Garbage can science: the driving force behind K9 training innovation
Garbage can science: the driving force behind K9 training innovation
Innovation rarely begins as a polished masterpiece. More often, it starts as a messy process—a bold idea paired with a willingness to experiment. Sometimes it’s duct tape, cable ties, and whatever random materials happen to be lying around. In the world of K9 training, this trial-and-error method is what I call “garbage can science.” 
This term, and the philosophy behind it, was introduced to me by one of the greatest minds in animal training, Bob Bailey. Over the course of more than 25 years of working together, Bob not only became a mentor but also a close friend. He taught me that innovation doesn’t require perfection or expensive tools to start. Instead, it requires creativity, curiosity, and the courage to test ideas in practical, real-world settings. Garbage can science isn’t about producing “garbage.” It’s about taking an idea and quickly testing it with whatever is available, then refining it until it works. This mindset has been the foundation for many of the innovations that have changed the way we train, equip, and work with detection and operational dogs.
This term, and the philosophy behind it, was introduced to me by one of the greatest minds in animal training, Bob Bailey. Over the course of more than 25 years of working together, Bob not only became a mentor but also a close friend. He taught me that innovation doesn’t require perfection or expensive tools to start. Instead, it requires creativity, curiosity, and the courage to test ideas in practical, real-world settings. Garbage can science isn’t about producing “garbage.” It’s about taking an idea and quickly testing it with whatever is available, then refining it until it works. This mindset has been the foundation for many of the innovations that have changed the way we train, equip, and work with detection and operational dogs.How it all began: a blank slate in 1996
When I started working on K9 training innovations in 1996, the tools and systems we now take for granted didn’t exist. There were no K9 camera systems, no radio communication for dogs, no handheld lasers, and certainly no standardized training plans or protocols. Everything had to be created from scratch. And for me, garbage can science became the only way to bring these ideas to life.
Starting from scratch: K9 camera systems and helmets
The idea of equipping a dog with a camera and radio communication in the 1990s sounded like something out of a science fiction movie. But I knew that if handlers could see what their dogs saw in real-time and communicate with them, it would revolutionize K9 operations. The problem? There were no commercially available K9 cameras or 
helmets. I had to build prototypes from scratch using the garbage can science method. With cheap cameras, basic radio transmitters, and makeshift harnesses, I started experimenting. These early systems were crude. Some of the harnesses looked like they were held together by an amateur tinkerer (and, in many ways, they were). But these rough prototypes allowed me to test the concept, collect data, and refine the designs. Over time, these experiments evolved into reliable, functional systems. Today, K9 camera and communication systems are a standard part of operational dog teams worldwide. The photo shows Andor my first radio and laser guided camera dog in 1996.
helmets. I had to build prototypes from scratch using the garbage can science method. With cheap cameras, basic radio transmitters, and makeshift harnesses, I started experimenting. These early systems were crude. Some of the harnesses looked like they were held together by an amateur tinkerer (and, in many ways, they were). But these rough prototypes allowed me to test the concept, collect data, and refine the designs. Over time, these experiments evolved into reliable, functional systems. Today, K9 camera and communication systems are a standard part of operational dog teams worldwide. The photo shows Andor my first radio and laser guided camera dog in 1996. 
The laser protocols: illuminating a path forward
Another groundbreaking innovation that came from garbage can science was the development of laser directional protocols. At the time, lasers were expensive, and only red or green beams were available. But I saw their potential as a tool for night operations, where visual signals like hand gestures or flags wouldn’t work. The first laser training tool I created wasn’t high-tech. It was a simple orange traffic cone with a flashlight inside. Why an orange cone? 
Because it provided a highly visible target for the dogs to follow in the dark. This basic setup allowed me to test the concept quickly and inexpensively. The results were promising. Without investing much money or time, I proved that the idea worked. From there, I refined the concept and developed a full protocol, which is now used by police, military, and search-and-rescue teams around the world. Even today, trainers often use orange cones in their directional training without knowing why. It’s a small but satisfying reminder of how garbage can science can create lasting impact in the training community.
Because it provided a highly visible target for the dogs to follow in the dark. This basic setup allowed me to test the concept quickly and inexpensively. The results were promising. Without investing much money or time, I proved that the idea worked. From there, I refined the concept and developed a full protocol, which is now used by police, military, and search-and-rescue teams around the world. Even today, trainers often use orange cones in their directional training without knowing why. It’s a small but satisfying reminder of how garbage can science can create lasting impact in the training community.
Breaking traditions: new breeds and methods
In the late 1990s, the Dutch police primarily relied on Malinois and German Shepherds for detection work. The training system was built around high-prey-drive dogs that fetched stainless steel pipes. These dogs were chosen for their obsessive drive to chase and hold onto objects, which suited the training methods of the time. I advocated for the inclusion of breeds like 
Labradors, Spaniels, and other non-traditional working dogs in detection roles. These breeds brought unique strengths, but convincing others to give them a chance wasn’t easy. By testing, collecting data, and showing results, I helped pave the way for these breeds to excel in detection work. Today, it’s common to see Labradors and Spaniels in police, military, and customs operations. When I introduced the Kong method, which I had learned from the Norwegian Army, it was met with skepticism and laughter. The idea of using a toy to build detection drive didn’t fit into the traditional system. But I believed in it, and garbage can science helped me prove its value. I started small, testing the Kong method with different dogs and adapting it to their needs. Over time, the results were undeniable. The Kong method became a versatile and effective tool for detection training and is now used worldwide.
Labradors, Spaniels, and other non-traditional working dogs in detection roles. These breeds brought unique strengths, but convincing others to give them a chance wasn’t easy. By testing, collecting data, and showing results, I helped pave the way for these breeds to excel in detection work. Today, it’s common to see Labradors and Spaniels in police, military, and customs operations. When I introduced the Kong method, which I had learned from the Norwegian Army, it was met with skepticism and laughter. The idea of using a toy to build detection drive didn’t fit into the traditional system. But I believed in it, and garbage can science helped me prove its value. I started small, testing the Kong method with different dogs and adapting it to their needs. Over time, the results were undeniable. The Kong method became a versatile and effective tool for detection training and is now used worldwide. A new future in detection training
While the Kong method revolutionized the way we trained detection dogs—giving us new insights and better ways to work with dogs driven by something other than chasing stainless steel pipes—it’s now time to embrace the next evolution in training. The future lies in the Direct Imprint Method combined with NOTA (Novel Odor Training Aid). This new approach represents a significant leap forward, combining practical training advancements with cutting-edge scientific research.
The results we’re seeing with NOTA, thanks to the involvement of dedicated scientists in its development, are nothing short of groundbreaking. As we continue to evolve our methods, it’s important to recognize that the Kong method laid the foundation for where we are today. But progress means moving forward, and the Direct Imprint Method with NOTA is showing us a faster, more precise, and effective path to train detection dogs for a wide variety of roles. I’ll be sharing more about this exciting new chapter in detection dog training in my upcoming blogs. Stay tuned to learn how these innovative methods are shaping the future of K9 training and delivering powerful results. The journey continues, and I can’t wait to take you along with me!
Revolutionizing detection training with scent wheels
The scent wheel is another example of how garbage can science can lead to groundbreaking innovation. This tool is now a cornerstone of detection training, used to teach dogs to identify specific odors in a controlled environment. But the first scent wheels I built were anything but professional. They were made from old tables, PVC pipes, and tape. The concept was simple: create a device where dogs could focus on individual scent targets. I experimented with different designs, materials, and setups, refining the tool over time. Eventually, these rough prototypes evolved into the professional-grade scent wheels we use today. They’re now an essential part of detection training programs worldwide, helping trainers teach dogs with precision and consistency.
From laughter to legacy
Over the past 25+ years, I’ve seen the K9 training world transform dramatically. The innovations I helped develop—laser protocols, K9 cameras, scent wheels, and the Kong method—are now standard tools and techniques used by trainers worldwide. What’s more exciting is the growing collaboration between trainers and scientists. Today, there’s a greater awareness of the importance of evidence-based methods, data collection, and scientific research. Trainers are more open to trying new approaches, and scientists are contributing valuable insights to improve K9 performance and welfare. 
Bob Bailey’s concept of garbage can science played a critical role in this transformation. Bob didn’t just teach me the philosophy behind it; he lived it. His guidance, wisdom, and friendship were instrumental in shaping the way I approached innovation. Together, we spent decades exploring new ideas, testing theories, and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in K9 training.
Why it matters
At its core, all of this work serves a larger purpose: 
making the world a safer place. K9 teams are critical in police, military, and customs operations. They’re essential for airport security, search-and-rescue missions, wildlife protection, disease detection, and countless other roles. By embracing creativity, curiosity, and collaboration, we’ve been able to enhance the way these incredible dogs are trained and equipped. Garbage can science has shown us that innovation doesn’t require a big budget or perfect conditions—it starts with a willingness to try, fail, and try again.
making the world a safer place. K9 teams are critical in police, military, and customs operations. They’re essential for airport security, search-and-rescue missions, wildlife protection, disease detection, and countless other roles. By embracing creativity, curiosity, and collaboration, we’ve been able to enhance the way these incredible dogs are trained and equipped. Garbage can science has shown us that innovation doesn’t require a big budget or perfect conditions—it starts with a willingness to try, fail, and try again.
Copying others
I often feel that creativity is missing in the dog training community—it sometimes feels like a giant copying machine. Take, for example, the orange traffic cones I once used to design my directional protocols om 1996. At the time, it was an innovative approach that really worked. Years later, when it was no longer a well-kept secret and I could show it to some well-known trainers they copied, without my permisison, both the protocols and even the use of the orange cones, branding it as their system and their invention. Don’t get me wrong—I have deep respect for those who innovate and bring fresh ideas that improve training. And I believe it’s perfectly fine to use ideas from other trainers—after all, sharing knowledge moves us all forward. But let’s be honest: it takes respect and integrity to credit the original source. Claiming someone else’s creation as your own not only lacks ethics, but it also stifles true innovation.
The future of K9 training
As we look to the future, 
I’m optimistic about where K9 training is headed. The community is stepping up, adopting evidence-based practices, and working together to solve new challenges. Scientists and trainers are collaborating more than ever, bringing cutting-edge insights into the field. And while there’s still plenty of work to be done, I’m proud of the role garbage can science has played in driving these innovations forward. So, the next time you have an idea or face a challenge in your training, don’t be afraid to get creative. Start with what you have, test your idea, and refine it along the way. Who knows—your next garbage can science project might just change the K9 training world.
I’m optimistic about where K9 training is headed. The community is stepping up, adopting evidence-based practices, and working together to solve new challenges. Scientists and trainers are collaborating more than ever, bringing cutting-edge insights into the field. And while there’s still plenty of work to be done, I’m proud of the role garbage can science has played in driving these innovations forward. So, the next time you have an idea or face a challenge in your training, don’t be afraid to get creative. Start with what you have, test your idea, and refine it along the way. Who knows—your next garbage can science project might just change the K9 training world.