It is not a sport competition but one of rescue and recovery. Eight states (FL, TN, GA, CA, WI, TX, NC, and NY) reported 150 finds to the Scent Evidence Bringing the Lost Home Program. 51 handlers and their K9s reported recovering 93 missing persons and 57 criminal suspect locations.
Two K9 Teams tied for first place in the Top Dog 2024 list: Angela Keller/K9 Wyatt from Orange County Sheriff’s Office (FL) and our very own Josh Pressley/K9 Becka from Banks County Sheriff’s Office (GA) each with impressive 23 finds in 2024.
A tie for first place
“Dep. Keller and K9 Wyatt have trained with us for the past 3 years and they utilized their advanced scent discriminate trailing and scent collection techniques to help achieve this important milestone for the Bringing The Lost Home Program in Florida,” Scent Evidence K9 CEO, Paul Coley stated. “Lives have been saved and the Orange County community is safer because of their hard work and dedication to the job.”
Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed couldn’t be more proud. “We are incredibly proud of K9 Becka and Corporal Pressley for being recognized as Top Dog and Handler of 2024. This award is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and most importantly the strong bond they share.”
The program points out key elements that bring success to a handler and K9. For handlers and their K9s communication is key. In scent detection, the handler must give clear, subtle cues to the dog, through body language and voice tone.
This indicates where to search and target the scent. The relationship between the handler and K9 is paramount. Successful scent detection relies on multiple factors, from effective communication to the dog’s specialized training. Understanding the dynamics between the handler and their dog can reveal the complexities of this remarkable teamwork.
Trust is key
A deep, trusting bond between the K9 and handler, is critical in a good partner relationship. The dog relies on the handler’s confidence and guidance throughout the search. When trust is established, the dog becomes more attuned to the handler’s instructions, making navigating through complex scent trails easier.
The stronger this bond, the more effectively the dog can carry out its scent-detection duties. This bond often develops over time through consistent training and shared experiences, creating an unspoken understanding between the two.
Handlers must teach their dogs to differentiate between various scents, emphasizing the target scent while ignoring distractions. This training is challenging but necessary, as it helps the dog focus on what’s important, whether it’s a missing person’s scent or a criminal’s trail. The dog’s ability to ignore background odors and follow the designated scent trail is a skill that requires patience and consistent practice.
Surroundings influence scent
The handler must consider various environmental factors affecting the dog’s ability to follow a scent when in the field. Wind direction, terrain, and potential scent contamination are all critical considerations. For instance, strong winds can carry scents away from the intended path, while challenging terrain might slow the dog down. A skilled handler knows how to adapt to these environmental challenges, making adjustments to ensure the dog stays on track.
A handler’s experience and skills play a pivotal role in the accuracy of scent detection. A seasoned handler can quickly interpret the dog’s behaviors and subtle alerts, which are key indicators of where the scent is leading. For example, a dog may tilt its head or show increased focus when approaching the target scent. Recognizing these signs and understanding their meaning allows the handler to adjust their approach accordingly, increasing the likelihood of a successful search.
Sheriff Speed added of Corporal Pressley and Becka, “Banks County Sheriff’s Office is honored to have K9 Becka and Corporal Pressley as a part of their team.”
RELATED:Rare partnership between a Banks County Sheriff’s Officer and his K9
