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Up until today, there is no better scent detector than the nose
of a dog.
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The right nose (1)
There are more than 700 known types of mines. They are made from wood,
metal, compressed explosive, plastic, bakelite and even glass. They are
round, cornered, flat or thick, asymmetrical, lightweight, heavy, large
or small. They are brown, red, blue, black, green, sand coloured or grey.
The only thing they have in common is the high explosive inside. Which
makes the detection of explosives one of the most important methods of
mine detection. Unmatched for that task today is the nose of a dog, also
referred to as a “bio-sensor”. Apart from mine detection,
dogs are extensively used for the equally important task of determining
which areas are not mined (Mined Area Reduction).
The successful detection of explosives by dogs is based on utilising
the animal’s urge to play. This makes a special relationship between
the animal and its handler critically important. If the dog is not in
the mood to play, it will not detect mines reliably. The search is conducted
with the dog on a long leash, clearing the area in a figure-of-eight search
pattern. If the dog detects the scent of explosives, it lies down (nose
first) 10 cm away from the signal. After the spot is marked, deminers
with the aid of metal detectors investigate and unearth the target which
may be up to 25 cm deep. As a reward for its work, the handler will play
with the dog.
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