Dog Training Research Articles

Scent dogs identify SARS-CoV-2-infections in respiratory samples from experimentally infected ferrets and hamsters—a pilot study

Rapid and sensitive diagnostic measures are a pre-requisite for the control of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. Dogs detect SARS-CoV-2-infected human individuals with high speed due to their extraordinary olfactory acuity. In the post-pandemic phase of SARS-CoV-2 it is difficult to obtain samples from infected humans for scent dog training. Established animal models for COVID-19 include hamsters and ferrets, which could overcome this shortcoming and have the advantage that samples are generated under controlled conditions. Respiratory samples from humans, hamsters and ferrets infected with SARS-CoV-2 and from ferrets infected with an H7-Influenza A virus were inactivated with β-propiolactone and presented via a device called “Detection Dog Training System” (DDTS). DDTS allows a fast, blinded, randomized, and automated sample presentation without trainer interference. Scent dogs generally showed a similar diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and specificity (Dsp) for four tested scenarios (S1-4) and as reported previously for respiratory samples from humans. (S1) Human with COVID-19: DSe 88.1 [74.0–100.0% CI95%] and DSp 89.6 [80.6–98.5% CI95%]. (S2) Hamster with COVID-19: DSe 82.4 [74.1–90.7% CI95%] and DSp 96.7 [93.7–99.7% CI95%]. (S3) Ferret with COVID-19: DSe 86.2 [69.8–100.0% CI95%] and DSp 95.1 [89.5–100.0% CI95%]. (S4) Ferrets infected with an H7 Influenza A-virus (IAV) as a distractor: DSe 96.9 [57.2–100.0% CI95%] and DSp 89.86 [40.3–100.0% CI95%]. We provide evidence that scent dogs detect samples from SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters and ferrets with a similar accuracy as reported for humans. The study highlights that volatile organic compound odor patterns are similar in humans, hamsters, and ferrets after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but distinct after IAV-infection.

Trained dogs can detect canine urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

Dog have been trained to detect a variety of human cancers. However, studies examining their ability to find canine cancer are sparse and show variable results. Whilst dogs were shown to be successful at detecting malignant tumors from saliva samples, they were previously unsuccessful at finding canine urothelial carcinoma (UC) from urine. We used advanced training methods to explore if dogs can accurately detect urothelial carcinoma (UC) from canine urine.Urine samples from healthy dogs without urinary tract abnormalities (control), with non-malignant urinary tract disease (control), and with UC (positive) were collected prospectively. Urothelial carcinoma was diagnosed using cytology and/or histopathology. All dogs were naïve of chemotherapy, underwent bladder ultrasound and urinalysis. Residual urine remaining after conventional diagnostic procedures was frozen in glass jars until analysis and used for dog training and testing.Three dogs previously trained to detect human cancer underwent up to 29 days of additional training. They were each presented with 20 control samples (from either 13 or 14 unique individuals), 10 UC positive samples (from between 5 and 7 individuals), in a double-blind trial and their behavioral responses recorded.When considering only unique donor dogs, a mean of 66.7% (range 40–85.7%) of UC were correctly indicated and a mean of 87.5% (range 78.6–92.3%) were correctly ignored. The overall sensitivity (considering all samples) was 80% (range 70–90%), and specificity was 91.7% (range 85–95%). This study suggests that, when using appropriate methods, dogs can be trained to detect canine UC from urine and could serve as an additional non-invasive diagnostic test for the disease.

A simple Magnetic-aided microfluidic screening approach for rabies virus via rolling circle amplification

Rabies, being a fatal neurologic disease, is one of the neglected tropical diseases. Timely post-exposure prophylaxis is the key to healthcare, demanding an early diagnosis towards the much-envisaged ‘One Health’ measures. Despite being a disease with almost 100 % mortality cases, no significant progress has been made towards its early and accurate diagnosis. Herein, we report a simple microfluidic device based on magnetic trapping, without any complex design, in order to specifically screen rabies virus from biofluids. For this, we exploit Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA), a highly recommended isothermal nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), with rapid and robust point-of-care diagnosis capabilities. This specific molecular assay was used for sensitive detection down to 2.69 fM and 14.5 fM for N- and L-gene targets, respectively. COMSOL simulations have accelerated experimental optimization time, resulting in effective capture and detection of magnetically-coupled amplicons. Fluorescently-tagged RCA products mixed with magnetic microparticles (M−RCPs) showed a clearly distinguishable signal between rabies vaccine strain and blood samples of healthy dogs. This simple technique presents a scalable proof-of-concept prototype for a highly specific ‘yes-or-no’ detection method for rabies virus, using a minimal sample volume and extendable for sensitive-cum-specific screening of other pathogens using tunable molecular probes.

Demographic, morphological and coat factors in dogs after exercise at a fast course ability test (FCAT) trial.

Domestic dogs are a widely diverse species of endothermic mammals that show a positive correlation between body mass and whole-animal metabolic rate, but a negative correlation between body mass and lifespan, making them an interesting system for determining thermoregulatory patterns in relation to body mass, body morphology, and age within a single mammalian species. Though previous work has found differences in thermoregulation across seasons and with training in dogs of different sizes, we now seek to determine (1) whether sampling event-related temperature differences remained when dogs exercised intensely and acutely outdoors and (2) whether thermal differences were also expressed in short-term burst exercise in athletic dogs compared to long-term exercise in non-athletic dogs, as previously found. Here, we measured tympanic membrane temperature (Tear) as a correlate of core or internal body temperature (Tb). We also measured changes in body temperature across different body surfaces using thermal imaging (Teye, Tnose, and Tmouth) in dogs after exercise during Fast Course Agility Trial (FCAT) competitions between spring and summer months in Central New York State, USA (N = 20, July and August N = 26). We correlated these data to each dog's body mass (average(± standard error) = 29.97(± 0.24) lbs.), age (5.99(± 0.78) years), and various aspects of body part measurements and coat characteristics, such as length, type, and color. First, in our overall dataset, being sampled in May was the most significant predictor of temperature slope (p < 0.001), and we identified far more significant predictor variables in the May event dataset than in other datasets. Second, as we gave special attention to our study population, we found that running an outdoor, burst exercise course (FCAT trial) shows a different pattern of thermoregulation compared with previous work. Thus, our data may offer preliminary insights that thermoregulation in dogs varies with sampling event and exercise type, though additional research is needed to understand the complexity of these observed patterns. Our data also provides evidence that responses can be plastic depending on the dog's individual phenotype and that athleticism may affect thermoregulation in dogs, similar to humans.

What evidence can validate a dog training method?

In a recent study, Johnson and Wynne found that dogs classically conditioned to associate electric shocks with chasing a fast-moving mechanical lure inhibited chasing behaviour at test, while dogs conditioned with food rewards did not learn any operant behaviours to substitute chasing and therefore continued to interact with the lure. Here, we raise questions about the suitability of the training protocols and challenge the conclusion that shock collars impose minimal welfare impacts.

The impact of training method on odor learning and generalization in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris).

Detection dogs are required to learn and alert to multiple different odors during training and to generalize this learning to similar odors when working. They should be both sensitive to variation in the target odors and specific enough to avoid false alerts, but how readily they achieve this is likely to depend on the training method employed. The majority of agencies train by presenting single target odors in isolation, and adding additional odors consecutively, although recent research with rats suggests intermixing the target odors concurrently throughout training may be a more effective approach. This study therefore tested the relative efficacy of intermixed training in dogs. Using an odor-detection lineup, pet dogs were trained to detect two target odors, A and B. Those allocated to the "sequential" group were trained to criterion on odor A and then trained on odor B (or vice versa), the "compound" group were trained on a mixture of AB, and the "intermixed" group trained on A and B concurrently. Each dog was then tested on all combinations of the test stimuli (A, B, and AB), as well as combinations containing a novel interferent (AC, BC, and ABC). Results revealed that dogs trained by the intermixed method made significantly more correct (true positive) indications, and significantly fewer miss (false negative) indications than the other two methods, suggesting that intermixed training is more effective than currently used alternative training methods. Thus, for improved performance and generalization, we recommend detection dog training should use an intermixed method of training. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the performance of service dogs of different genotypes

Aim. In the current situation of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, national security, territorial integrity and state sovereignty are extremely important for the country's dog services. The benefits of using dogs are much greater than the costs of their maintenance and training. Dogs search for explosive devices, missing soldiers and their remains, detain criminals, and guard military facilities. Different breeds of service dogs are preferred for each special task. Purpose: to study the methods of training service dogs of different breeds of detection service by scent trail and to analyse certain factors affecting the quality of the dog's work. Methods. The research on the topic of the scientific work was conducted in the conditions of the dog training center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in Vinnytsia region. The following methods were used in the research process: zootechnical, analytical, calculation, biometric. The research materials were used for the study of German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler dogs, which underwent a general training course and special training for detective work on human scent trails. Results. Service dogs have been used in human life for centuries to protect important facilities and territories, mine clearance, customs service, detention of criminals, search and rescue of people. Training of different breeds of dogs for a particular type of activity, painstaking and careful work of dog handlers, on which the results of dog performance in different conditions of their use depend. Conclusions. The testing of sniffer dogs for human scent detection was carried out in accordance with the existing rules and methods used in the dog training centers of the National Police of Ukraine. The conditions of keeping and feeding the dogs met the standards and recommendations, taking into account the breed, age, live weight, specifics of work and workload, which allowed us to obtain reliable results in the experiments. In the organisation of training and coaching of service dogs, all our studied factors will help dog handlers to use the dog methodically and competently in real circumstances.

Antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli strains inhealthy pets from Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Antibiotic resistance constitutes a significant public health challenge, with diverse reservoirs of resistant bacteria playing pivotal roles in their dissemination. Among these reservoirs, pets are carrying antibiotic-resistant strains. The objective of this study was to assess the resistance profiles of Escherichia coli, and the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli strains in dogs and cats from Tamaulipas, Mexico. A total of 300 stool samples (150 dogs and 150 cats) from healthy pets were subjected to analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and the identification of ESBLs were carried out by disc diffusion method. The presence of resistance genes, class 1, 2, and 3 integrons (intI1, intI2, and intI3) and phylogroups was determined by PCR analysis. The findings reveal that 42.6% (128/300) of the strains exhibited resistance to at least one of the eight antibiotics assessed, and 18.6% (56/300) demonstrated multidrug resistance (MDR), that distributed across 69 distinct resistance patterns. Altogether 2.6% of E. coli strains (8/300) were confirmed as TEM and CTX-M type ESBL producers. These outcomes underscore the roles of dogs and cats in Tamaulipas as reservoirs for the dissemination of MDR and/or ESBL strains. The results underscore the necessity for conducting prevalence studies on ESBL-producing E. coli, forming a foundation for comprehending the present scenario and formulating strategies for the control and mitigation of this issue.

PSIX-10 Effects of Bacillus subtilis ATCC PTA-122264 on macronutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs subjected to an abrupt diet change

Abstract Probiotic use in dogs is increasing, with spore-forming Bacillus species gaining interest due to their viability during processing, storage, and in the gastrointestinal tract. B. subtilis is known for its adaptable metabolism that may be useful in pets subjected to abrupt dietary changes. The objective of this study was to determine dietary apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD) and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs supplemented with B. subtilis ATCC PTA-122264. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois IACUC prior to experimentation. Dogs [n = 12; 6 ± 1 yr; 8.71 ± 0.91 kg body weight (BW)] were used in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design (n = 12/group) and fed to maintain BW. In each 42-d experimental period, dogs were allotted to one of three treatments: Control (kibble diet only), Low [kibble diet + 1×109 colony-forming units (CFU) of B. subtilis], and High (kibble diet + 5×109 CFU of B. subtilis). After a 22-d adaptation phase, a 5-d fecal collection phase was followed by a blood collection phase. On d 28, dogs were abruptly changed to a canned diet and fed for 14 d, with fecal samples collected on d 30 (2 d post change), 34 (6 d post change), 38 (10 d post change), and 42 (14 d post change). Fecal microbiota data were evaluated using QIIME2. All other data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P &amp;lt; 0.05 being considered significant. B. subtilis supplementation of the kibble diet did not influence food or energy intake, fecal output, ATTD, most serum metabolites, hematology, fecal characteristics, fecal bacterial alpha and beta diversity indices, and dysbiosis index, demonstrating the safety of the strain in dogs. However, fecal Streptococcus and Blautia abundances were higher in High dogs than Low or Control dogs, while E. coli abundance was less in Low dogs than High and Control dogs. The abrupt change to a canned diet led to significant alterations in fecal characteristics, dysbiosis index, and bacterial abundances, which were not influenced by B. subtilis supplementation. Bacterial alpha diversity measures were affected, with observed ASV (amplicon sequence variants) and the Fisher Index reducing, and the Shannon Index increasing by dietary change. The abrupt dietary change caused a distinct shift in microbial communities, as evidenced by principal coordinates analysis plots. The relative abundances of various fecal bacterial taxa, including Bifidobacterium, Faecalibaculum, Turicibacter, and Lactobacillus were decreased, while Collinsella, Ruminococcus gnavus group, and Escherichia-Shigella were increased with the dietary change. Our data support the notion that daily supplementation of 1 – 5×109 CFU of B. subtilis ATCC PTA-122264 in healthy dogs is safe and does not affect markers of general health and fecal characteristics, warranting further exploration.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Welfare of Different Training Methods in Stopping Chasing Behavior in Dogs.

Controversy surrounds the efficacy and welfare implications of different forms of dog training with several studies asserting that electronic shock collars have negative welfare impacts while not being more effective than non-aversive methods. However, these studies did not specify the schedule and intensity of punishment used or the effectiveness of the training method. In the current study, we attempted to train dogs across six sessions to desist from chasing a fast-moving lure in one of three randomly assigned conditions and then tested for retention and generalization in four further test trials. Group A was trained with e-collars; Group B was trained with non-aversive methods and the lure moving as with Group A; and Group C was trained as for Group B but with the lure initially moving slowly before its speed was progressively increased. All dogs in Group A stopped running towards the lure after one or two sessions, and none chased the lure in the first three tests: 67% of these dogs chased the lure in the final test in a novel arena. None of the dogs in the either Group B or C successfully refrained from chasing the moving lure in training or any test. Video behavior coding indicated few stress-related behaviors across the training groups.

First Sero-Molecular Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. Infections in the Police Dogs and Their Trainers in Iran.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Toxocara spp. are two types of parasites that can infect humans and various animals, including dogs. Police dogs and their trainers have a vital role in law enforcement, and their health and well-being are crucial for them to effectively carry out their duties. No study has yet been conducted on the prevalence of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. infections among police dogs and their trainers in Iran. The objective of this study was to determine the sero-molecular prevalence of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. infections in police dogs and their trainers in Tehran, the capital of Iran. In Tehran province, the anti-narcotics police have nearly 200 well-trained police dogs. Each dog is assigned a dedicated trainer and upon completing missions, is housed separately in a designated area. In the present study, a total of 150 samples were gathered. These included 50 blood samples from randomly selected police dogs, 50 fecal samples from the same dogs, and 50 blood samples from their trainers. The Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) was performed to detect T. gondii antibodies in dog blood samples and the ELISA system was utilized to identify anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Toxocara antibodies in the sera of the dog trainers. A specific segment of the SAG2 and ITS genes were amplified via nested-PCR in order to molecularly detect T. gondii in human blood samples and Toxocara spp. in dog fecal samples. Regarding serological findings, the prevalence of T. gondii in dog and human blood samples was 4% (2/50) and 10% (5/50), respectively. According to reports, the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in human blood samples was 6% (3/50). No statistically significant association was found between the prevalence of the examined parasites and variables (age, sex, and breed) in dogs, as well as the age variable in military personnel. Molecular findings showed that out of the 50 dog fecal samples and 50 human blood samples, there was no presence of Toxocara spp. and T. gondii, respectively. Understanding the prevalence of parasitic infections helps public health officials assess the risk to human and animal populations. This information can guide the development of prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of these infections. Overall, the prevalence of parasitic infections, particularly T. gondii and Toxocara spp., in police dogs and their trainers remains uncertain and necessitates further in-depth research.

Evaluating and contextualizing volatile organic compounds in dog training breath samples from a patient with type 1 diabetes

Evaluating and contextualizing volatile organic compounds in dog training breath samples from a patient with type 1 diabetes

Molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia theileri and Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in military working dogs and ticks collected from the Republic of Korea Army garrisons in Gangwon Province in 2021–2022

AbstractTick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) are an emerging concern to humans and animals in the Republic of Korea, especially within the military zones of Gangwon Province, a mountainous region abundant with wild fauna and ticks. This study aimed to detect six TBPs in military working dogs (MWDs) and ticks in this region using Nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) and sequencing. The targeted pathogens included Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella henselae, Borrelia spp., Orientia tsutsugamushi, Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) and tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). A total of 164 serum samples from MWDs were collected at the Korean Army Military working dog training center and 1418 ticks were collected at various training sites between June 2021 and August 2022. Haemaphysalis longicornis was identified as the predominant species (98.3%, n = 1394), followed by Haemaphysalis flava (1.6%, n = 22) and Ixodes nipponensis (0.1%, n = 2). This study detected A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia theileri in 1.4% (1/72) of the tick pools and detected SFTSV in 0.6% (1/164) of MWD serum samples. The MWD found to be infected with SFTS was a German Shepherd, but showed no significant clinical signs, with a normal complete blood count (CBC). In the phylogenetic analysis, three sequences were acquired. One sequence (OR865211) exhibited 100% homology with 16S rRNA of A. phagocytophilum identified from animals and human patients in the Republic of Korea. Another sequence (OR865152) displayed 99.34%–100% sequence similarity with 16S rRNA of B. theileri fragments. The third sequence (OR865115), which belongs to the SFTS B‐1 genotype, showed 94.7% sequence similarity to a strain identified in the Republic of Korea (KY789441).

Obedience training helps encourage potential owners to adopt shelter dogs

Obedience training helps encourage potential owners to adopt shelter dogs

Understanding in the canine classroom: learning to ‘lean’

ABSTRACT Using an ethnomethodological approach, we examine a particular case of a dog and its handler learning the ‘lean’ command. In this scene of instruction, we come upon a place where the uses of a word are taught to both dog and human. Revisiting Vicki Hearne’s influential book on animal training, we reflect on animals in conversation with their trainers, and the interconnected problems of understanding and of a dog’s specific rights. We describe the establishing of a new command as a body position, location and duration. The opening and closing of a door, as part of learning the new command, poses a puzzle of both instruction and rights for the dog as pupil. Our findings begin to contribute to the ‘missing what’ of dog training and question the limits of animal geographies in relation to the ethics in, and of, training and education with animals. In addition, we show how animal geographers can learn from and describe the public availability of intersubjective practices. Specifically, we describe the witnessable organisation of learning new commands, as part of which, we acknowledge and are attentive to the dog’s work, thereby contributing to studies of animal training, cross-species communication and classrooms.

SimuVet: a preliminary study of the innovative development of a simulator for epidural anesthesia training in dogs.

Epidural anesthesia in dogs is a locoregional anesthesia technique used in veterinary medicine, becoming an important integrated application in the anesthetic protocol to provide safer and more effective analgesia to patients. For this, professionals must adhere to rigorous guidelines and possess technical skills. In this context, in veterinary education, the development of practical clinical skills represents a crucial aspect in the training of these professionals. However, traditional teaching methods have proven insufficient to ensure a consistent level of competence among recent graduates. The introduction of non-animal alternatives for educational purposes has contributed to the development of simulation-based teaching, an innovative and accessible field capable of enhancing pre-clinical proficiency in students and reducing the use of live animals and cadavers. Despite its application in various areas of veterinary education, there are no conclusive results regarding the development of accessible simulators capable of effectively enhancing training in epidural anesthesia in dogs. Therefore, this article represents a pioneering study aimed at sharing a method for creating SimuVet, a realistic simulator for training epidural anesthesia in dogs. The simulator was fully developed by veterinary researchers with limited experience in 3D printing and, after preliminary analysis, demonstrated excellent performance and ultrasonographic anatomy. Future work will focus on the formal validation of this simulator with the aim of improving the teaching and learning process for students and experts in performing epidural anesthesia in companion animals.

Canine olfactory detection and its relevance for the medical identification of patients with COVID-19

Introduction The assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath or sweat represents a potential non-invasive and rapid diagnostic tool for respiratory diseases. Objective To determine if trained dogs can reliably identify the odour associated with COVID19. Methods This is a monocentric prospective study carried out in the Emergency Department (ED) of a university hospital fromJulyto November 2021.Axillary sweat samples from all patients were collected bytwo trained health care professionals. The samples were collected in the form of sterile gauze swabs placed under the armpits for at least 4 h for each patient.Then, Tubes wereshiftedto the double-blind dog training centre for VOC detection by two individuals. Results Dogs were tested using a total of 129 axillary sweat samples; 69 of the 107 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 based on their odours had a positive PCR/Antigen test and 19 of the 22 patients who were tested negative for COVID-19 by the dogs had a negative PCR test. The sniffer dog infection detection method had a sensitivity of 95.83% and a specificity of 33.33%. The PPV was 64.49% and the NPVwas 86.36%. The measurement of the intensity of the connection between the two variables (disease/sign) was very strong (Q = 0.84). This link is statistically significant (X2 = 19.13) with a probability p ≤ 0.001. Conclusion Overall, the use of trained detection dogs as a screening method for SARS-CoV-2 is an interesting avenue of research that warrants further exploration and validation.

The Two‐Inquiry Rule for Service Animals and Free Speech

The Department of Justice's regulations for the Americans with Disabilities Act allow two inquiries about whether a dog is a service animal. These regulations have been in place for almost 15 years but have generated little litigation over what is plainly a content‐based speech prohibition. Most recently, in Stalder v. Colorado Mesa University, a Colorado court of appeals held that a Colorado Mesa University staff member's “reasonable suspicion” that a student's dog was not a genuine service animal did not justify an inquiry into the student's medical records or the dog's training history before the staff member authorized access to a campus gym (https://bit.ly/3yLEJnC).

Боротьба з контрабандою: заходи та виклики

Ukraine, as a modern state, faces the challenge of effectively combating smuggling, which not only leads to significant budget losses but also poses a threat to national security and economic development. This article discusses the key aspects of this problem, from the causes of smuggling of equipment to the low level of incentives for customs officers and the threats they face. The reasons for smuggling are discussed, such as corruption, excessive customs duties and taxes, and imperfect legislation. The article also considers the need for parliamentary and public control over the actions of customs and border authorities, as well as optimization of taxation to ensure effective protection of the domestic market. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of international cooperation, technical support, dog training and public education for the successful fight against smuggling. The article also discusses the problem of low salaries and poor incentives for customs officers, which can jeopardize the effectiveness of the fight against smuggling. The article concludes with a section on possible threats to customs officials and ways to address them, including the possibility of threats, bribery and other negative influences that complicate their work. This article also discusses comprehensive measures such as technical support for customs, the development of a dog service, and the importance of public education for the successful fight against smuggling. The low level of salaries among customs officers and their weak incentives to disclose smuggling schemes are seen as a systemic problem that requires a comprehensive approach and solution. The author analyzes the threats that may be directed at customs officials by smugglers and criminal elements. Scenarios of influence, possible bribery, threats and other negative interactions are discussed in order to ensure effective measures to protect customs and border services. All these aspects interact and influence the success of the fight against smuggling in Ukraine. The article highlights the need for a systematic approach and cooperation of all stakeholders – government agencies, the public and international partners – to create an effective system that minimizes the risks and losses from smuggling.

Using ethically sourced training aids for human remains detection dog training

Human remains detection dogs (HRDDs) play vital roles in forensic investigations and search and rescue missions by detecting decomposing human remains. However, there is a lack of standardized training protocols globally. This study evaluates various ethically sourced HRDD training aids, including amputated limbs, blood, and teeth used by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Expanding on prior research, this study assesses amputated limbs stored outdoors, bone, tissue, blood, and teeth. The volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of these aids are compared to cadavers decomposing at the Research in Experimental and Social Thanatology (REST) facility. The results highlighted that the combined VOC profile from all HRDD training aid types demonstrates a 68% similarity to REST cadavers, emphasizing the potential benefit of exposing HRDDs to a diverse range of training aids. This is because the similarities in VOC profiles of individual training aid types (amputated limbs stored indoors, bone, blood, tissue, amputated limbs stored outdoors, teeth) with REST cadavers were lower than 68%. Teeth (without organic matter) were identified as the least ideal training aid for enabling dogs to detect cadavers based on VOC profiles and HRDD responses. However, training on teeth may be required for operational needs, particularly when HRDDs need to locate teeth during field searches. This study also highlights the effectiveness of using amputated limbs and blood together as they comprise a majority of the 68% VOCs found similar to the REST cadavers and elicit desirable HRDD responses to decomposition odor.