TSA"s Bomb-Sniffing Dogs Get Even Better

I've got a pretty big snout...wonder if the TSA folks could train me?

This fascinating article in a recent NY Times explains the ins and outs of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA's) rigorous dog training program—and we're not talkin' teaching us hounds how to "sit" and "stay".  It turns out that "dogs remain the best method of detecting bombs", but their training is done by humans...and the TSA's humans have to make sure their canine training methods stay at least one step ahead of the bomb makers'.

The TSA's training facilities and dog training techniques have become more elaborate as they learn the latest tactics of the dastardly bomb makers. Most of these heroic canines have 15-25 weeks or training before they're deployed in the "field'. According to the article: "Seventeen warehouses here [at the TSA's dog training center at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio] contain mock airport settings, including cargo bays and even a room with a replica of the interior of a 747 aircraft. Dogs are also trained to operate on trains and aircraft."

You'll love this brief, yet high intensity video showing one dog's training session.

We hope you enjoy reading about these canine heroes and their trainers as much as we did. And let us know what you think of the TSA's program and this super cool video—we'd love to hear your thoughts!

Share

Could These Dogs Have Prevented The Boston Bombing?

Their trainers at Auburn University say, probably "yes". Check out this segment that just aired tonight on Anderson Cooper's CNN show to see why. It's interesting that this particular bomb sniffing training program passes on the traditional police and military use of German shepherds and Malinois, in favor of Labs and spaniels, mainly because they don't stand out as what most people think of as bomb-sniffing dogs and wouldn't attract attention in a crowd. The footage of the dogs in training is pretty cool, too.

And what Anderson Cooper says at the end of the segment is, well, why we love Anderson Cooper!

We're wondering if these highly trained canines, who can track a bomb's vapor trail over several hundred yards, will start making more appearances at large, public events...one would think so. 

Share