THE ABILITIES AND UTILIZATION OF SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS IN THE DETECTION OF UNDERWATER HUMAN REMAINS
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Authors
Deckard, Michelle A.
Issue Date
2004
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This research project examines the abilities of search and rescue (SAR) dogs to detect human remains underwater, and how they can be employed as a credible resource in helping to locate drowning victims. Specifically, this research discusses the physiology of scent, surveys past and present theories on scent detection, explains the decomposition process during drowning, and probes the issues of water searching with dogs. Various research studies are compared and analyzed to determine the capabilities and limitations of water searching with dogs, through data recorded during actual water searches. The studies advocate the success of the olfactory abilities of dogs in detecting human remains underwater, the competence displayed by dogs in discriminating human scent from non-human scent, and the importance of diligent dog and handler training.