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What happens when a search shifts from finding someone alive to finding answers?

In this episode of Last Scent, we take a closer look at cadaver dogs and how they're trained to detect the scent of human remains. We'll explore the science behind what these dogs smell, how environmental conditions can affect a search, and why the relationship between a dog and its handler matters.

We'll also look at the limitations of scent detection and why even a well-trained dog isn't always right.

Source Material

https://alifeofdogs.com/the-history-of-cadaver-dogs/

https://www.dogmanray.com/true-stories/buster/

https://www.discovermagazine.com/how-cadaver-dogs-sniff-out-and-dig-up-decaying-history-44666

https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/first-cadaver-trained-dog/

https://www.dogtrainercollege.us/learn-to-train-cadaver-dogs-at-dog-trainer-college/

Martin, Clément et al. “Cadaver Dogs and the Deathly Hallows-A Survey and Literature Review on Selection and Training Procedure.” Animals : an open access journal from MDPI vol. 10,7 1219. 17 Jul. 2020, doi:10.3390/ani10071219

Rebmann, Andrew, Edward David, and Marcella H. Sorg. Cadaver Dog Handbook: Forensic Training and Tactics for the Recovery of Human Remains. CRC Press, 2000.

Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs: Use and Application for Unmarked Graves Searches. Prairie Indigenous Archaeology Partnership, University of Alberta, Jan. 2024.

"Student Disappears While Hitchhiking." The Cornell Daily Sun, vol. 89, no. 69, 6 Dec. 1972, https://cdsun.library.cornell.edu/?a=d&d=CDS19721206.2.9

Bachrach, J. (1974, June 6). Missing persons: Coed case is a study of investigative flaws. The Star-Ledger.

Peace River K9 Search & Rescue Association — “Cadaver / Human Remains Detection / Forensic Recovery Dogs — An Overview” https://www.prsar.org/cadaver-dogs.html