Your name (Joe Smith)
Dog's name (Fido)
Date (10 Feb 05)
Time (1542 hrs)
Location (Old warehouse building)
Weather Conditions (Temp/wind/sunny/overcast/raining/snow,etc)

That sets the general "scene".

Next, you'll want to document which odors are being used, the individual amounts, where they are hidden and what time they were hidden.

1. TNT 50 grms / Blue car RF wheel well / 1401 hrs
2. PETN 75 grms / Locker #342 upstairs bathroom / 1407 hrs
3. DetCord 120 grms / Black briefcase in hallway / 1410 hrs
4. C-4 50 grms / Garbage can near front door / 1415 hrs

Next, document what time you started each search, what time you finished each search, the result of each search, etc(make notes, GOOD OR BAD). Document who was there with you, who hid the odors, if they were "blind" searches or if the handler knew the location of the finds, etc.

I'm sure others can give more detailed info about their individual agencies record keeping protocol's, but the above covers the basics.

Dont forget to document a visible behaviour change even if the dog doesn't actually sit. A behaviour change alone is not considered a miss. Document all misses as well.

Howard