Olfactory Generalization in Detector Dogs
Generalizing to target odor variations while retaining specificity against non-targets is crucial to the success of detector dogs under working conditions. As such, the importance of generalization should be considered in the formulation of effective training strategies. Research investigating olfac...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2019-09-01
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| Series: | Animals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/9/702 |
| _version_ | 1818256588498010112 |
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| author | Ariella Y. Moser Lewis Bizo Wendy Y. Brown |
| author_facet | Ariella Y. Moser Lewis Bizo Wendy Y. Brown |
| author_sort | Ariella Y. Moser |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Generalizing to target odor variations while retaining specificity against non-targets is crucial to the success of detector dogs under working conditions. As such, the importance of generalization should be considered in the formulation of effective training strategies. Research investigating olfactory generalization from pure singular compounds to more complex odor mixtures helps to elucidate animals’ olfactory generalization tendencies and inform ways to alter the generalization gradient by broadening or narrowing the range of stimuli to which dogs will respond. Olfactory generalization depends upon both intrinsic factors of the odors, such as concentration, as well as behavioral and cognitive factors related to training and previous experience. Based on the current research, some training factors may influence generalization. For example, using multiple target exemplars appears to be the most effective way to promote elemental processing and broaden the generalization gradient, whereas increasing the number of training instances with fewer exemplars can narrow the gradient, thereby increasing discrimination. Overall, this research area requires further attention and study to increase our understanding of olfactory generalization in dogs, particularly detector dogs, to improve training and detection outcomes. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-12T17:30:09Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-469e429c172249039b14801df775687e |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-12T17:30:09Z |
| publishDate | 2019-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj.art-469e429c172249039b14801df775687e2022-12-22T00:17:24ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152019-09-019970210.3390/ani9090702ani9090702Olfactory Generalization in Detector DogsAriella Y. Moser0Lewis Bizo1Wendy Y. Brown2Canine and Equine Research Group, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, AustraliaSchool of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, AustraliaCanine and Equine Research Group, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, AustraliaGeneralizing to target odor variations while retaining specificity against non-targets is crucial to the success of detector dogs under working conditions. As such, the importance of generalization should be considered in the formulation of effective training strategies. Research investigating olfactory generalization from pure singular compounds to more complex odor mixtures helps to elucidate animals’ olfactory generalization tendencies and inform ways to alter the generalization gradient by broadening or narrowing the range of stimuli to which dogs will respond. Olfactory generalization depends upon both intrinsic factors of the odors, such as concentration, as well as behavioral and cognitive factors related to training and previous experience. Based on the current research, some training factors may influence generalization. For example, using multiple target exemplars appears to be the most effective way to promote elemental processing and broaden the generalization gradient, whereas increasing the number of training instances with fewer exemplars can narrow the gradient, thereby increasing discrimination. Overall, this research area requires further attention and study to increase our understanding of olfactory generalization in dogs, particularly detector dogs, to improve training and detection outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/9/702caninedetectiondiscriminationodorscentsniffer dogtargettrainingvariation |
| spellingShingle | Ariella Y. Moser Lewis Bizo Wendy Y. Brown Olfactory Generalization in Detector Dogs Animals canine detection discrimination odor scent sniffer dog target training variation |
| title | Olfactory Generalization in Detector Dogs |
| title_full | Olfactory Generalization in Detector Dogs |
| title_fullStr | Olfactory Generalization in Detector Dogs |
| title_full_unstemmed | Olfactory Generalization in Detector Dogs |
| title_short | Olfactory Generalization in Detector Dogs |
| title_sort | olfactory generalization in detector dogs |
| topic | canine detection discrimination odor scent sniffer dog target training variation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/9/702 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT ariellaymoser olfactorygeneralizationindetectordogs AT lewisbizo olfactorygeneralizationindetectordogs AT wendyybrown olfactorygeneralizationindetectordogs |