Human Remains Detection

Dave Balmat with K-9 Lucas at the Allentown Gas Explosion Site

This topic and discipline of training may not be for everyone. If you stay with me here I will explain the fine art of HRD dogs and training philosophy’s, as well as the importance of well trained  dogs and educated handlers that work in this field.

HRD is the new, well educated term to define this particular type of detection work with our K-9’s. We no longer use the term Cadaver Dogs. The definition of cadaver is a corpse, a dead body, especially one that is to be dissected.

Some may find it a bit morbid to train a dog in such a discipline. But the handler will need a strong constitution to excel in this field as well as a very high level of professionalism and able to control emotions in extreme conditions of pressure and stress.

In dealing with human remains detection we are teaching our dogs to find just that. Not cadavers.

HRD dogs are used on a daily basis locally and throughout the world. From missing persons, suicide subjects, disaster sites, natural and intentional, drowned persons, just to name a few and are often invaluable in closing cases for Law Enforcement Agencies working older cases when new information arises. 

Although these dogs are taught to indicate on the presence of human remains often they are cross trained to find lost and missing persons as well. 

At Consummate K-9 we take great measures to train our dogs properly starting with a protocol teaching a somewhat passive alert and allowing it to become what the dogs’ natural indication will be depending on the dog. Many dogs will need to be toned down especially if they are the high drive K-9s. Barking at source is ok. Pawing at source is ok. Sitting or downing at source is ok. Sniffing deeply and indicating to the handler is ok. Biting at the water is ok. But eating at a scene is absolutely unacceptable. I have a great story on this for you later.

We use training aids in various stages of decomposition and weight. Bone, tissue, skin, fat, hair, organs, finger nails, body burns, and cremations to be brief. We prove out all dogs on carrion and food. 

Question,

DO HRD DOGS GET DEPRESSED WHEN THEY FIND DECEASED PEOPLE? 

Answer, NO!

Question,

DO HUMANS GET DEPRESSED WHEN THEY FIND DECEASED PEOPLE AND PASS THAT ON TO THEIR HRD DOGS?

Answer, YES!