05/25/2026
Maintaining a student mindset in this profession is essential. Humility is what allows growth to continue. The moment we believe we know everything is the moment we stop progressing.
It’s paramount to continue asking questions, challenge our own understanding, and never lose sight of the “why” behind detection work. There should never be shame in learning, and never fear in asking questions. The best practitioners in this field are often the ones most willing to listen, learn, and evolve.
More importantly, we should constantly ask ourselves:
“How do we make this capability better?”
Last weekend I had the opportunity to become a student again and listen to our friend Paul Bunker teach his approach to introducing buried odor.
The room was filled with incredible practitioners DHS trainers/handlers, SAR trainers/handlers, and professionals from multiple disciplines all united by the same goal: continuously improving themselves, their canines, and the community as a whole.
“The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.”
— Aristotle