The Nose Knows: Why do Kinetic Explosives Detection Dogs with Enhanced Firearms Capable Technology Work on Campus?
The Nose Knows: Why do Kinetic Explosives Detection Dogs with Enhanced Firearms Capable Technology Work on Campus?
I started publishing a series of articles last year focused on the “Art and Science of Body-Worn and Concealed-Carried Theat Detection Capabilities” with the mission to be a catalyst for success within the detection dog industry through information sharing, insight to a mythology, and influence for what is possible. Our objective at Global K9 Protection Group has always been to bring together world-class canine professionals, subject matter experts in the explosives & firearms detection discipline, as well as public safety professionals to create a coalition of likeminded people able to deliver world-class solutions working together with a common goal – stop terrorists and keep people safe.
Innovation begins with understanding the threat and pooling resources to ensure we are collectively armed with the necessary information needed to make well-informed decisions. If you are a Security Professional focused on mitigating the risk of active shooter incidents, please follow the link provided below which shares a collection of resources and information - it is the most comprehensive I have read:
It is important to understand active and dynamic environments on school campuses, public gathering venues, and high-traffic pedestrian areas demand a specialized solution for mitigation and detection of firearms. How do we best support canine operations in direct contact against a variety of threat-delivery systems: body-worn, concealed-carried, vehicle-delivered or static explosive materials and firearms? In my opinion its less complicated than you think - if you know what detection discipline a dog is proficient you can direct their search efforts to maximize effectiveness.
What makes the most Advanced Mobile Detection System in the world work – the nose knows….
Without getting too technical there is a difference between Air-Scenting vs. Ground and Object-Scenting for detection dogs. As I like to say, “the nose knows” let me provide a quick overview:
Air-scenting involves sampling odor molecules in the air, as opposed to on the ground or from objects, where the dog searches for the target odor by sampling the air currents in order to identify and work an odor to its source. Advantage of air-scenting is the ability to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time and allows a dog to locate some static targets more efficiently and directly by using air currents instead of following a path.
There is a continuum between air-scenting and ground-object-scenting as all odors are guiding generally airborne, difference is in the degree to which a dog attends to open airspace vs. its tendency to attend to and interrogate the ground or objects for target odor. All dogs are capable of air-scenting and can be further fostered through training, breeds that naturally exhibit air-scenting are often selected for such tasks. Not all dogs are created equal, and our Kinetic Detection Dog exhibit behavioral characteristics associated with dogs bred and trained for person-worn or concealed-caried tasks, air-scenting ability assessed at an early age can be predictive of dogs’ future placement into a specific Detection Dog discipline.
Why Kinetic Detection Dogs are the right solution on your campus, venue, or event?
Kinetic is a specialized detection dog training method designed to detect explosive/firearms odor molecules moving through the air from a specific target [person or object]. Person-worn and/or concealed-carried explosive materials and firearms in a dynamic environment are primary mission of a Kinetic Dog.
Kinetic Methodology is a system of training methods to accurately detect mobile or static person-worn and/or concealed-carried explosive particles and firearms in a dynamic environment. Kinetic detection is Dog-Driven which is distinguished from traditional canine detection method which is Handler-Driven.
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Dog-Driven is an independent search method where the dog is out front and leads the hander to the source once it encounters a target odor. Canine searches the air for explosive odor molecules independent of the handler until the target odor is located and immediately return to continue searching after being rewarded.
Selection of canines are chosen based on their motivated to sniff and search independently. High levels of Independent Search Behavior or ISB critical in the selection process responsible for teaching the canine to follow explosive odor molecules, sample air currents, follow vapor-wake to the target and give a final response.
Positioning the handler must position the canine in an area that compliments kinetic detection screening to be conducted: choke points, areas in which people are walking or standing, lines of people, and crowds in which people may be standing or moving.
Air-Scenting involves sampling odor molecules in the air, as opposed to on the ground or from objects, where the dog searches for the target odor by sampling the air currents in order to identify and work a target odor to its source. Canine is trained to follow moving explosive odor molecules, trailing the target odor to its source which can be static or dynamic.
Maximizing Resources with World-Class Capabilities:
We are focused on delivering the next generation of detection dog capabilities advancing the art and science of what is possible in the detection dog industry. Understand the importance of selecting the right detection dog capability is critical to the operational impact a canine program can have on keeping people safe.
Kinetic Explosives Detection Dogs [KEDD] are the next generation of specialized canines and the first program in the country to be certified by the United Police Work Dog Association. Kinetic Detection is a science-based method for selecting, training, and employing dogs for the identification of body-worn [PBIED] and concealed-carried explosives or firearms. Kinetic dogs constantly sample the air for explosive odor molecules regardless of the delivery system.
Enhanced Firearms Capable [EFC] technology is leading the detection dog industry our dogs find concealed-carried weapons. Our Kinetic Explosive Detection Dog with EFC technology create the ultimate mobile detection tool denying access of unauthorized weapons into restricted areas or public spaces. Our enhanced firearms capable dogs can screen large crowds for both explosive materials and firearms. We understand the threat of firearms is increasing both on the domestic scene and international community our dogs are a critical tool all security professionals can deploy in their continuing efforts to keep people safe.
Explosives Detection Dogs [EDD] are a proven technology solution designed to mitigate risk with a more traditional mission. Our EDD teams address more vehicle-borne and package-borne IED type threats. Delivery trucks, passenger vehicles, parked vehicles, backpacks, and unattended items all fall into this category of K9 support
EDD applications are an extension of these general tasks and are deployed to focus on a particular search task, the context in which that search task, the context in which that search occurs, or the mode by which that search is performed.
The time for Action is NOW!
Summer is coming, our children are finishing school, we are heading outside to enjoy sporting events-festivals-public gatherings as public safety professionals - are we taking the necessary steps to keep people safe? I believe our Kinetic detection dogs provide a fast and efficient detection capability that can save lives with excellent mobility and utility over ground that is not accessible to vehicles and other mechanical clearance and detection equipment.
A well-trained detection dog is an advanced bio-technology tool capable of recognizing explosive materials, firearms, and ammunition by the distinctive odor of the explosives or other components of the devices threating our safety and security.
Join our coalition of public safety professionals by contacting Michael Larkin at Michael.larking@gk9pg.com or call my number 619 892-0383 for more information and to share strategies.