Item: Case Study of Distracting Smells: Assessing Avalanche Rescue Dogs' Ability to Perform with Contaminants on Site
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Title: Case Study of Distracting Smells: Assessing Avalanche Rescue Dogs' Ability to Perform with Contaminants on Site
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Molly Schouweiler [ Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, AK, USA ]
- Eeva Latosuo [ Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, AK, USA ]
- Paul Brusseau [ Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs, Anchorage, AK, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Avalanche search and rescue dogs are efficient in locating buried humans in avalanche debris when alternative rescue techniques fail. It is poorly understood how surface contaminants affect a dog's scenting ability at the search site. In spring 2014 we developed a practical and repeatable methodology to test three dogs' scenting abilities amidst various surface contaminants including tree debris and gasoline fumes. We conducted a follow-up study in January and February 2015 using 11 additional operational dogs from volunteer search and rescue organizations and ski resorts around the country. The tests included control and contaminant tests on 25-m by 25-m simulated avalanche debris fields. Additionally, we used three operational avalanche dogs to test performance with snowmachine exhaust on site. Quantitative analysis reveals mean time to find articles was slightly higher in tree-debris test than control test and slightly higher in control test than gasoline test though no significant differences were found in either control and experiment tests. Additionally, dogs found slightly more articles per second in control test than tree debris test and slightly more articles per second in gasoline test than control test though no significant differences were found. Results indicate mean time taken to find articles was slightly higher in control test than exhaust test and mean articles found per second were slightly higher in exhaust test than control test though no significant differences were found. Analysis of contaminants effects on scenting abilities will provide handlers insight into avalanche dogs' scenting abilities and help enhance the training of avalanche rescue dogs.
Object ID: ISSW16_P3.13.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: avalanche rescue dogs, contaminants, scent discrimination
Page Number(s): 990-997
Subjects: avalanche search and rescue avalanche experiment rescue dog training
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