Training Aid Handling and Storage Considerations for Contamination Webinar

Canines are sensitive and selective, vapor detectors that can easily be trained to locate novel materials; however, they can just as easily be unknowingly trained to the wrong odor. Contamination or degradation of training aids due to faulty storage can cause changes in the odor signatures of the training aids. Changes in the odor signature due to contamination or degradation often cannot be seen by the naked eye, and are even imperceptible to human olfaction. However, changes in the odor signatures of your training aid could be detrimental to your dog’s detection proficiency. 

This webinar will cover the importance of proper training aid handling and storage, and will give examples of how faulty protocols can quickly change the odor perceived by your dog. We will explain the three sources of contamination, including non-target odor, human scent, and cross-contamination and discuss recommendations for preventing contamination in your training aids and training area.