What Do We Owe the Work?

What Do We Owe the Work?

What Do We Owe the Work?Janie Merickel
Published on: 09/10/2026

A human bone is found after a dog team reports no response. What should the handler say at the debrief? A look at how new information can change the story we tell, and why honest field notes matter to everyone relying on the search.

Detection dog field reportingHuman remains detection dogsCanine search documentationDetection dog final responseEthics in canine search work- Handler bias in detection work
The Bond Behind the Work

The Bond Behind the Work

The Bond Behind the WorkJanie Merickel
Published on: 02/10/2026

What does time together outside the field teach us about working with our dogs? Through dock retrieves, boat coffee, and searches with Charger, I explore how attention, trust, and knowing what matters to her help us work in sync.

Detection dog handler bondWorking relationship with your dogUnderstanding what motivates your dogDetection dog training rewardsWorking in sync with your dog
Is is a cheeseburger?

Is is a cheeseburger?

Is is a cheeseburger?Janie Merickel
Published on: 25/09/2026

Can handlers tell target odor from a cheeseburger? This blog explores change of behavior, handler influence, missed alerts, and whether video and AI could help us see what our dogs—and we—might be missing.

Should Training Look Like Work?

Should Training Look Like Work?

Should Training Look Like Work?Janie Merickel
Published on: 18/09/2026

Does your detection dog training reflect the realities of operational work? Explore five questions that can help handlers prepare their dogs, their skills and their decision-making for what the work may actually ask of them.

Detection dog trainingOperational detection dog workDetection dog handler skillsBlank searches in dog trainingRealistic search dog trainingOperational readiness for dog teams