What TSA Airport Dogs Go Through In Explosives Training | Boot Camp

Summary

This video follows the training and deployment of explosive detection canine teams at TSA. The spotlight is on Bak, a highly skilled dog working with handler Gary Stoerrle at Philadelphia International Airport. The training process at the TSA Canine Training Center involves teaching dogs to detect explosives, starting with basic play and progressing to real-world scenarios. Trainers use various breeds, like Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, to ensure success in detecting explosive scents. The bond between handler and dog is vital for effective detection, ensuring safety for passengers across the United States.

Takeaways

• 😀 TSA canines play a crucial role in airport security, detecting explosives and dangerous materials to ensure passenger safety.
• 🐕 Each TSA canine team consists of a dog and a handler, working closely together to detect potential threats.
• 🎓 The TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Program trains over 300 dogs and 150 handlers annually at the Canine Training Center in San Antonio, Texas.
• 🚁 The program has been evolving since 1972, with the first successful canine detection preventing an explosion on a TWA flight.
• 🐾 Dogs are trained to detect specific explosive materials using their natural olfactory abilities, with toys as rewards during training.
• 📚 Dogs are conditioned to display a 'passive final response' (sit or down) once they identify an explosive scent.
• 🌍 Over 1,000 TSA canine teams are deployed nationwide to screen passengers, luggage, and cargo at airports.
• 🦮 Breeds like Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers are preferred for their cognitive and olfactory skills.
• 👐 Handlers must undergo rigorous training to learn how to work in sync with their dogs, including managing leash control and recognizing behavior cues.
• 💼 The bond between handler and dog is essential for success, with teams working together for up to 16 weeks to build trust and understanding.
• 🎯 Canine teams are trained to detect dozens of explosives based on current intelligence, ensuring they are prepared for evolving threats.

Q & A

What is Bak's role in the TSA?

Bak is an explosives detection canine working with his handler, Gary Stoerrle, at Philadelphia International Airport. Together, they screen passengers for explosives.

How does Gary Stoerrle feel about working with Bak?

Gary Stoerrle believes that Bak is highly effective at his job and that he trusts him so much that he would feel safe putting himself or his family on a plane that Bak has screened.

What is the process of training for TSA canine teams?

TSA canine teams undergo a 16-week training program at the TSA Canine Training Center in San Antonio, Texas. The training includes searching for toys, detecting explosive scents, and working in simulated environments like mock airplanes and airport terminals.

How many dogs and handlers are trained annually through the TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Program?

The TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Program graduates more than 300 dogs and over 150 handlers every year.

What types of dogs are commonly used for explosives detection by the TSA?

The TSA primarily uses Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Vizslas, as these breeds have strong cognitive abilities and excellent olfactory skills.

How do trainers teach dogs to detect explosives?

Dogs are initially taught to search for their favorite toy, and over time, they learn to associate the detection of explosive odors with receiving the toy as a reward. This conditioning helps the dogs learn to passively alert to the presence of explosives by sitting or lying down.

What was the historical event that led to the creation of the TSA's explosives detection canine program?

The TSA's explosives detection canine program originated after a bomb threat on a TWA flight in 1972, which was thwarted by a trained police canine. Following this, President Nixon ordered the creation of the FAA Explosives Detection Canine Team, which was later transferred to the TSA.

What is the role of the handler in the TSA canine teams?

Handlers are responsible for working closely with their dogs, guiding them through searches, and rewarding them for detecting explosives. They must also ensure their dogs stay focused and respond appropriately during screening procedures.

What is the significance of 'leash control' during the training of TSA canines?

Leash control is crucial in canine training because handlers must balance guiding their dogs and allowing them to freely follow their instincts. Improper leash control can disrupt the dog's ability to detect odors effectively.

How does Bak's behavior indicate he has detected something during a search?

Bak shows subtle behavioral changes, such as spinning in circles, when he detects an odor. This is a sign that he has found something, and he is eager to alert his handler to the discovery.