The training of our mine detection dogs is undertaken by the Canadian International Demining Corps (CIDC). The training is designed to focus on the smell of the explosive charge. A video of the detailed training can be seen in part 3 of Three Interviews in Bosnia and Herzegovina in our Resources section.

To learn more about CIDC visit their website www.cidc.ws

As with most working dog training, in the beginning, finding the explosives is set up as a game, as simple as "find the ball". Dog and handler progress to more challenging situations and the reward is the handler's enthusiasm and praise. The dog is trained to indicate an explosive by calmly sitting a short distance from the location of the scent.

Generally, the dogs and handlers work in areas that have been set up in 10 metre grids. These grids are laid out by manual deminers, which clear safe access lanes about a metre wide around the task area. The dogs and handlers work in teams. Each dog, held on a leash and upwind by their handler, traverses the grid. If a dog indicates the presence of explosives, the location is marked and another dog handler team traverses the same grid 3 hours later. At that time, any found ordinance is removed manually or mechanically.

The false alarm rate is low, the safety level is high, and the teams find mines before people get hurt. Landmine detection dogs are especially effective where non-metallic or plastic encased mines have been laid, since they are difficult to find using conventional metal detector technology. Conventional technology is also less effective where the soil contains metallic substances. Landmine detection dogs can also work in areas that are inaccessible to heavy machinery.

By efficiently determining minefield perimeters, dog and handler teams also significantly reduce time and resources required for surveying and mechanical and manual demining work.

Mine Detection Dogs save lives.