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In the News
Every week I read what researchers and reporters are turning up about dogs — how they learn, what they smell, what they do for the people around them. These are the stories worth passing on, with a note on what they mean for training. New items go up as I find them.
Dogs Make Us Healthier? They Might.
This article in a Belfast published Newsletter presents a substantial round up of research on the human/canine relationship and health. This research says just looking into your dog's eyes for a while can help. We can help you build a wonderful bond with your dog], including one-on-one coaching and video critiques for your dog at work.
Can a Dog Smell Illness? Helsinki Researchers Think So
Researchers at the University of Helsinki think so. At least their preliminary research suggests that can happen. Researchers taught the dogs to differentiate urine samples of ill and non-ill persons. The sniffer dogs are now employed at the Helsinki airport to identify illness among passengers. This article describes the more complex research agenda to test this early success.
The scent discrimination work at our school] begins in Levels 3 and 4 with dogs finding treats inside identical metal boxes. Later the dogs identify boxes their owners have touched among the other boxes. Later the training moves to metal, wood, leather and cotton items.
How About a Bred-In Compass?
How about a bred-in compass? This story from the American Kennel Club describes what researchers know of the 'find home' options including an internal compass. Of course, first on the list would be the dog's tracking capabilities. The dog 'simply' retraces the dog's own scent. In an experiment described in this article, researchers reported dogs that appeared to use compass-like abilities returned faster to home than the sniffer dogs.
The researchers point out that other species – fish, birds among them – appear to use compass navigation. The article also includes reminders of several famous return to home dog stories. Regardless of your dog's capabilities, we can help you build a bond with your dog so the dog will want to be home with you.