Dive Into Detection
US&R HRD Workshop
Join us for a dynamic, hands-on Human Remains Detection (HRD) workshop designed to bring science and fieldwork together in a fun, collaborative setting.
Instructors will guide us through this three-day experience, blending behavioral and odor science with practical operational strategies—giving handlers the chance to rehearse, refine, and rethink their approach.
This event will give experienced teams an opportunity to fine-tune their understanding of the interaction between odor and dog behavior, and how the human elements can influence this interaction to result in more consistent outcomes.
It’s also a great opportunity for newer HRD teams looking to establish a strong foundation in odor dynamics and start off on the right foot—avoiding common pitfalls in training. Dogs will be exposed to a nice variety of authentic source material to enhance their odor catalogue.
Instructors: Sally Dickinson, PhD CAAB, Craig Schultz, MSFS, Lindsay Waldrop, PhD
Day 1: Foundations & Functionality
We’ll explore behavior as communication, define the Trained Final Response (TFR) and reinforcement criteria, and dive into stimulus control and generalization in novel environments. Lindsay will guide us through the basics of odor movement, threshold, and odor availability.
Day 2: Integration & Interpretation
This day focuses on visualizing odor movement, applying errorless learning and reinforcement schedules, and transferring concepts across varied environments. We’ll also work on interpreting TFRs without visual targets, sharpening our observational and analytical skills.
Day 3: Challenge & Application
Participants will tackle advanced search scenarios and apply signal detection modeling to their work. We’ll introduce tools to support fieldwork and explore documentation strategies that enhance specificity, sensitivity, precision, and accuracy.
Expect a collaborative atmosphere where ideas flow freely, drills are interactive, and science meets strategy. Whether you're working a dog or auditing, you'll leave with new insights and practical tools to elevate your detection work.
On-site lodging available and free with course registration.
Space is limited, register today!
US&R HRD Workshop
Join us for a dynamic, hands-on Human Remains Detection (HRD) workshop designed to bring science and fieldwork together in a fun, collaborative setting.
Instructors will guide us through this three-day experience, blending behavioral and odor science with practical operational strategies—giving handlers the chance to rehearse, refine, and rethink their approach.
This event will give experienced teams an opportunity to fine-tune their understanding of the interaction between odor and dog behavior, and how the human elements can influence this interaction to result in more consistent outcomes.
It’s also a great opportunity for newer HRD teams looking to establish a strong foundation in odor dynamics and start off on the right foot—avoiding common pitfalls in training. Dogs will be exposed to a nice variety of authentic source material to enhance their odor catalogue.
Instructors: Sally Dickinson, PhD CAAB, Craig Schultz, MSFS, Lindsay Waldrop, PhD
Day 1: Foundations & Functionality
We’ll explore behavior as communication, define the Trained Final Response (TFR) and reinforcement criteria, and dive into stimulus control and generalization in novel environments. Lindsay will guide us through the basics of odor movement, threshold, and odor availability.
Day 2: Integration & Interpretation
This day focuses on visualizing odor movement, applying errorless learning and reinforcement schedules, and transferring concepts across varied environments. We’ll also work on interpreting TFRs without visual targets, sharpening our observational and analytical skills.
Day 3: Challenge & Application
Participants will tackle advanced search scenarios and apply signal detection modeling to their work. We’ll introduce tools to support fieldwork and explore documentation strategies that enhance specificity, sensitivity, precision, and accuracy.
Expect a collaborative atmosphere where ideas flow freely, drills are interactive, and science meets strategy. Whether you're working a dog or auditing, you'll leave with new insights and practical tools to elevate your detection work.
On-site lodging available and free with course registration.
Space is limited, register today!
Good to know
Highlights
- 2 days 9 hours
- In person
Location
6800 Wheeler Canyon Rd
6800 Wheeler Canyon Road
Santa Paula, CA 93060
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