Traits and genotypes may predict the successful training of drug detection dogs

Identifying suitable detection dogs

“…Variation amongst performance can be breed related, with certain studies comparing specific breeds' performances (Rooney and Bradshaw, 2004;Maejima et al, 2007;Jezierski et al, 2014). This section will explore these comparative studies.…”

“…Similarly the Labrador Retriever is the most common narcotics detection dog in Japan (Maejima et al, 2007). Within these narcotic detection programs 30% of dogs that enter narcotics detection training become working detection dogs (Maejima et al, 2007).…”

“…Neutering will also decrease distractibility, roaming and aggressive tendencies (Hart and Eckstein, 1997;Maejima et al, 2007).…”

“…Motivators which are important during detection dog selection are play-, prey-, and huntdrives (Maejima et al, 2007;Hurt and Smith, 2009;Reed et al, 2011;Beebe et al, 2016;Minhinnick et al, 2016). A dog's play-drive is the desire to be entertained, which ensures the dog values a toy or play reward in exchange for performing a particular behaviour (Cablk and Heaton, 2006;Hurt and Smith, 2009;Duggan et al, 2011).…”

“…Breeds have specific traits that are linked to genetic mutations or to artificial selection by humans (Serpell and Duffy, 2014). For detection dogs, genetic differences, often expressed morphologically, may determine working aptitude (Maejima et al, 2007).…”