Obedient to Odour – The Structure Behind It
- Tom Moir
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
Over the years I have developed my detection training into a repeatable, structured path. It has evolved through application, testing and adjustment, and I now deliver it consistently across both sport and operational environments.
Obedient to Odour is not a new phrase. What I have done is build a system around it.
The Obedient to Odour system is a structured, ten-phase, backchained approach to detection training that builds clarity in reward, honesty in final response, purpose in search, and genuine partnership between dog and handler.
What Obedient to Odour Means
Within the system, odour holds priority. When odour is present, it overrides everything.
It Starts at the End
The system is built backwards.
I do not start with search. I start with reward. Everything that follows depends on that.
1. Reward System.
We classically condition a release marker through correct timing so the dog instinctively returns to engage. The reward phase becomes something we can use.
2. The Question.
The dog learns that behaviour solves the problem. The behaviour becomes the answer to the question.
3. Odour Introduction.
Odour is paired with the established reward system so the dog returns to source to access reward.
4. Indication (Trained Final Response).
The trained final response is offered at source because the dog understands the answer to “The Question” is the solution to regaining reward.
5. Search.
The dog is taught to actively hunt odour through early discrimination and distractor work.
6. First Corner.
The dog’s nose is engaged immediately on the object itself, building direction and commitment while reducing blind hunting and false indications.
7. Reading the Dog.
The handler learns to recognise the build-up to odour and work conversationally with the dog.
8. Search Pattern.
Search is methodical and deliberate so areas can be confidently discounted.
9. Blanks.
Blank searches develop handler judgement and canine resilience while maintaining expectation.
10. Blind and Double Blind.
Handler knowledge is removed to test the integrity of the system, ensuring the dog works independently and the handler responds only to genuine odour behaviour.
Each phase supports the next.
Nothing is added without purpose.
Why Is It Backchained?
Building the end behaviour first creates consistency.
When the reward phase is strong, the indication becomes cleaner. When the indication is clear, search develops direction. False responses reduce because the dog understands what to do.
Backchaining allows the behaviour to develop from understanding.
Ongoing Development
This system continues to evolve. It is not presented as the only way to train detection dogs. It is the structure I have developed through experience, questioning and refinement.
In the next article I will look at the reward system in more detail, as it underpins everything that follows.
Tom
Comments