Sniffer Dog Training: how to train your dog to be a sniffer dog? (2024)

Have you ever wondered how sniffer dog training works to find criminals at the crime scene? It’s very simple: by sniffing. They are called Detection or Sniffer Dogs. Trained to identify people and substances by the senses such as explosives, illicit drugs, and blood.

Almost always a sense of smell, which is two thousand times stronger and fifty times more sensitive than a human. In addition to sensitivity, the dog’s sense of smell is very sharp.

He can detect a specific odor; That means he can spot cheese at a fish and vegetable market a thousand miles from where it stands. Hunting dogs searching for game and dog searching for missing humans are generally not considered as sniffer dogs.

Not to be outdone, they learn two types of warnings: passive and aggressive. Drug dogs use aggressive alertness where they dig in and dig into the odorous area. On the other hand, there are some instances where this kind of warning is bad news. Putting the bombs in an inserted position and scratching is very deadly. In these cases, a passive warning is used.

A good example of this type is the beagles used by the Department of Agriculture in sniffer dog training, where dogs are trained to pull out produce that is not allowed to enter the country. The Beagle Brigade, as they are called, sniff people’s luggage while waiting in lines at airports and border crossings.

In other countries, it is also used in some emergency search operations. Since the dog no one likes to dig their belongings, the USDA Beagles are trained to sit when they can smell it.

You can find a quality dog breeder for beagles from KandD Beagles.

Also Read: Irish wolfhound and German shepherd Mix: Complete Guide before Adopting.

In the early stages of sniffer dog training, the sniffer dog will receive a reward when it demonstrates any kind of recognition of the target scent. As the dog’s skills progress, the reward is given only when the dog responds with the right reaction (e.g. sit, stand, stare, down, bark, etc.).

Trainers have come up with a strategy for dogs that can be used to take drugs out. In the odd cases, it feels like eating them when they find the illegal substance. Are they addicted to those drugs? In fact, dogs are completely uninterested in drugs. What they are really looking for is their favorite toy.

In an article found on Discovery.com, the most commonly used “toys” are white towels. Since dogs love to play this powerful game of tug-of-war, they came up with the idea of ​​a “white towel game”.

To begin sniffer dog training, the handler plays with the dog using a towel, which is vacuumed and carefully washed without scent to the trainee. Next, the marijuana bag, for example, is wrapped inside a towel.

After playing for a while, the dogs begin to recognize the smell of drugs as their favorite toy smell. The handler then hides the towels, with the shawl, in various places. Whenever the dog takes out drugs, he tries to get his toy. If he detects the smell of drugs, as soon as he finds them, he is rewarded with a tug-of-war game.

As training progresses, various drugs are placed on the towel so the dog can take out the illicit substances. The same method is used for bomb detection dogs, except for placing various chemicals used to make explosives in towels instead of drugs.

How do sniffer dogs get trained?

Training sniffer dogs is a fascinating process that combines a dog’s natural abilities with careful training techniques to teach them to detect specific scents. Let’s break down how sniffer dogs are trained in simple terms:

1. Selecting the Right Dogs: Not all dogs can become sniffer dogs. The process starts with selecting the right breeds known for their keen sense of smell, like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles. These dogs should also have a strong desire to play and seek rewards because play is a crucial part of their training.
2. Basic Obedience Training: Before they start sniffing for specific scents, sniffer dogs need to learn basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. This helps them communicate with their handlers effectively.
3. Introducing Scent: Once the basics are mastered, the dogs are introduced to the scent they’ll be trained to detect. It could be drugs, explosives, or even certain diseases like cancer. The dogs get familiar with the scent in a controlled environment.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Sniffer dog training primarily relies on positive reinforcement. When a dog correctly identifies the target scent, they are rewarded with something they love, like a treat or a toy. This teaches them that finding the scent leads to a fun reward.
5. Scent Discrimination: Dogs learn to discriminate between different scents. For example, a drug detection dog must distinguish between various illegal drugs. This is done through repetitive training exercises where the dog is encouraged to find the correct scent among distractions.
6. Search Patterns: Dogs are taught to search systematically, often in a grid-like pattern. They learn to use their nose to follow a scent trail until they locate the source.
7. Realistic Training Scenarios: Training becomes more realistic over time. Dogs are exposed to various environments like airports, vehicles, or buildings to simulate real-life situations.
8. Handler Communication: Dogs and their handlers develop a strong bond and learn to communicate effectively. Handlers pick up on subtle cues from their dogs, like changes in behavior or body language when they detect a scent.
9. Regular Maintenance Training: Sniffer dogs require ongoing training to keep their skills sharp. They can forget scents if not regularly practiced, so training is a continuous process throughout their working life.
10. Certification: Once a dog consistently performs well in training, they undergo certification to ensure their skills meet specific standards. This certification may be required for them to work in law enforcement, search and rescue, or other professional roles.
11. On-the-Job Training: Even after certification, sniffer dogs continue to learn on the job. They gain experience and fine-tune their abilities through practical work.

In essence, sniffer dog training is all about harnessing a dog’s natural sense of smell and turning it into a reliable tool for various applications. Through positive reinforcement, repetition, and realistic scenarios, these remarkable animals become invaluable assets in tasks such as drug detection, explosive detection, search and rescue, and even medical diagnoses. The partnership between a skilled handler and a well-trained sniffer dog is a powerful one that helps keep us safe in various ways.

Sniffer Dog Training Breeds

Not every dog is suitable for sniffing and some dogs are very aggressive and must be handled by only one handler.

Here is the list of dogs that are suitable for Sniffing

1. German Shepherd
2. Doberman
3. Labrador
4. Beagle
5. Rottweiler
6. Golden Retriever

How long does it take to train a sniffer dog

A dog that has to undergo the sniffer training must have cleared the basic obedience training and post that he could get into the sniffer dog training. The hard fact is that dogs must get habituated to learn new things and should take pleasure out of that and that is the reason, we often treat them for every good behavior.

So it would take 2 to 3 months to completely train a dog to be a perfect sniffer dog.

Sniffer Dog Training courses

There are plenty of online courses available either Udemy or YouTube for sniffer training, you can subscribe to one and try it out. Here is one on Youtube

These courses cater to various needs, including law enforcement, search and rescue, border security, and more. Let’s delve into the details of sniffer dog training courses in the USA and understand why they are essential:

1. Law Enforcement and Narcotics Detection:

• Need: Law enforcement agencies often use sniffer dogs to detect illegal drugs, explosives, and firearms. These dogs play a crucial role in combating drug trafficking and ensuring public safety.
• Training: Many specialized dog training schools and academies offer courses tailored to law enforcement needs. These programs teach dogs to locate hidden narcotics, firearms, and explosives. Training includes scent discrimination, obedience, and real-world scenario simulations. For example, the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) offers certification and training programs for narcotics detection dogs.

2. Explosive Detection:

• Need: Sniffer dogs trained to detect explosives are vital for security at airports, government buildings, events, and public spaces. They help prevent terrorist attacks and ensure the safety of the public.
• Training: Several organizations, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), provide explosive detection dog training programs. Dogs learn to detect a wide range of explosives, from common dynamite to homemade bombs. Handlers are also trained in proper handling and communication with their dogs.

3. Search and Rescue (SAR):

• Need: Search and rescue dogs are used to locate missing persons, survivors in disaster-stricken areas, and even cadavers. They are invaluable in disaster response efforts.
• Training: Search and rescue dog training involves teaching dogs to locate human scents and follow scent trails. This includes wilderness tracking, urban search, and disaster scenarios. Organizations like the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) offer training programs for search and rescue teams and their dogs.

4. Bed Bug Detection:

• Need: Bed bug infestations are a growing concern, especially in hotels and homes. Canine bed bug detectors are highly effective in identifying infestations early.
• Training: Dogs are trained to detect the scent of bed bugs and their eggs. Training courses cover how to search rooms, furniture, and luggage for these pests. Accredited organizations like the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association (NESDCA) provide training and certification for bed bug detection dogs.

5. Medical Detection:

• Need: Dogs can be trained to detect various medical conditions, including low blood sugar in diabetics and certain types of cancer. These dogs can provide early warning signs and improve patient safety.
• Training: Medical detection dog training involves exposing dogs to the scent associated with specific medical conditions. These dogs can then alert their owners or caregivers when they detect these scents. While not as regulated as law enforcement or SAR dogs, medical detection training programs are offered by specialized trainers and organizations.

In summary, sniffer dog training courses in the USA are essential for addressing a range of critical needs in society, including law enforcement, security, search and rescue, and public health. These programs ensure that dogs are effectively trained to use their extraordinary sense of smell to detect specific scents accurately. Well-trained sniffer dogs and their handlers form partnerships that contribute significantly to public safety, security, and disaster response efforts.