Martha Hoffman Reflections - 5000 Hour Eyes and Kindness

K9 Detection Collaborative

What to listen for:

Our hosts reflect on the two-episode series (#102, #103) with Martha Hoffman. From the observant gaze that discerns the subtlest of animal signals to the challenges shorter dogs face in detection work, they uncover the profound connection between keen observation and effective communication with our canine companions.

This episode is not just about dogs; it's about fostering a partnership that transcends species, focusing on the importance of empathy in training. They examine how dogs (and even Robin’s mini-donkeys), perceive their environment and discuss how this understanding can revolutionize the way we interact with them.

The journey doesn't stop at observation—it extends to critical thinking and the power of kindness, both in the canine training arena and online communities. Through the wisdom shared by Martha and our hosts’ collective experiences, they highlight the importance of temperament testing and selecting the right dog for the right role. The essence of this episode lies in the thrill of predicting canine behavior, the value of mentorship in honing our skills, and ultimately, the continuous pursuit of creating a harmonious relationship with the animals in our lives.
Key Topics:

• 5000 Hour Eyes (01:57)
• Dog Vocalizations and Perspective (07:15)
• Dog Training and Sensory Experiences (10:02)
• Blindly Repeating Training Techniques without Critical Thinking (23:20)
• Dog Behavior and Temperament (31:13)
• Breeding and Temperament Tests (36:18)
• Empathy in Dog Training (43:39)

Resources:

• Facebook Post about Dog Laughter Study by Shelly Volsche
• [e-mail]
• [e-mail]
• Facebook, Hearing Dogs Open Forum (Facebook Group), Instagram

Books:

• Lend Me An Ear: The Temperament, Selection and Training of the Hearing Ear Dog
• Cracking the Canine Code: Unleashing the Secrets of Your Dog’s Body Language (Martha’s photography illustrates this dog behavior book)

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing K9 Coach can be found here at CB K9 and here at Evolution Working Dog Club. Also, check out her Functional Obedience Class here.
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com