Detection Dog Science with Secret Service Chemist Dr. Katylynn Sloan Pt 1

What to listen for:

“The dogs are so good at what they do, it’s brain-boggling.”

Today, 2/3 of our hosts, Robin Greubel and Crystal Wing, welcome Katylynn Sloan, a chemist with the U.S. Secret Service, to explore the eye-opening intersection of science and canine detection work.

With a PhD in chemistry and years in explosives research, Katylynn brings a fresh lens to how odor behaves, how dogs detect it, and why context matters. She explains how high vapor pressure substances like nitroglycerin contaminate everything they touch, and why containment protocols must evolve.

From calibrating training aids to understanding the unexpected behavior of odor in vehicles, Katylynn stresses the importance of operational realism. Dogs, she explains, learn expectations. If training doesn’t reflect real-world scenarios—like suicide vests or buried explosives—dogs might miss critical cues. She calls for more collaborative studies in generalization, where the difference in one chemical compound might be enough for a dog to disregard an otherwise familiar substance.

Katylynn’s insights aren't just academic—they’re actionable. She champions “train how you operate,” emphasizes the need for diverse training aids, and highlights the gaps in disciplines like HRD, narcotics, and electronics detection. Most importantly, she reminds us: dogs are really good. But it’s the handlers—those who know their dog’s tail twitch or sniff shift means something—that bring science to life.

Science and scent don’t compete. They collaborate. And as Katylynn shows, better understanding leads to smarter training and safer communities. Tune in next time for part two of this fascinating conversation with Katylynn!

Key Topics:

• Katylynn Sloan’s Career Journey (0:01:25)

• Changes to the Explosive Standard (0:08:17)

• What Handlers Need to Know About Training Aids with High Vapor Pressure (0:14:15)

• Areas in K9 Detection That Warrant Further Research (0:34:15)

• “Train How You Operate” (0:50:01)

• Most Common Handler Misconceptions About How Dogs Detect Odors (0:57:50)

Resources:

• The manipulation of odor availability of training aids used in detection canine training

• AAFS Academy Standards Board

• Lindsay Waldrop's Lab

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