Day 1: Laying the Foundations

The seminar kicked off with an incredible first day, diving into the foundational skills that set the stage for success in conservation detection and scentwork. Together with experts Paul Bunker of Chiron K9, Debi DeShon of Mussel Dogs and Dogs With Jobs, and our own Kylie & Dan Eichberg-Levitt, participants explored:

• Choosing the right dog for the job

• Introduction to clicker training

• Proper odor handling and storage

• Toy and food selection

• The foundations of imprinting

Days 2 & 3: Individualized Skill Building

Unlike day one, the focus during days two and three was flexible and tailored to each team’s goals. Teams worked on whatever areas were most relevant to their dogs and training objectives, including:

• Toy and food selection tailored to their dogs

• Beginning stages of indication

• Early odor imprinting

• Advanced scentwork exercises

• Other specific skills requested by participants

This individualized approach allowed each team to progress at their own pace and focus on the areas most important to them. It was incredible to watch the growth in confidence, skill execution, and teamwork from morning to afternoon on both days. By the end of the seminar, the improvement across all teams was clear and impressive.

A Huge Thank You

We are so grateful to Paul and Debi for traveling across the pond to mentor alongside us. Their knowledge, generosity, and support are invaluable, and having them as part of the seminar always makes it extra special.

To all the dogs and handlers who joined us this year: thank you for bringing your energy, passion, and commitment. You made this seminar truly unforgettable. We look forward to the memories we made in 2026…and perhaps doing it all again next year!