Rapid learning curve for explosive detecting dogs

A major investment in the training of Explosive Detecting Dogs (EDD) and Patrol Explosive Detection Dogs (PEDD) is underway at MineTech's specialist dog training facility in Pretoria, delivering new teams of highly skilled security dogs and their handlers into the field.

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A rapid increase in demand for trained dog teams for both explosive detection and security patrols in environments where attack from explosives is a daily risk, has highlighted the significant role dogs are playing in the delivery of security solutions worldwide.

Demand for MineTech explosives trained dogs has doubled in the last few months with some 50 EDD and PEDD teams now operational around the world in places like Afghanistan, where eight teams are working to support security at the US embassy and in Iraq, where MineTech security dog teams have just begun a contract to provide protection for Iraqi Government ministers.

In the last twelve months, more than 45 dogs and their handlers have completed an extensive MineTech training programme, a process that takes a total of 18 weeks. Much of their learning has evolved from Mine Detection Dog training, pioneered at the School since it was founded by two former Mine Detection Dog handlers in 1998.

Like the Mine Dogs, security and explosive detecting dogs start their training with a two-week adaptation and socialisation period where they are exposed to different environments and locations - gunshots, obstacles, even shopping malls - to equip them for the outside world. The process minimises the chances of a dog being distracted by noise, people or traffic, creating dogs that are focussed on their duties, confident, responsive and able to concentrate on their work.

The dog, with its handler, then completes three-six weeks of basic obedience training and ball drive skills and is assessed initially on its enthusiasm in playing with a ball or a kong - made of rubber and very chewable. Gradually the game starts to include small tasks for which a puppy's success is rewarded with the kong. As the programme progresses the dogs are tested on different terrains but the kong or retrieval object remains the same.

While the dogs are introduced to the smell of explosives their handlers are taken through a basic veterinary course. The handlers and dogs then learn and follow the procedures for searching baggage, vehicles and buildings, which takes a further six weeks, at the end of which each handler is examined on operating procedures and veterinary skills before man and dog gain accreditation as a fully operational team.

Built in 25 acres of open bushveld, the Mine Dog School is a unique resource for both breeding and training specialist dogs to a standard such that no mine dog selected for operational purposes has failed any field evaluation.

A further nine dogs have completed EDD and PEDD training in Pretoria in February 2006.