Why NOTA is a game-Changer in detection dog training
I am thrilled by all the reactions and questions I receive about NOTA.
Many trainers are looking for new, more effective ways to train their detection dogs, and NOTA is proving to be the solution that sets a new standard in K9 detection training. Let me share my perspective on Novel Odor Training Aids and why they are reshaping the way we train detection dogs worldwide.
If you already know the career path of your dog
If you are certain about your dog’s future career—whether in narcotics, explosives, bedbug detection, or another specialty—you should train the dog from day one on that target odor. Skip the hassle of using Kong, pieces of tennis balls, food, or any other object to motivate search behavior. While these may seem useful initially, they can create significant issues later in the dog's career.
Detection dogs are conditioned to respond to specific odors, and any odor they learn will always stay with them. Using Kong or other pairing odors can lead to false alerts in real-world scenarios. For example, a narcotics dog that was initially trained using Kong as a pairing odor might later indicate on Kong remnants instead of actual contraband. This is one reason why many government agencies are now refusing to buy dogs that have been trained using Kong.
When NOTA is the best choice ![]()
But what if you don’t yet know what your dog’s career path will be? This is where NOTA comes in. A Novel Odor Training Aid is particularly valuable when the future career path of the dog is not yet determined.
By using NOTA, you can pre-train detection dogs to the lowest trace levels, completing full detection training before deciding which operational target odors to introduce. This is ideal for large dog training centers, where specialized trainers can pre-train dogs on NOTA before sending them to narcotics, explosives, or wildlife detection teams. With NOTA, detection dogs can be trained to the highest standards before their specialization is even selected.
Safe and efficient pairing
Pairing is often used when a dog must detect multiple odors, such as in wildlife conservation or pest control. However, pairing with operational odors can create long-term contamination risks and training inconsistencies.
With NOTA, you can pair a new target odor in a controlled and standardized way. Wildlife detection handlers, for example, frequently need to train dogs on multiple species in a short time. Using NOTA, they can quickly introduce a new odor, pair it efficiently, and then fade NOTA out of the training by reducing its concentration in progressive steps. This method reduces training time, increases accuracy, and minimizes errors caused by overlapping target odors.
Calibration: The key to reliable performance
NOTA is the ideal calibration tool for detection dogs, ensuring every dog meets a measurable, objective standard before being deployed operationally. In professional settings, we calibrate electronic detection sensors using standardized test kits. We don’t test electronic drug sensors with random 50-gram samples of cocaine found in a car. Instead, we use scientifically validated calibrants to ensure accuracy and consistency. NOTA is the calibrant for K9 detection dogs.
With NOTA, trainers can test:
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Whether a dog can consistently detect an odor at extremely low concentrations
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Whether a dog is performing at the correct sensitivity level for its operational requirements
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Whether a dog is improving over time or showing signs of detection fatigue
Calibration also allows handlers to identify and correct training weaknesses before the dog goes into real-world operations. With NOTA, detection training becomes scientific, measurable, and objective—eliminating the guesswork.
Objective testing and performance evaluation
Throughout my 30+ years working with police, customs, and military detection dogs, I have heard countless claims about dogs’ exceptional performance in real-world operations. But in controlled tests, the same dogs often struggled to complete basic detection tasks. Why? Because their training lacked objectivity and standardization.
Trainers frequently make excuses: the odor was too strong, too weak, too old, too fresh. With NOTA, that discussion ends. Every detection dog should meet a minimum performance baseline before being operational. For example, trainers can test whether dogs can detect 1x, 0.1x, and 0.001x concentrations of NOTA in a controlled lineup with distractions. By setting clear thresholds for false positive and false negative rates, handlers can ensure all dogs meet an objective, measurable performance standard before deployment.
More reliable dog selection for K9 units
Purchasing detection dogs from vendors has always been a challenge. Vendors know the tricks that buyers use to evaluate potential working dogs, and they often train dogs to perform only during selection tests rather than ensuring they are truly operationally capable.
What if vendors pre-train their dogs on NOTA, and K9 buyers bring their own NOTA test samples when evaluating dogs? This would:
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Eliminate bias from the selection process
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Ensure standardized evaluations across different vendors
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Speed up the transition to operational training, as dogs would already have a strong detection foundation
By introducing NOTA into the selection process, agencies and buyers can objectively assess whether a dog has the drive, skill, and reliability required for real-world detection work—before investing in further specialized training.
Better insights and training data
For me, NOTA is an indispensable training tool. Unlike traditional odors, it can be used anywhere—public places, airports, training facilities—without safety concerns or legal restrictions.
NOTA allows trainers to:
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Collect precise training data based on odor concentration and detection performance
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Monitor a dog’s health and consistency, ensuring they are always field-ready
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Adjust training levels with accuracy, based on real detection performance rather than assumptions
Detection dog training is evolving, and NOTA is leading the way. No more inconsistent odors, unreliable results, or subjective evaluations. With NOTA, trainers, handlers, and agencies can ensure scientific, measurable, and bias-free detection training.
If you want to train smarter, test objectively, and ensure your detection dog meets the highest standards, NOTA is the tool you need. Order yours today and start training for the future.