Cadaver Dogs - Page 3

The concept of calling in more than one dog can be hard to explain to some law enforcment use to using drug dogs for probable cause.  Best we can do is explain that drugs have a few simple target odors easy to train on and off but human decomposition has a very broad range with over 400 compounds composing part of the scent picture [Arpad Vass - research studies ].  Then you have overlapping scent pictures of animal decomposition which are similar so it can get very complex. 

I think most folks use a two dog [or more] approach for cadaver because of the differences in each dog and the materials to which they have been exposed in training.  There are so many possible combinations.....yes two dogs from two different locations gives a higher degree of assurance.

This is a very interesting post and thanks for putting it here. Good to know how these dogs really work. Articles just dont tell the whole view but from you ladies , its a good explanation.

Here is a link from Nancy Grace describing how HRD dogs work:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2008/07/23/ng.cadaver.dog.cnn

Obviously the dogs usually don't find the source that quickly - but I am guessing Tracy did some drills with the dog before hand. Watching a cadaver dog work is like watching paint dry if you aren't into that type of thing :)

Shannon 

That's my Cinco aus dem Traumblick... I donated him to Tracy when she lost her Logan 3 years ago.. a woman lost control of her car and hit him while they were searching I believe, he was killed instantly. I found out she was looking and called her about Cinco who was 4 months old at the time (and crytporchid).. a little young she thought but he tested very well (of course, I knew he was brilliant at 7 weeks!) and then she brought out cadaver scent and he had a normal immediate reaction  (AAAAGH! OMG WHAT IS THAT?) and then within minutes he was playing with the container.....

Not all dogs do that though... I recently placed my Jabina Falco son and gave Tracy first shot at him, since his sister is doing very well.. he wanted nothing to do with any part of that.. not food, not any toy, nothing.. just not his thing

I know of all his certifications and accomplishments and still thought the CNN interview wasn't so much... cool dog, though even if I do say so myself. It's rewarding to know he is so valuable to the real world...