Cadaver Dogs and the Deathly Hallows—A Survey and Literature Review on Selection and Training Procedure

Abstract

Human remains detection dogs (HRDDs) are powerful police assets to locate a corpse. However, the methods used to select and train them are as diverse as the number of countries with such a canine brigade. First, a survey sent to human remains searching brigades (Ncountries = 10; NBrigades = 16; NHandlers = 50; Nquestions = 9), to collect their working habits confirmed the lack of optimized selection and training procedures. Second, a literature review was performed in order to outline the strengths and shortcomings of HRDDs training. A comparison between the scientific knowledge and the common practices used by HRDDs brigade was then conducted focusing on HRDDs selection and training procedures. We highlighted that HRDD handlers select their dogs by focusing on behavioral traits while neglecting anatomical features, which have been shown to be important. Most HRDD handlers reported to use a reward-based training, which is in accordance with training literature for dogs. Training aids should be representative of the odor target to allow a dog to reach optimal performances. The survey highlighted the wide diversity of homemade training aids, and the need to optimize their composition. In the present document, key research topics to improve HRDD works are also provided.

Validation of a Behavior Test for Predicting Puppies’ Suitability as Detection Dogs

“…It is therefore possible that female dogs in the current study were more affected than males during this period of hormonal change. We also found that males were more likely to be selected than females, in line with our previous findings [ 34 ] as well as a recent analysis of cadaver detection dog selection [ 58 ]. However, others have reported no sex-specific selection bias for detection dogs [ 13 ].…”

Use of Detection Dogs in Forensic Investigations: The Italian Scenario

“…Human remains detection dogs (HRDDs) are "canines specially trained to find human decomposition scent and alert their handler to its location" [11] Cadaver dogs are routinely used in police operations and are considered specialty units among the Police Forces in the EU. [12].…”

What a good boy! Deciphering the efficiency of detection dogs

“…Dogs are efficient scent detection animals. Their powerful olfactory system and their ability to be trained explain why they are used in so many police and military applications as bio-detectors (e.g., drug, human remains, explosive) (Harper and Furton, 2007;Quignon et al, 2012;Jezierski et al, 2014;Polgár et al, 2016;Hackner and Pleil, 2017;Martin et al, 2020). Despite their high potential, low performance is sometimes observed in detection dogs (DDs), which might be due to a lack of knowledge on their neurophysiology and related behaviors (Beebe et al, 2016;Jamieson et al, 2017;Lazarowski et al, 2020).…”

“…Despite their high potential, low performance is sometimes observed in detection dogs (DDs), which might be due to a lack of knowledge on their neurophysiology and related behaviors (Beebe et al, 2016;Jamieson et al, 2017;Lazarowski et al, 2020). An operational DD is the result of several factors: 1) selecting a promising puppy, 2) conducting efficient training, and 3) continuously assessing the dog's working performance (Beebe et al, 2016;Polgár et al, 2016;Thrailkill et al, 2018;Martin et al, 2020). However, current methods used to assess the performance (MAP) of dogs are limited, and require validation.…”

“…Individual dogs are selected based on temperament. For instance, a social, cooperative, and confident puppy with a particular motivation to be trained (usually observed by a high reward drive) is preferred by handlers (Gazit and Joseph, 2003;Hussein et al, 2012;Beebe et al, 2016;Jamieson et al, 2017;Martin et al, 2020).…”