How Search Dogs Work:

Humans emit millions of microscopic particles which bear the scent signature of each individual.  The scent may be carried on wind currents or fall to the ground where bacteria begin the decomposition process of the cell mixture.  Dogs may be given a scent article of the missing person and trail to their location.  At times a more effective search strategy is to send an air scent dog to clear a large area of land and locate human scent.  These dogs give an indication to their handlers when they locate scent either by a stay and bark or with a "refind"  which requires the dog to go find the handler and take them back to the missing person.  

Search dogs can work day or night in most types of weather.  Their noses are effective where human sight is limited such as at night, in dense woods, heavy brush, collapsed structures, disaster debris, and under snow or water.  Air scent dogs work off lead clearing large areas of land or rubble and are directed to work areas too dangerous for humans to access yet safe for a lighter animal such as a dog.  They have specific training for disaster and are taught to keep themselves safe when objects move and while walking on broken glass.   

SAR dogs are able to locate deceased persons below the surface of soil or water.  Age of the remains does not appear to be a factor as search dogs have located burial sites for civil war soldiers in addition to bones from ancient archeological sites.  Dogs on GHSD were able to detect scent from a morgue that was last used in 1879.  Their scent recognition was strong when exposed to ancient bones dating to biblical times. 

Water search dogs assist dive teams in determining location of drowning victims by detecting oils from the skin that rise to the surface of the water.  The nose of the dog and the handler's knowledge of current and wind movement work in partnership to narrow down the area for recovery divers.  Scent never goes away completely however there are situations that make it more difficult for the dog.

Dogs on GHSD are our partners and are treated with dignity and respect.  Training methods are those developed by exotic animal trainers and behaviorists in order to produce a confident and well socialized working animal.