K9’s Reason for Being

INTRODUCTION

It is common knowledge dogs can follow a scent trail undetectable to humans. However, a problem arises when we try to bring this information before a court of law. Courts should not accept evidence that may be based upon unreliable information. We must be able to describe the dog’s ability in specific factual terms to be acceptable. At a minimum, every handler must qualify as an expert witness in the use of his or her dog, otherwise tracking evidence testimony will inadmissible. Beyond courtroom purposes it is helpful to understand what the dog does when managing scent or odor. The dog is unable to tell us what he or she perceives so we are left to examine whatever evidence we find. The goal of this class is to help you understand and apply the evidence. Thoughtful application of this material will improve your training and handling. Understanding the dog’s ability, and what scent is,...