Airport Bomb Dogs - Personal Anecdote

[peg2001]

As I was sitting near the gate waiting for my flight to start boarding, I saw security walking around with a dog, I assume trained to sniff out explosives. The dog was VERY interested in my backpack and returned again and again to sniff. I was fully expecting the security officer to ask to search my bag but he finally scolded the dog to "LEAVE IT!" The dog was apparently sniffing the scents of the 4 cats and 1 dog that I have at home since I didn't have any food in the bag. I am guessing that if the dog actually smelled something suspicious, he would bark and that is why the security officer knew it was something innocent.

Peggy

 

[ckj]

It makes me feel more comfortable when I fly to see the security dogs walking around.
I've seen a few dogs that are trained to sit when they smell whatever they are trained for.

 

[Kermit]

That is kind of odd that they didn't search your bag, but I guess you're probably right that the dog has some sort of signal he gives when it's bomb residue that he's smelling. I don't know how they get those dogs to just smell for specific stuff. If my dog had that job, he'd have them open all of the bags with goldfish crackers in them.

 

[hercamore]

LOL

Was it a beagle? I read about the Orlando Airport using beagles for bag searching cuz they're non-threatening and small.

Herc.

 

[hercamore]

LOL

Was it a beagle? I read about the Orlando Airport using beagles for bag searching cuz they're non-threatening and small.

Herc.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Typically bomb/drug dogs are trained to Sit when they 'hit' on something suspicious... The dog's human parter is typically very close to the dog, and can also tell when he's just sniffing other things. We actually have a few K-9 Units on property here... I've had the opportunity to meet with one of them and hear all about it... it's a pretty cool thing. I beleive our dogs are German Shepherds...

 

[peg2001]

This was in the Knoxville, TN airport (McGhee Tyson) and it was a German Shepard. I can understand how using beagles would be less intimidating for the passengers!

I loved Kermits comment about the goldfish crackers!

Peggy

 

[inkkognito]

They used a lab in the Disney Cruise Line port. It was very interesting to watch him work, but they had to keep reminding the kids not to pet him (they are not supposed to be petted by strangers while "on the job"). He was so cute that it was hard to resist!
It reminds me of my cats when I come home from the barn...they love to sniff me to smell the "strange" cats, dogs, horses, geese, etc. It must be like a smorgasboard of smells.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[idontknow]

When we flew from Indy to MCO last year, there was a German Shephard in the first row. He and his handlers were the last ones on and the first ones off. The dog was beautiful! He was pretty good, but it was his first time flying and you could tell. (he wined on occation, but nothing that was annoying) He kept going from the floor to the seat where he would put his head on the headrest and look at the person sitting behind him. (the handlers did a good job of easing the people's minds that were around them) They were on their way down to Daytona for training. It's kind of funny. When we were in the airport in Indy, DH asked if I saw the dog. I said no, but I had heard it. The dog was barking up a storm and the handlers didn't do anything to stop him. I mentioned to DH, with energy like that, the dog must be in training. I was really amazed at how well everyone reacted. (although we were in the second row, so I didn't see the faces of the people behind us, but no one screamed.) I did feel a lot safer with the dog on board compared to having a US Marshal with a gun.

I saw a show about the beagles at Florida. It was great! They were using the beagles for what they do best............eat. The handlers walked around with the beagles and if they smelled food (trained to smell for certain food) they would sit until the handler checked it out. I had to laugh, because my mom has a beagle that would be great at the job. All he wants to do is eat! That's a beagle for you. LOL

 

[Miss Jasmine]

K-9's...my favorite police officers, customs agents and security personnel. I love seeing their differnet personalities emerge when that badge or special collar is put on. They are great!!!! But yes sometimes they will get distracted by another scent. They are dogs after all.