Dogs are utilized in forensic science for their extensive scent-detection capabilities. They are often considered the “gold standard” in-field detection for targets such as illicit drugs and explosives. Despite their prevalence in the field, relatively little is known about how dogs interact with and transport volatile organic compounds through their olfactory system. In this study, 2 groups of dogs were utilized. Both groups were presented with 2 targets to which they were previously trained, 2 non-target odorants, which were novel to the canines, and a blank control. As the canines interrogated these odorants in the scent wall, sniff flow rate, sniff frequency (sniffs per second), and volume were calculated. Results indicated no difference in sniffing dynamics between the trained odorants; however, sniffing frequency increased significantly with increased training time. Law enforcement detection dogs were shown to take in significantly higher volumes of air during a sniff at higher flow rates compared to the sport detection dogs, but the sniff frequency remained similar for both groups.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.