Welcome to Dog Merickel
A Movement for Excellence in HRD

The Charger and I working on the Western Slope on a chilly day. Why is it so challenging to plan for our dogs’ training—whether it’s for...

Me and the greatest dog is the whole world - Charger! Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love, and for handlers and their dogs,...

The Charger waits to start working a problems as I grab a selfie. When it comes to working with dogs, the bond between handler and dog is...

Working at a very wet site. Community keeps a smile on my face. Training a detection dog can sometimes feel like a solo mission. You’re...

We rest. And enjoy. Training a detection dog takes effort, time, and focus. But just as important as training is giving your dog time to...

Oh the joy! And we love tech!! Training dogs has come a long way, and now we have tech tools that make it smarter, safer, and way more...

Charger taking a quick break for a work project. Training a detection dog isn’t just about teaching them to find scents—it’s about...

The Charger is happy, as am I, when we are in the field working. Training detection dogs isn’t just about teaching them commands—it’s...

As the new year begins, it’s a great time to think about your training routines and set new goals. Human Remains Detection (HRD) training...

Creating momentum where there’s been frustration. Helping you find your  way, not someone else’s. Building trust, confidence, and...

Human Remains Detection (HRD) work is more than identifying a target odor—it’s about precision, clarity, and trust. At the heart of this...

Detection training is a marathon, not a sprint. As Handlers, we set out with big goals and endless enthusiasm, but as the months and...

Dogs have been our companions for thousands of years. For us, their noses offer more than companionship – they are incredibly powerful...

Training a detection dog is about more than just repeating drills—it’s about focused, purposeful practice.

When it comes to training detection dogs, the learning process is as much about the handler as it is about the dog. OdorQuest (tm) was...

Harness the power of video to elevate your detection dog training.

The journey of a skilled HRD Handler is ongoing, requiring dedication, continuous learning and a deep connection with your dog partner.

We can use the concept of executive function - the brain's management system - as a foundational tool in our HRD working dog journey.

There is always a way to learn and improve as long as you feel supported.

Understand and embrace your purpose.