Talking Cadaver Dog Training with Jack Thorpe and Annissia Justice (pt. 1)

K9 Detection Collaborative

What to listen for:
Today, two of the three Dames of Detection, Stacy Barnett and Crystal Wing, sit down with two amazing handlers, Jack Thorpe and Annissia Justice. Drawing from their recent experience doing search and rescue in the aftermath of the floods brought on by Hurricane Helene, our guests do a deep dive into their best tips and strategies around cadaver dog training.

Listen in as they uncover the secrets behind successful canine search teams, particularly those operating in disaster scenarios. You'll hear firsthand accounts of the type of prep and specialized training required for high-stakes missions, where reinforced behaviors and navigating distractions are key.

They’re also talking about best practices for keeping your dog motivated and fit, physically and mentally, with simple yet powerful activities.

Our guests discuss the importance of balancing obedience and play and, in the same vein, taking full advantage of the intersection between genetics and drive in operational success. Through the example of Jack’s very own Fiji, they also demonstrate the power of letting dogs problem-solve on their own.

Certification and deployment protocols? Jack and Annissia break them down as well to hammer home the rigorous standards and continuous learning involved in earning your keep in the detection world.

Finally, our guests list the qualities all top handlers share, as well as the secret to a thriving and consistently improving team! Tune in next week for part two of this value-packed conversation!

Key Topics:

• About Jack and Annissia (01:20)
• About the NC Trooper's Association K-9 Search and Recovery (04:44)
• Distraction Training for Disaster Teams (12:11)
• Letting Your Dogs Be Dogs Via Free Exploration(17:48)
• Building Endurance and Resilience (19:50)
• What Engagement Looks Like in the Field (24:54)
• Key Behaviors Every Dog Needs Before Deployment (30:15)
• The Top Qualities of Successful Handlers (34:27)
• Fostering Open-Mindedness in Your Team (41:00)
• External Certifications (43:04)

Resources:

• Find Annissia at Cultured Canine Training
• Find Jack at the North Carolina Trooper's Association K-9 Search and Recovery Team
• Make sure to keep up with what Crystal, Stacy and Robin are up to! (Links below!)

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 to enjoy the freebies, and tell your friends so you can keep the conversations going.