Empowering Detection Teams Through Science and Community
This work found us, and we’re here to honor it. Fueled by a love of learning, an obsession with dogs, and a belief in the power of connection, we’re building a movement where Handlers and their dogs push boundaries, redefine success, and achieve greatness.
Empowering HRD Handlers and their dogs to achieve excellence
At Dog Merickel, our mission is to elevate detection teams worldwide through science-driven tools, personalized coaching, and a supportive community.
Unlock your dog’s full potential with science-driven training. From expert-led community discussions to step-by-step detection plans, our services provide the tools, strategies, and support to elevate your training and achieve real-world results.
Join the ultimate think tank for detection dog Handlers. The Society For Dogs is where science, strategy, and community collide—giving you the tools, discussions, and expert insights to elevate your team’s success.
Master the art of detection with science-driven training. OdorQuest isn’t just a program—it’s your step-by-step path to building a confident, reliable detection dog through proven techniques and intentional training.
Level up your training—one plan at a time. Designed for real-world results, these bite-sized, expert-crafted training plans (starting with Odor Origins and soon, Focused Detection) give you a clear, actionable roadmap to detection dog success.
At Dog Merickel, our goals define us:
Deliver Better Tools: Innovative, accessible, and effective training plans designed to help you and your dog reach new heights.
Build a Thriving Community: A connected space for Handlers to share, learn, and grow together.
Unleash Potential: Push boundaries, set new standards, and achieve greatness through structured training and support.
At Dog Merickel, we don’t just train dogs—we create partnerships rooted in trust, communication, and excellence.
Explore our programs, connect with our Community, and take the next step in your HRD journey.
Our promise? To bring you sharp tools, smart strategies, and a Community that’s got your back. We work to transform Handlers and their dogs into unstoppable teams.
Training a detection dog requires:
* Precision
* Dedication, and a
* Deep understanding of canine behavior.
Steve White's "8 Signs of Odor Indication" offers a valuable framework. Dog Handlers can learn to recognize and interpret information to improve. This process outlines 8 specific signs displayed by our dogs during detection tasks.
Incorporating this method aligns perfectly with Dog Merickel's mission. We focus on developing top-tier human remains detection dog training tools. Let's explore this one.
Here's how understanding these signs can elevate your training process:
1. Increased Sensitivity
Familiarizing yourself with the signs of odor indication may help you. If you recognize the very first traces of odor you can support your dog's ability to follow that up. Studying the signs of odor recognition might help you, help your dog. And you can both understand detecting smaller amounts of odor earlier.
2. Improved Communication
Knowing the signs allows for clearer communication between you and your dog. This fosters a stronger bond and facilitates more efficient reinforcement of correct responses.
3. Reduced False Alerts
Understanding the specific signs of odor recognition minimizes false alerts. This may enhance the accuracy of your detection abilities in real-world scenarios.
4. Focused Training
Structuring training sessions around each sign enables a targeted approach to skill development. When your dog gains a clear understanding of expectations, it may lead to more effective detection work.
5. Consistency
Applying information gained from this study provides clear guidance. Reinforcing desired behaviors and maintaining reliability throughout training sessions is a great thing!
6. Problem Solving
When challenges come up, understanding your dog's behavior helps you to troubleshoot. You can address issues effectively. This ensures a smoother training process and quicker resolution of any obstacles encountered.
7. Handler Confidence
Deepening your understanding of these signs boosts your confidence in your dog's abilities. This may foster better teamwork and performance during detection tasks.
8. Adaptability
Different scenarios may need your dog to recognize subtle variations in odor. Studying these signs equips you with the knowledge to adapt your training approach. You might be ready for a variety of situations.
Look at this process as a tool to enhance your detection dog's sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability.
You can elevate your team's performance in real-world detection tasks, aligning perfectly with Dog Merickel's commitment to developing the best human remains detection dog training tools.
Unlock the full potential of your detection dog today with this science-driven approach. Check out "1,000 Hour Eyes" by Steve White for the full process and video tips.
Dog Merickel is a science-driven platform dedicated to advancing detection dog training through expert guidance, innovative tools, and a strong Community of Handlers.
We support detection dog Handlers at all levels—whether you’re just starting out or refining advanced skills in Human Remains Detection (HRD) or Archaeology Human Remains Detection (AHRD).
We combine cutting-edge science, structured training strategies, and a supportive online Community to ensure you and your dog reach the highest level of success.
The Society For Dogs is our exclusive membership-based Community where Handlers can connect, learn, and grow together. We host weekly Coffee Chats, provide structured training discussions, and offer expert insights.
You can become a member by signing up on our website. Elite Memberships are currently $25 per month, but the price will increase soon!
Access to our private online Community
Weekly live training discussions via Zoom
Structured training support and expert insights
Exclusive training resources and tools
OdorQuest is our structured training program designed to take Handlers through progressive, science-backed detection training, helping teams build strong skills from foundational to advanced levels.
Yes! We offer one-time training plans like Odor Origins that you can purchase individually. However, joining The Society gives you ongoing support, deeper insights, and access to live discussions.
We are in the process of setting up a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called the Detection Dog Foundation, which will serve as the fundraising arm for scholarships and educational opportunities.
We don’t provide hands-on field training, but we do guide Handlers in preparing for it. We also share insights on where to find the best field trainers and workshops.
Yes! Our upcoming OdorQuest Academy will allow experienced Handlers to create and teach virtual classes, earning revenue while contributing to the growth of the detection dog Community.
Got questions? Fired up about training? Just want to talk dogs? We’re here for it.
At Dog Merickel, we don’t do cookie-cutter solutions—we craft strategies that work for YOU and your detection dog. Whether you're curious about The Society For Dogs, need a solid training plan, or just want to chat about the latest science in detection training, we’re all ears (and so are our dogs).
Email: [email protected]
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