A glimpse into the unbelievable work of search-and-rescue dogs and their handlers
Air scenting is the newest thing in search and rescue. Unlike dogs that track or trail the people, they seek with their noses to the ground, dogs that use air scenting do so by following the scent of their target through the air.
The main difference between the two types of search techniques is that tracking dogs need a starting point to properly hunt down their target. Air scenting dogs, on the other hand, can pick up the scent of their target anywhere in their vicinity simply by smelling the air.
Air scenting is the newest thing in search and rescue
This makes air scenting dogs ideal in situations where it is not known exactly where their target is. This can range from situations such as a hiker missing somewhere in a national park to people buried in an avalanche to dogs that search for cadavers as part of an effort to recover bodies.
Dogs are a great fit for search and rescue operations
In addition to their ability to find their target by searching for their scent in the air, air scenting search and rescue dogs are also prized for their strength and agility. These abilities come into play when searching areas such as debris fields following an earthquake or act of terror.
Organizations that train search and rescue dogs
Organizations, such as the American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA) train dogs to track by scent through the air. In the past, by the time that ground tracking dogs were called in the scent of the target had dissipated considerably. The practice of air scenting was used as far back as World War II and the practice made its way back to the U.S. at war’s end.
Where air scenting came from
With early successes, calls were made for the handlers of this new breed of search and rescue dogs to perfect their craft. Today, air scenting dogs are considered a vital component of any search and rescue operation. Their efforts have saved many lives that might have otherwise pass undetected by other tracking methods.
German shepherds as search and rescue dogs
German shepherds are one of the breeds especially prized for their abilities as air trackers. The Ramapo Rescue Dog Association uses the breed exclusively, as it feels that the German shepherd is the ideal breed for the work the search and rescue organizations do daily.
The German shepherd’s high drive is of particular interest to the handlers at Ramapo as it can help focus them on finding their target and will not be distracted by nearby wildlife. The breeds friendly nature also makes them easier to work with when it comes to their handlers.
The abilities of these dogs are a great contrast with the use of tracking or trailing dogs, as the different tracking methods often complement each other. Here is a video with more on how you can start your dog along the path of air scenting.
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