Air scent dogs work off leash and wear a bell in addition to their ID vest. They generally search for non-specific human scent, though some are trained to work from a scent article. Prior to searching, the handler must develop a search plan based on wind conditions, terrain, and vegetation. These factors determine where the search should start and whether the assigned area to be covered should be searched by grid technique or by terrain features. Air scent dogs can detect lost individuals from a long distance if they are positioned downwind. Therefore, it is important to set up a proper search plan to optimize the dog’s ability to detect human odor in the area. The handler initiates the search by giving the dog a sendoff command. During the search, the handler may direct the dog to certain areas that need checking by using directional commands. The handler may modify the search plan several times as the search continues. The handler watches the dog for changes in body language that indicate scent has been detected. Once the dog finds a missing person, she will perform a Trained Final Response (TFR) to let the handler know the subject has been found. Some dogs can be cross-trained for disaster scenarios.
Advantages
- Subject detection not visual, but by sense of smell, so work well in day or night conditions
- Especially good for non-responsive subject
- Cover the same amount of ground as ~20 searchers in the same amount of time
- Work quickly
Considerations
- No wind or unstable (“squirrely”) wind conditions make searching more difficult
- If the dog is non-specific, he may alert on other people in the search area
- Some dogs are trained for specific human scent and will use a scent article
- Temperature extremes will affect the dog’s performance
Best Search Conditions
- Light to moderate, steady breezes
- Constant wind direction
- Moderate to cooler temperatures
Certification
For a handler/canine team to become mission ready in air scent with SSD, they must pass three tests that evaluate searching capabilities, obedience, and dog and human non-aggression. Handler/canine teams must recertify every two years.