Cadaver dogs perform one of the most challenging and important jobs in search and rescue. These specially trained dogs can detect the scent of human remains, even when they are buried underground, submerged in water or hidden beneath rubble. Their remarkable noses are capable of identifying tiny amounts of odour that humans cannot detect. This…

Training a seizure alert dog is one of the most specialised areas of assistance dog work, and researchers are still learning exactly why some dogs can detect an approaching seizure. Unlike guide dogs or detection dogs, a dog’s natural ability to recognise the changes that occur before a seizure cannot simply be taught—it appears that…

Special forces dogs are among the most highly trained working animals in the world. They operate alongside elite military and police units on dangerous missions, using their intelligence, speed and extraordinary sense of smell to locate threats, protect their handlers and save lives. Training begins with careful selection. Not every dog is suited to this…

Every day, specially trained detector dogs help protect airports by using their extraordinary sense of smell. A dog’s nose contains up to 300 million scent receptors, compared with around six million in humans, making them one of nature’s most effective detection systems. Airport sniffer dogs are trained to detect explosives, illegal drugs, firearms, prohibited food…