All Humans, Alive or Dead, Constantly emit microscopic particles bearing Human Scent. Millions of these are airborne and Are carried by the wind for considerable Distances. The Air Scenting SAR dog is trained to locate the scent of any human in A specific search area. The Dog is not restricted to the missing person’s Track and can search long after the track is obliterated. Many air scenting dogs are also trained in trailing/scent discrimination.

Upon arrival at the search site, dog handlers report to the Incident Commander. After initial searches of trails and paths, each Dog/Handler Team is usually assigned a segment of the search area to cover systematically. Handlers usually work their dogs downwind of the section assigned to them or cover the area in a way that provides dogs with the best scenting coverage. Handlers map the area they have covered and report their POD (Probability Of Detection) to the plans section or operations leader upon completing their assignments. Search Dogs can work in areas where other searchers have been, and they can work with other search resources, such as man trackers. Using scent articles, they can discriminate for the missing Person.

They can work Day or Night, in most kinds of weather, and are Especially effective where human sight is most limited In the dark, in dense woods or heavy brush.