Scent theory and its real world applications by Ray Turney

. This course covers several areas relating to the detection, make up and basic behavior of human scent. An introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the K9 sense of smell puts the mechanics of olfaction in clear, easily visualized terms. This leads into the process and ingredients that produce scent, with explanations as to why it behaves the way it does and the dog’s behavior as a response. Finally, a discussion exploring the individual nature of scent and the potential it presents to a dog with its extraordinary abilities combine the theoretical and practical for real world street applications. This I basic, foundational information every Dog Handler should be aware of to obtain the maximum impact from his partners capabilities.

Ray Turney has been in Law Enforcement for 29 years and a K9 Handler since 1982. He is currently assigned as Sr. Patrol Dog Trainer for the 11 Team K9 Unit of the Portland, (OR,) Police Bureau, and is a member of the K9 element with the Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Response Team, ( aka: SWAT.) Ray is a Charter Member and past President of the Oregon Police Canine Association, representing 130 members, and is certified as a Master Trainer as well as Lead Instructor for the “Introduction to Police K9 Operations,” to new police recruits at the Oregon Department of Public Safety and Standards, (State mandated Police Academy.) He is certified by the DPSST to instruct both basic and advanced Patrol K9 classes.

Ray has been actively involved in training patrol dogs for more than 25 years. Over 20 successful K9 Teams have completed his 400 hour Basic Patrol Dog class from around Oregon, and has worked with hundreds of dogs at seminars and in individual training sessions. He is still currently actively deploying the 5th dog of his career while anticipating retirement in early 2009.