FREE 15 MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION

Welcome to Elite Canine Detection Training, where you take the lead in transforming your dog into a skilled detection partner. Our programs are designed for individuals with diverse needs, be it medical support, sports, or professional applications. Unleash your dogs full potential. Begin your detection journey today!

THE FIVE TRAINING PHASES

Please note that progression to each training phase requires prior approval. This ensures a paced approach, emphasising training to your dog's current abilities rather than predetermined expectations. While the program is estimated to take 6-12 months, consistent effort may lead to completing all 5 phases in around 3 months. Are you up for the challenge?

DETECTION FIELDS

MEDICAL DETECTION

Allergies:
Allergy detection dogs play a vital role in identifying allergens, such as peanuts, providing essential support to individuals with allergies. Their specialised training allows them to detect specific triggers, ensuring a safer environment and enhancing the quality of life for those managing allergies.

Common Allergy Detection Odours:

  • Peanuts
  • Trea Nuts
  • Gluten
  • Shellfish
  • Eggs
  • Milk/Dairy
  • Wheat

Medical Detection:

Diabetes detection dogs offer life-changing support by sensing changes in blood sugar levels. Through rigorous training, these remarkable dogs become invaluable companions, providing alerts that enable individuals with diabetes to manage their health effectively and maintain a more independent and confident lifestyle.

SPORTS DETECTION

Nosework is a canine sport that celebrates a dog's extraordinary sense of smell. Dogs are trained to search for specific scents, like birch, anise, and clove, in various environments. This mentally stimulating activity builds confidence, enhances the bond between dogs and handlers, and provides an enriching experience for participants of all breeds.

Odours Used:

  • Birch
  • Anise
  • Clove

PROFESSIONAL DETECTION

Agriculture and Conservation:
Dogs help detect invasive species, locate endangered wildlife, and identify plant diseases in agriculture.

Termite Detection:
Trained dogs assist in detecting termite infestations in buildings and structures, aiding in pest control efforts.

Search and Rescue (SAR):
Locating missing persons or individuals in emergency situations.

Truffle Hunting:
Training dogs to detect truffles for culinary purposes.

Bed Bug Detection:
Identifying and locating bed bug infestations in homes or businesses.

CLIENT EVALUATION

$150

All clients joining our detection dog programs undergo a thorough evaluation. We assess both client and dog, ensuring program suitability and client commitment.

To see our ‘Client Evaluation’ breakdown, please click the drop down tab below.

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CLIENT EVALUATION INFORMATION

Client Evaluation: (Duration: 90 minutes)

Client evaluations are the starting point for tailored dog training, allowing us to learn about your dog's history, behaviours, and your goals, ensuring our approach suits your unique needs. This sets the stage for a successful and personalised training journey.

Owner Discussion: Engage in an open conversation about your situation, lifestyle and specific concerns.

Canine Review: Delve into your dog's history, past experiences, training (if any), and notable behaviours.

Canine Observation: Thoroughly observe your dog's behaviour, assessing responses to stimuli and interactions.

Owner Observation: Introduce basic training to gauge your handling ability and current level of learning.

Training Goals: Discuss your goals and specific behaviours you would like to focus on.

Recommendations: Share insights and a customised plan based on the assessment, addressing potential challenges.

Q&A: Address any questions or concerns, providing a clear understanding of the training process and expected outcomes.

PHASE 0: HUNT DEVELOPMENT

$200

Dive into the psychology and science of canine olfaction. Explore essential hunt and search strategies on non-target odours before progressing to the target odour.

To see our ‘Hunt Development’ breakdown, please click the drop down tab below.

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PHASE 0 INFORMATION

Detection Masterclass Consultation (Duration: 90 minute intensive)

The consultation includes:

Fundamentals of Canine Olfaction:
Delving into the science of how dogs process odour, laying the foundation for effective scent detection training.

Operant Conditioning:
Understand the four quadrants of Operant Conditioning. See why Operant Conditioning plays such an important role in detection training.

Classical Conditioning:
Understand the importance of marker training and why we use it in detection training. Never used training markers before? Let's play a game. Familiar with markers? Let's test that timing!

Building Drive and Curiosity:
Understanding the concept of motivation. Find what motivates your dog, learn to use this to your advantage. Learn how to implement tease-ups in a real search.

Practical Exercises:
Engaging hands-on activities to apply theoretical knowledge, reinforcing learning through practical experience. This will be achieved through:

  • Food Hunt
  • Toy Hunt
  • Leash handling (Frustration Drive)
  • Marker training

End of Session Q&A:
Conclude the session with an interactive Q&A. Provide additional resources for further learning.

PHASE 1: ODOUR IMPRINTING

$250

Experience hands-on odour imprinting techniques, explore detection training materials, and master the art of maintaining clean odour handling.

To see our ‘Odour Imprinting’ breakdown, please click the drop down tab below.

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PHASE 1 INFORMATION

Phase 1: Odour Imprinting: (Duration: 2-Hour Intensive)

Previous Consultation Review:
Briefly revisit essential points from the prior consultation. Address any outstanding questions or concerns.

Challenges and Considerations that Affect Odour:
Explore environmental factors influencing odour detection. Discuss challenges in scent searches and the impact of dog health on odour detection.

Advanced Operant Conditioning and Classical Conditioning Theory:
Delve into advanced operant conditioning techniques specific to odour detection. Explore fundamental principles of classical conditioning and discuss the importance of reinforcement schedules.

Communication System:
Introduce effective verbal communication systems for handlers and dogs. Discuss the role of equipment and physical cues in enhancing communication.

Clean Odour Practices:
Explore the significance of maintaining cleanliness in odour detection. Learn how dogs perceive odour and the crucial role clean handling plays in achieving successful training outcomes.

Practical: Scent Imprinting
Explore the concept of odour jars and techniques for shaping increased airflow through the nose. Capture a more advanced scent picture for enhanced scent imprinting.

Practical: Odour Box
Introduce the purpose of odour boxes in scent imprinting. Discuss how they serve as a stepping stone for informal indications.

End of Session Q&A:
Conclude the session with an interactive Q&A. Provide additional resources for further learning.

PHASE 2: INDICATION

$250

Master the skill of building and proofing a solid indication. This crucial phase prevents backtracking and confusion in later training phases, ensuring a seamless and effective training journey.

To see our ‘Indication’ breakdown, please click the drop down tab below.

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PHASE 2 INFORMATION

Consultation Breakdown: (2-Hour Intensive)

Previous Consultation Review:
Briefly revisit essential points from the prior consultation. Address any outstanding questions or concerns.

Canine Body Language in Detection:
Observe real-time videos showcasing dogs in a search area. Learn to discern changes in behaviour when exposed to odour, distinguishing in-context and out-of-context behaviours in detection.

Indication Preference:
Receive guidance in choosing the most suitable indication for your field—passive or active. We'll weigh the pros and cons, providing practical demonstrations of indication without odour and with odour.

Practical: Indication (no odour)
Sharpen and refine the indication behaviour before incorporating it into the complete odour sequence.

Practical: Indication (on odour)
Master the art of shaping indication onto odour. Learn the subtle techniques of pairing indications when encountering the target odour.

Proofing Indication with:

  • Odour Box
  • Scent Vessel
  • Leash Pressure Techniques

End of Session Q&A:
Conclude the session with an interactive Q&A. Provide additional resources for further learning.

PHASE 3: ODOUR DISCRIMINATION

$250

Learn to shape an indication to target odour through operant conditioning. Explore environmental impacts and considerations. Ready for a game of hot or cold?

To see our ‘Odour Discrimination’ breakdown, please click the drop down tab below.

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PHASE 3 INFORMATION

Consultation Breakdown: (2-Hour Intensive)

Previous Consultation Review:
Briefly revisit essential points from the prior consultation. Address any outstanding questions or concerns.

Operant Conditioning and Classical Conditioning:
Delve into the intricacies of operant conditioning (OC) and classical conditioning (CC) as applied to odour discrimination. Participants learn how to shape their dogs' responses to target odours through these conditioning methods.

Hot and Cold Game - No Expectation for Indication:
In this interactive session, you'll learn to navigate 2-6 hides without the need for formal indications. Let your dog have the "ah-ha" moment before upping the stakes. It's practical, hands-on, and designed for effective learning in detection training.

Canine Cognition Odour Game:
Introduce a specialised odour game focusing on canine cognition. Participants engage in activities to deepen their understanding of how dogs process scent information, establishing a stronger bond with their canine partners.

How Odour Dissipates:
Examine the dynamics of how odour moves through the environment. Explore dissipation rates and understand odour pooling, providing participants with insights into scent behaviour in different settings.

How to Rebuild Back in Your Indication:
Transition to rebuilding indication after the dog grasps the Hot and Cold Game. Discuss the significance of the 3 D's (Distance, Duration, Distraction) in shaping a reliable indication.

End of Session Q&A:
Conclude the session with an interactive Q&A. Provide additional resources for further learning.

PHASE 4: BOMB PROOFING

$750

THREE DAY EVENT - 3 X 2 HOUR INTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS

Tailoring proofing regimes to your specific detection field, we address factors such as height, depth, distracting odours, environmental distractors, and more for a customised and effective training approach.

To see our ‘Bomb Proofing’ breakdown, please click the drop down tab below.

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PHASE 4 INFORMATION

Phase 4: Bomb Proofing (3 Day Intensive)

In detection training, proofing is a crucial aspect that ensures the reliability and precision of a canine's olfactory skills. Before delving into the specific proofing elements addressed over the next three days, it's essential to understand the significance of proofing. By systematically introducing distractions, contaminants, and environmental variables, we strengthen a dog's ability to discern and focus on the target odour. These proofing sessions aim to create well-rounded detection teams that can navigate real-world scenarios seamlessly.

Day One: (2-Hour Intensive)

  • Food/animal odour distractions
  • Odour contaminants
  • Handler body language
  • Environmental stimuli cues and commands

Day Two: (2-Hour Intensive)

  • Height and depth surface changes
  • Training equipment throw-off game
  • Environmental stimuli

Day Three: (2-Hour Intensive)

  • Odour concentrations
  • Similar odour properties
  • Time of day (night search)
  • Discussing weather considerations
  • Introduction to blank searches

Please be aware that the provided training consultation breakdown serves as an illustrative example. Each consultation is customised based on your dog's training level and your knowledge. It's important to recognise this individualisation. Additionally, consistent practice and commitment to training goals each week are essential for progress. Without regular practice, achieving your desired outcomes may take a longer duration of time.

PHASE 5: REAL LIFE SCENARIO

$350

Challenge your detection skills with real-life scenarios. Identify areas for improvement, receive personalised strategy plans, and undergo technique breakdowns, including single and double blinds for a comprehensive training experience.

To see our ‘Real Life Scenario’ breakdown, please click the drop down tab below.

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PHASE 5 INFORMATION

Consultation Breakdown: (2-Hour Intensive)

Previous Consultation Review:
Briefly revisit essential points from the prior consultation. Address any outstanding questions or concerns.

Scenario Replication:
Ready to test your detection skills? You no longer have guidance or understanding on where your target odour is—time to leave it up to the dog. Don't think your trainer's body language might give it away. We are one step ahead with our double-blind setup, so neither you nor your trainer will know where your target odour is placed.

  • Single blinds
  • Double blinds (a secondary trainer will set the search)

Blank Searches:
A part of detection training is finding nothing at all. Learn how to address blank searches, why we reward them, and how.

Search Evaluation and Critique Breakdown:
Participate in a detailed evaluation of your dog's search performance and your handling techniques. Receive constructive critiques, offering a breakdown of strengths and areas for further refinement.

Future Planning:
For continued growth and success, we will form a tailored plan for ongoing training. Identify specific areas for improvement and focus on shaping the future of your dog's detection capabilities.

Further Client Resources and Education:
Continue learning with relevant additional resources and educational materials.

End of Session Q&A:
Conclude the session with an interactive Q&A. Provide additional resources for further learning.

Celebration and Acknowledgment:
Conclude our session by celebrating the accomplishments of how far you and your dog have come. Acknowledge the dedication and effort invested in the training journey.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOGS ARE SUITABLE FOR DETECTION?

While all dogs possess scenting abilities, some breeds stand out with superior olfactory capabilities. A rule of thumb is that the olfactory cell count tends to increase with the size of the dog's nose. This explains why breeds with larger muzzles, such as Labradors, German Shepherds, Spaniels, and Hounds, are frequently preferred and selectively bred for detection work.

Breeds not generally suited for detection work are breeds with limited sense of smell, like Pugs and Bulldogs.

WHO TRAINS THE DOG?

The primary responsibility lies with the owner, who actively participates in the training process. Our experienced trainers provide guidance, coaching and live demonstrations.

This collaborative approach strengthens the bond between the owner and the dog. Owners are equipped with the skills and knowledge to continue training independently once the trainer's direct assistance concludes.

60 MINUTE TRAINING INTENSIVES

Need a refresher or assistance refining your detection techniques before moving into the next phase of training?

Elite Canine offers 60-minute training intensives at just $150/hr. Whether fine-tuning skills or setting new goals, our personalised sessions ensure ongoing progress.

Book now for continued improvement and successful achievement of your training objectives.

PHASE APPROVAL

To progress to the next phase in training, approval is required to ensure a paced approach. Approval can be achieved through the following options:

Video Submission (Free of Charge): Submit a video showcasing your progress. (No training breakdown, results only; pass/resit).

60-Minute Training Intensive ($150): Opt for a 60-minute in-person training intensive to showcase your progress. Upon your showcase, you will receive a pass/resit result. The structure of the remaining time in the session will be determined based on your result. This option provides a focused and personalised evaluation to guide your training journey.

SERVICE AREA

We bring our services directly to you in the following areas - No transportation fees:

  • City of Adelaide
  • City of Burnside
  • City of Mitcham
  • City of Unley
  • City of Marion
  • City of Charles Sturt
  • City of Holdfast Bay
  • City of West Torrens
  • City of Norwood Payneham St Peters

If you don't find your area listed, fill out an inquiry form, and we'll strive to accommodate both parties' needs.

Please note that locations outside the mentioned service areas will incur a transportation fee of $2/km after 15km of travel (30km round trip).

AVAILABILITY

We are available on weekdays and weekends between 8.00am and 8.00pm.

Availability:

Monday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Tuesday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Wednesday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Thursday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Friday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Saturday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Sunday: 8.00am – 8.00pm

Please note our latest time slot booking is at 6pm.

PAYMENTS

Payments are due on the day of service and can be made conveniently with card, cash, or online invoicing.

We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Furthermore, we provide flexibility with payment options, including AfterPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

If you’re ready to explore our Detection Training services or learn more, simply fill out the 'NEW CLIENTS' form below.

There's no obligation to book a training session during or after your phone consultation. We prioritise finding the best solution for you and your dog, whether it's with Elite Canine or guiding you to other trusted canine facilities. We're here to help!