Training of detection dogs

Detection dogs play a key role in detecting explosives. Explosives detection dogs have proven their reliability and flexibility in coping with various scenarios, and are used by police and military forces as well as private security service providers. Despite the ongoing development of technical systems, detection dogs will continue to play an important role in the detection of explosives in the future, due to their mobility and their unique abilities.

Research into the detection of explosives has been carried out at Fraunhofer ICT in various projects. Recently, in the nationally funded EVADEX project, we examined the question of how to evaluate the performance of technical solutions as well as of detection dogs for individual requirements in different scenarios. In this project we were also able to gain insight into the olfaction of detection dogs. We developed training methods which have been successfully applied in practical tests. They are consequently suitable for the performance evaluation and the training of detection dogs and dog handlers.

Due to the special status of Fraunhofer ICT in the handling of explosives, which also enables the handling of so-called homemade explosives, and our experience gained in recent years in the detection of explosives, we can offer an excellent range of training opportunities for explosives detection dogs. In addition to a transparent and scientifically flawless execution of the tests, clear communication and individual coordination with each customer play a central role.

Our portfolio includes various test scenarios which cover common situations in which detection dogs are used. All our experiments are documented with a 360° camera and in writing. At the end of the training you will receive the results as a formal record.

We offer dog handlers a training unit lasting several days, with a representative selection of the collected video material.

For the training we have a representative selection of pure military and industrial explosives and explosive formulations at our disposal. All the substances used are provided without markers. When storing and handling the substances we ensure that training with pure and uncontaminated formulations is possible. Training using homemade explosives such as TATP or HMTD is also possible. The different substances can be produced on request at the institute. Due to the high impact and friction sensitivity of these substances, safe mixtures of these preparations have been developed specifically for the training of detection dogs.  This enables us to guarantee a higher level of safety. These in-house developments have an unchanged gas phase, and their advantage over other alternatives on the market is that the dogs can be trained with a significant quantity of the explosive.

Differentiation track

The differentiation track makes it possible to introduce new substances and to test with already known substances in a time-efficient way. In this test, easily accessible odor samples are placed at regular intervals. The handler and detection dog team have to identify the samples with the explosives. The focus of the training can be changed depending on the choice of substances in the odor samples.

At the start of conditioning for a new substance, a setup is often chosen in which only one sample contains the new substance. However, to reinforce the conditioning or to increase the level of difficulty, other samples containing distraction substances can be included in the setup. Hence, we are able to meet specific customer requirements at any time and adjust the differentiation track accordingly. For example, when confronted with a set-up including distraction substances, the dog can show that it has learned to detect the new substances and is able to differentiate them from other odors.

If the objective is to investigate the dog’s olfaction, the respective components of the explosive formulations in the odor samples can be used individually. This kind of test shows whether the dog reacts to certain components within the formulations, the pure explosive or the whole sample.

Various measures already taken during preparation and assembly avoid cross-contamination of the samples. In addition, the differentiation track is newly prepared for each dog, avoiding the possibility of distractions due to odors from previous dogs. This ensures that the results are valid and reliable.

Training of scenarios

Search locations

This exercise can be designed in various ways. The goal is to find hidden explosives in a defined area. The dog must not only be able to find the explosive in a realistic environment but also meet the challenge of searching systematically. In particular the cooperation between the dog and its handler can be trained doing this task.

• Inside/outside area
• Vehicles
• Lockers, dressing rooms

Examining cargo

A common task for detection dogs is to check cargo for explosives. Here it is necessary to carry out a detailed examination of certain objects. The possible presence of other odorous substances could make the detection of explosives even more difficult. The task can be designed according to the desired scenario:

• Multiple boxes (cargo scenario)
• Single piece of luggage (bomb alert)
• A row of backpacks/pieces of luggage (“regular” inspection)