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Explosive Detection Dogs
Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) are used as part
of Explosive Ordnance Detection (EOD) and security teams to help
identify surface explosives. The dogs are trained to recognise
either particular explosives or combinations available from both
commercial and military sectors. Explosive Detection consists
of searching individuals, baggage, vehicles or buildings for
evidence of explosives. Any explosives that are found by a dog are marked
and dealt with by the EOD teams. EDDs usually work at a static
location such as a checkpoint or airport.
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Search ProceduresDifferent procedures are used for each type of search.
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| Training - Initial training is conducted at the MineTech Dog School
in South Africa. Dog handlers are trained by the School's founders, Johan van
Wyk and Andre Le Roux, after which they then train their dogs under supervision.
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It is vital that the handler develops the closest possible bond with his
dog in order to allow him to 'read' the dog and its movements and
for the dog to relate to its handler.
Dogs undergo basic obedience handling and training and odour
imprinting. At the end of all training each handler is examined
on operating procedures and veterinary skills before man and dog
gain accreditation as a fully operational team. Both founders
conduct management visits to all EDD/MDD projects to ensure
that MineTech Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are being
upheld by the handlers and that the dogs are in good
health and performing to standard.
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