The life of explosive detection dogs

We have shared a number of stories about outstanding dogs and they are all close to our hearts, but none of our Paw-Stories have had as much danger in the air as this one. It concerns explosive materials, working in crisis areas and life at the limit - in short, in this Paw-Story we would like to introduce you to explosive detection dogs or bomb detection dogs. 

László Kovács and Szandra Dalia are dog trainers in Hungary who train explosive detection dogs. We talked to them and gained an overwhelming insight into the world of explosive detection dogs. Explosive detection dogs have strong nerves, are in excellent physical condition and the trust between them and their human partner is unshakeable. Together they detect dangerous substances, which are usually well hidden and pose a danger to human life. This article showcases the incredible explosive detection dogs and their outstanding performance.

What are the tasks of explosives detection dogs? 

Explosives detection dogs are specially trained dogs that can detect explosives. An explosive is not just made up of a single component, but usually many components that have been combined with each other. The explosive detection dog can detect each individual component on which it has been trained. It therefore not only recognises the complex smell of a single explosive but can also detect the main components individually.

One of its tasks is to search areas for dangerous materials. Whether open outdoor areas, complex indoor areas, people, luggage, freight and any type of transport vehicle on land, water or air - explosive detection dogs can be deployed anywhere. 

What must an explosive detection dog be able to do? 

During their work, explosive detection dogs must be able to switch off all external distractions and concentrate solely on their search. 

This skill requires the dog to have an extremely good sense of smell, advanced combinational skills, its own thinking and the ability to make decisions. This is because the handler, i.e. the human part of the team, may not agree with what the dog is doing in this situation. The handler must therefore trust their 4-pawed team-mate "blindly", as they cannot smell, i.e. perceive, what the dog perceives. 

The dog must have strong nerves and above-average fitness, as it enters areas that few people can reach. Extreme working conditions for the dog and its handler are common. Transport in a helicopter, an alpine technical approach site or a parachute deployment - extreme situations like these must be mastered by an explosive detection dog in a special unit without any problems. 

Of course, there are also less "extreme" tasks. The physical strain of a parcel control dog at a post office or airport is significantly lower, but the nervous strain is anything but light.

Can any dog be trained as an explosive detection dog? 

Choosing the right dog is a complex testing process, as not every dog is suitable for the task. It sometimes begins with an examination of the parents or older ancestors. Good genetics already predict an exceptionally good future trainability - but of course there are no guarantees here. 

However, there are other ways. Talent lies dormant in many dogs and with the right training it can be brought to light. Mixed breeds, as well as dogs from animal shelters, are just as suitable if they have that certain something for working as explosive detection dogs.

An important must have trait - the dog must have an extremely high level of motivation, which essentially manifests itself in an endless joy of playing. Of course, they must be in incredibly good physical condition due to the high workload. Good "fitness" is not enough. Due to the long-term, regular workload, the dogs are subjected to thorough, comprehensive health examinations before being accepted into the training programmes. If any abnormalities are found, the dogs cannot be accepted into the training programme.

Are there any dog breeds that are particularly suitable for becoming explosive detection dogs? 

Whether there really are dog breeds that are particularly suitable for this work is debatable, as there are various factors that play a role. A basic distinction can be made between single-phase and multi-phase dogs. The single-phase dog is only used for a specific area, such as explosives detection. The multiphase dog can detect a variety of substances, including drugs and tobacco, and can also be used as a guard dog. 

Of course, it can be advantageous if a dog can be used in different areas, especially if the areas overlap. But imagine you have an explosive detection dog that has also been trained in guarding/protection work. Can we 100% rule out the possibility that if this dog becomes frustrated with the search for explosives because it can't find anything, i.e. it doesn't experience a sense of achievement, it won't switch its behaviour to a self-rewarding mechanism of guarding? If this dog starts to growl due to frustration or because there are strangers in the area, then this can doom the entire mission to failure and put the whole team in danger. This dog would also be a risk factor in the civilian sector - imagine it at a major crowd control event. If the dog cannot clearly distinguish between "I'm looking for explosives here" and "I'm guarding/watching out here", then it could pose a danger at the event. 

Nevertheless, it must be mentioned that different dog breeds also have different "talents". While a hunting dog only needs to be shown what to look for, a herding or guard dog must first learn to search. Hunting dogs also need to be trained, but their genetics give them a lot of useful characteristics that make the trainer's job easier.

Is there a minimum or maximum age for starting training as an explosive detection dog? 

The minimum age is an extremely broad term. Ideally, dogs are trained from the very first minute, naturally in a playful way and with an age-appropriate workload. This training is known as pre-education training. Here, the trainer must ensure a balance between instinct and utilisation of the nervous system, as otherwise the dog's nervous system threatens to "burn out". This can become clear at the age of 1-1.5 years - the dog continues to do what it has learnt, but the passion and joy of the work disappears from its eyes, as motivation and interest wane due to overload. This must be avoided at all costs.

The trained dog can then be worked with for as long as its health and mental condition allow, usually until it is 8-9 years old. After that, it goes into a well-deserved, happy retirement.

What influence does a healthy diet have on the training of an explosives detection dog? 

A poor diet can cause many hidden training problems, both physically and mentally. László Kovács had a lot to contend with during his time in the service. Among the most striking examples were chronic ear infections or regular stomach and intestinal problems. How can a dog reach its full potential if it is constantly struggling with diarrhoea, itchy ears or stomach pain? Feeding not only affects the dog physically, but it can also have a negative impact on its behaviour. Concentration and stress resistance can decrease if the dog is constantly plagued by stomach pains, for example. The topic of healthy and species-appropriate feeding is therefore important for all areas of work with explosive detection dogs. Only healthy dogs are accepted into training in the first place and the right feeding creates the foundation for long-lasting health. The dogs are active and are regularly trained - their food must therefore be full of energy and nutrients so that they can perform well in the long term.

How long does it take to train an explosives detection dog? 

Pre-trained dogs are usually introduced to the training system at around one year of age. Basic training takes about six months, with daily training sessions. 

The first phase of the training focusses on playful searching, spiced up with Pavlovian association techniques, in the area of classical conditioning. 

The next phase is about developing combination skills and passive signalling. Passive signalling means sitting, lying down, standing, any implicit action - in other words, an impulsive, learned behaviour. The dog must never retrieve the training object, bark at it or scratch it, because later, in real life, the dog will be working with explosives, which can be explosive. Any shock can trigger a detonation, so passive signalling is something the dog must master. 

At the age of 2 to 2.5 years, the dog then becomes an everyday companion and can be used in almost all areas. Training takes place at least 3-4 times a week, including rest, exercise, play and socialisation times. Specialised, extreme tasks naturally require longer training periods.

What is the typical procedure for training an explosive detection dog? 

Training is based on playful motivation with a string ball and occasional reward treats. The success of the search work depends on the countless and varied training locations and equipment. This requires a lot of travelling and being out and about to show the dog many different places and, of course, scent patterns.

At László and Szandra's dog school it is possible to attend a basic training course. If interested parties like this way of working, they can continue their training in various ways. They can then take part in tests and competitions, which often include elements recreated from real working situations for the participants. So, there is general basic training and specialisation is then possible. 

One thing must not be forgotten in all of this. In order to be able to train efficiently, it is necessary for the dogs to come into contact with synthetic and original odour samples (i.e. potentially explosive materials) - because you cannot teach them to search for an odour that they do not even know. For this reason alone, the legal regulations of a country determine the training framework. 

Who is authorised to lead an explosive detection dog? 

The selection of a suitable dog handler is complex and requires a professional qualification. A demolition expert has to recognise hundreds of devices and learn their incredibly detailed operating principles and characteristics. The psychological strain should not be neglected either, as the dog handler and explosive detection dog will be working where others flee. 

A serious explosive detection dog handler who works with dedication accepts that they have to risk their own lives and that of their partner while doing their job.

However, there are other types of dog handlers, and their level of training, motivation and commitment can vary greatly.  

What qualifications must a trainer have to train an explosive detection dog? 

There is no standard for the suitability of explosive detection dog trainers - each country has a different professional protocol. 

In any case, professional experience should be the decisive factor in deciding who can fill such a position. The guidance and experience of the trainer guarantee the quality and professionalism of the work carried out. The quality of the training can ultimately decide who can return home from a mission and who cannot, because we must not forget that life and death decisions have to be made in this profession. 

A good instructor needs to keep learning in order to adapt their knowledge to a changing world. For example, there is a big difference between a war zone and a peaceful country, so different areas require different knowledge. This applies to both the official and civilian sectors, for example when it comes to working at high-profile sporting events.

Use in the civil sector 

The HEDDtech team at the National Football League Frankfurt Games 2023 

The excellent social skills of the HEDDtech team's dogs was one of the key skills in their latest assignment, which took them to the NFL Frankfurt Games in Frankfurt. The dogs were on duty at the venues, checking the personal hand luggage of the NFL players. This mission included a number of extreme elements that put both the dog and the handlers under a great deal of mental and physical strain. During such missions, the dog is not allowed to growl at the players or behave aggressively in any other way. The dog must also not be distracted by the crowd - it must continue to sniff and concentrate on its work.

Operating at the limit

The HEDDtech team in Afghanistan 

As part of their military service in Afghanistan, the team brought donations and food to a remote village. Before each mission, the area, the buildings, the vehicles and the people had to be checked. On this mission, the explosive detection dog "Mandy" had a personal bodyguard who was responsible for her protection. The bodyguard was a protective soldier who knew Mandy well and watched her every move. She had to judge whether a situation was safe dangerous and then share this information with Mandy's handler, who guided her accordingly.

An interesting incident occurred during this mission. Mandy had already done her job and was playing with a medic when she suddenly disappeared under an armoured troop carrier. Even when the bouncy ball was thrown to her, she didn't come out from under the transporter creating an immediate tension in the air. Mandy was clearly signalling "something is wrong here". The English Shepherd was internationally recognised as a dog with outstanding talent and it was clear that she would not give any "wrong signals". Accordingly, there was great concern that she might have detected a magnetic bomb or something similar under the troop carrier. There was no control dog for this task. The troop carrier was checked several times and nothing was found. As a countercheck, Mandy was then asked to check the other troop transporters - she also signalled them.

After a thorough examination of all the transporters, it became apparent that there was a technical problem, which Mandy pointed out even though she had never been trained on it. 

The mission in Afghanistan shows very well how advanced the special skills of explosive detection dogs like Mandy are. Mandy herself has sadly passed away in the meantime, having gone into well-deserved retirement due to her age and was able to spend the last years of her life happily surrounded by her family, together with László.

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank László and Szandra for taking the time to talk to us about their dogs and their work. Explosive detection dogs are impressive athletes and we really appreciate that we were able to gain an in-depth insight into the exciting world of explosive detection dogs.