Role of time in K9 narcotic training aids: Perspectives on working dog performance

• In Event: Graduate Competition Oral Session 1

Abstract

There has been little scientific research into the age of narcotic training aids in relation to K9 performance, even though they are a pivotal part of the training regimen. The purpose of this study was to instrumentally monitor target odor vapors emanating from real and pseudo K9 training aids based on age and document alert performance during K9 field testing. The odor evaluation process consisted of collaboration with the Lubbock Police Department (LPD), Canine Unit and use of their narcotic training aids that range in age of up to 10 years compared to fresh training aids. The study used four certified narcotic detection K9 teams for field testing purposes. Instrumental evaluation utilized Divinylbenzene/Carbon/Polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) coated Solid Phase-Microextraction (SPME) fibers that were injected into a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) system for the identification of extracted narcotic headspace odor profiles of heroin and cocaine. The pseudo narcotic formulations were evaluated in a controlled laboratory setting ranging from a 2-12-week storage time. The findings include an assortment of chemical compounds emitted from each narcotic exhibiting a distinctive odor profile as a factor of age. The data instrumentally validated the changes of target odor volatiles on commonly used canine training aids during routine maintenance training exercises.

Authors

• Lauren Alejandro, Graduate Student

• Paola Prada, TTU Research professor PhD.