But the highly sought-after dog trainer said his visit to the K9 Medical Detection New Zealand (K9MD) unit in Mosgiel yesterday blew his mind.
K9MD uses specially trained dogs, working in a controlled clinical environment, to sniff out and detect cancer and other diseases in urine samples.
The unit aims to create a simple diagnostic urine test as a value-added tool to be used within the health system, for the early detection of cancer.
Cancers detected at an early stage are more likely to be treated successfully.
Mr White, of Seattle, started his career in the United States Army as a military police dog handler, before joining civilian life as a devoted police dog handler.
He specialises in teaching behaviour modification, urban tracking and scent-work through the use of positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning. He was accredited as a master trainer by the Washington State Police Canine Association in 1993.
He has been an instructor for the K9 Academy for Law Enforcement in the United States, his articles have been widely published and he has instructed at seminars all over the world.
"I came to Mosgiel to look at K9MD’s processes and help them make it the best possible detection programme that they can.
"I’m supposed to look at the processes and see if they comply with best practices.
"Not so much to tell them what to do — just to make observations and ask questions and let them come up with decisions, because they’ve got good staff that can do that kind of stuff."
He said no-one else in the world was doing this kind of work to the standard that it was being done here.
"This particular organisation is the most sophisticated that I’ve seen of anyone trying to do this sort of work.
"It’s absolutely exciting to see.
"There’s no doubt in my mind that this is a highlight moment for me in a career that spans almost 50 years.
"I’ve been watching working dogs for all of my adult life and to see them build the team that can consistently produce such quality dogs is just a joy to watch," he said.
K9MD founder Pauline Blomfield was delighted Mr White had been able to visit.
"For K9MD, what we have to ensure is that all our work is peer reviewed, both from the laboratory, right through to our K9s.
"Given that Steve’s reputation is legendary and his experience is absolutely phenomenal, he was the best person to come out and review and help guide us with our work."
