June 2025 – Managing Fringe Alerts and Inaccessible Odor Clarity in Detection Dog Training

Ford K9 Month-Long Training Progression Plan: Managing Fringe Alerts and Inaccessible Odor Clarity

Here’s a structured monthly training plan for managing fringe alerts and inaccessible odor clarity. Fringe alert behavior in detection dogs often arises when a dog is reinforced for being “close enough” rather than truly sourcing odor. While understandable—especially in environments with strong or shifting odor plumes—this behavior can create significant problems in both operational and sport settings. Whether you’re a professional handler (LEO, SAR, explosives, narcotics) or a
sport handler in Nosework, this four-week training progression is designed to help clarify sourcing expectations for your dog. It teaches the distinction between accessible and inaccessible hides, emphasizes clean reward timing, and restores commitment to odor.