How Are Dogs Trained to Sniff Out Certain Substances?

Dogs are trained to sniff out substances such as illicit drugs, particularly narcotics and drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. They also are trained to detect explosives, such as nitrate and chlorate explosive salts. Popular breeds include German shepherds, Labrador retrievers and Belgian malinois. Typically dogs are trained to sniff vehicles, outdoor areas, schools, warehouses, residences and other buildings. Dogs trained to sniff out illegal or harmful substances may also be cross-trained in trailing, tracking or patrol.

  1. Basic Obedience

    • Detector dogs must first be trained in agility, endurance and obedience. The handler must be able to rely on the dog during crucial times, so these basics are vital. Dogs who love to play tend to make good drug-sniffing dogs, because their work is a game to them: once they find the illicit drugs, they get a reward from the handler. Rewards can be treats or play and attention.

    Plain White Towel

    • To begin training a dog to sniff out drugs or explosives, use a plain white towel. Each time the dog locates the towel, he gets a treat and perhaps a tug-of-war game with the handler.

    Introduce the Substances

    • As the training progresses, the handler rolls a bag of a specific substance--marijuana, for example--into the towel. The dog then associates the smell with the towel--and thus playtime and a treat. The process can be repeated with other smells and substances. Handlers increase the difficulty by hiding the drugs in different locations.

    Passive or Aggressive Alert

    • Dogs need to alert their handlers when they smell specified substances. An aggressive alert usually consists of scratching. A passive alert is sitting down. It is up to the handler to decide whether to train the dog to be passive or aggressive. It is important the dog be taught never to grab or touch the drugs.

    Become Certified

    • Dogs that complete training can become certified with the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association. All K-9's must find marijuana and cocaine to certify. The NNDDA lists other testing requirements a dog must pass for certification. In addition, to be eligible to certify a dog, “one must be a full-time paid law enforcement officer, or corrections officer either local, state, federal or retired officer or be employed by a private investigation firm who is a member in good standing with NNDDA,” according to the NNDDA website.