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

The Transportation Security Administration - or TSA - employs more than 1,000 explosives detection canine teams at any given time. But before they’re deployed to one of the many mass-transit sites across the United States, they must graduate from the TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Program. Insider spent a day with the program at the TSA Canine Training Center, located at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, to see how the TSA trains both dogs and handlers.
The dogs receive 24 to 32 weeks of training and work in a variety of environments, including mock aircraft and airport terminals. Trainers use classical conditioning to teach the dogs to search for odors from explosive materials. After six to eight weeks of training, the dogs are paired with a handler, whom they’ll finish the course and graduate with. Roughly 90% of all canine teams graduate from the course.
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What TSA Airport Dogs Go Through In Explosives Training | Boot Camp

[@ThatOneCorvusKing]

I've worked with service dogs and the amount of things they can smell is truly incredible, from a slight drop in blood sugar to an incoming seizure, their noses are almost like magic

[@williamnepinak5490]

my dog would notice when my sisters blood sugar would go low and alert us

[@ha8008]

how have you not been caught for being a ghoul yet? im sure you smell different from a regular human

[@metalheadlass9868]

Recently, it was discovered they can smell cancer too! Guardian angels

[@vp100]

learned something new about dogs

[@benjaminmcginty6302]

It's still weird they pay the handlers less than a CDL A truck driver especially when the dogs and handlers save lives and industry :(

[@andrewjackson4305]

I love how the dogs are always a rank above their handlers (at least in the military).

[@lordazn]

"Sit boy!" *BORK BORK* *sits down* "Yes sir"

[@Bxll_Bxll]

@@lordazn LOL "Sit boy" Dog: "Yes Sir" Trainer 0.0

[@damilolaowolabi6716]

I mean, technically the dogs spend more time training in dog years

[@melanin_n_kinks]

@@damilolaowolabi6716 it's so that they don't get mistreated by their handler.

[@Mr_Cynical]

My commanding officer once told me I had been promoted by putting a rank pin of the next highest paygrade on my dogs harness. It was awesome

[@piplup10203854]

That makes me so happy that they’re partners and part of the family. It’s like he said it’s a giant game for the dog. I’m glad to see them treated so well and with genuine love and affection. They’re all so sweet ☺️

[@jin_cotl]

Ikr 😭 I probably can’t resist petting them when I see one, but I know I can’t because they’re doing their jobs well!

[@ilikeminecraftgaming9331]

Same with service dogs or guide dogs,it’s so tempting but every time I see a do not pet jacket I’m liked”it’s for a reason,I won’t pet it!”XD

[@tnndll4294]

Those dogs and their handlers are heroes.

[@porksporktm5725]

@@ilikeminecraftgaming9331 well my granddad and I always ask the handler incase the dog is not working in that moment if we can pet it

[@ilikeminecraftgaming9331]

@@porksporktm5725 yeah good idea,I might do that next time I see one.

[@ikebeckman1074]

3:17 *classic serious voice* This dog, Poopy…

[@sarahosuna9082]

💀

[@charlesgamble4670]

I was hoping that someone would comment on that

[@LUISga55555]

I had to scroll down too far to find this

[@bradentheman1373]

that’s so funny bro

[@toastedtoastontoast]

I can’t believe there are people in this comment section who think this is “cruel” to the dog. Do you see how excited they are to do their job? Without these dogs, so many people would be dead.

[@missm2925]

Exactly! Dogs were literally MADE to work. Working makes most dog breeds feel incredibly fulfilled because it’s just what they were bred for.

[@Alienware173H]

I have yet to see a single comment say anything about cruelty

[@omeee]

You are not wrong, except one thing. How many such dogs prevented terror attacks? I will give you a hint. 0. TSA? 0. People feel falsely safer that way, that's it.

[@musicalmegan1401]

@@omeee did you even watch the whole video?

[@gavcom4060]

@@omeee seems like we’re doing a good job keeping them from entering an airport in the first place

[@Jesse-B]

I am constantly fascinated by the relationship between dogs and humans, and how many ways they help us.

[@Megadextrious]

For reals!! It’s so awesome how their incredible sense of smell can benefit for so many scenarios, dogs really are mans best friend

[@user-sf9gs2pg1b]

I honestly think every animal can benefit us in some way if we learned their strengths.

[@Owano]

Dogs are a gift from God

[@Jesse-B]

@@Owano That is why dog is God spelt backwards.

[@Owano]

@@Jesse-B exactly 😉

[@kria9119]

As an owner of a German Shorthair pointer, I have to say I'm delighted to see a couple of them in the video. Not only is their sense of smell amazing but they are genuinely delightful dogs

[@eva-w]

My mom grew up with one. He was her little sister's best buddy. One day she got into a fight with a neighborhood bully and ended up pinned down on the ground. The dog heard her screaming, came running and lickety split bully found himself pinned to ground with the snarling dog on top of himself! Love that story..

[@catwoman1256]

As someone who works for TSA, we truly love those dogs. They’re so sweet and always seem to want to please their handler so much. They’re a great weapon against terrorism.

[@keiyangoshin3650]

“Do not pet.” 😭 That’s torture! Jokes aside, these animals are first and foremost professionals! For myself I have never been approached by a sniffer dog in an aeroport. 😢 but I always smile when I see them. 🥰

[@erenprincess3632]

Hehe😅

[@kan50805]

My German shorthair pointer jump over my wall and returned through the front door

[@doczirebeka8312]

@Aluzky aside of not looking bad, but looking eager to work. They protect an entire country.

[@SnwBrdnSOB]

@Aluzky they get more compensation than any other pet. they get the best food, best health care, play hide and seek everyday with there favorite toy.

[@scush57746]

@Aluzky they aren’t humans, they are dogs. In their eyes, they are getting everything they could wish for.

[@samaraantaki791]

I work at doggy daycare and boarding facility and we house two detection dogs and when they come back from work we can tell they’re full filled cause they knock out in there beds. They’re such awesome dogs to have at our facility I’ve learned so much about there work through talking to there handlers.

[@samaraantaki791]

And let me tell you both the handlers treat them with love and care it’s not cruel at all they handler and dogs love what they do

[@Dogmaaa]

i love that - in spite of how crucial their job is - they are still spoken to LIKE DOGS. "good mans" "good boy" "good dog". its nice.

[@lolabaker8197]

The skills of these dogs are literally insane but man when the narrator said pupi I lost it😭😭

[@THGfan-vy8xc]

I was looking for a comment like this

[@bigj1905]

For all the advanced detection technology we have developed over time, nothing beats a dog and it’s nose.

[@youtubelu622]

I think this video highlights that even though these dogs are trained to an incredible level, they are still dogs with personalities and needs. They are motivated to save lives because they like to follow smells and they like their ball. I once saw a TSA dog at the end of its shift trying to convince the handler to play instead of watching the people go by; he was obviously bored from not finding anything suspicious!

[@redfailhawk]

For real! A lot of people think that the handlers see them (and service dogs) as working tools. No, we totally see them as dogs, and trust me, they get a lot of love when it's not working time! My dog guide is spoiled as heck when it's not time to work... she has an expensive dog bed, more toys than she knows what to do with, and she gets treats constantly. She's spoiled rotten. We see the individuals and we spend many years with our dogs, just like you would with a pet (hopefully!). I had 13.5 years with my last dog guide and I loved every minute. She thought every day was a game and got mad about retiring because she missed going on car rides with me all the time. The new one is less serious and more social and loves kids (unlike my last one) and about the only thing they have in common is a love of belly rubs and peanut butter! It's been so fun to work with another dog, but I do miss my first one an insane amount. They don't look anything alike.

[@JessicaReinke]

I work as a barber near Lackland and have had the privilege to meet quite a few of the handlers when they went through training with their dogs. They’re all great people who are really passionate about their jobs!

[@robem9077]

A female barber??

[@auggygobby8233]

@@robem9077 it’s just someone who cuts hair who usually specializes in “men’s” hairstyles, a barber can be someone of any gender :/

[@robem9077]

@@auggygobby8233 I could never trust

[@Infiniti-Benz]

@@robem9077 nah I get what you're saying, I'd never trust a man to cut my hair. only ever went to women & forever will 😁

[@connormichalec]

I love how the narrator says "poopy" in the most serious voice possible

[@slkriderchick]

These dogs always amaze me with how much they can detect in a single whiff. Having had a Retriiever/Jack Russell in the family their noses never lie, their energy level and eagerness to please is astounding and their intelligence makes me smile everytime I see their TSA counterparts when I see them in the terminals. If they could talk, they'd probably be able to tell you what you had for your last meal--yesterday morning.

[@katiewennerberg210]

The best part about them for me is I get to see a cute dog! And seeing them there makes me feel nice and safe

[@Farts4Hearts]

Seeing how happy the dogs are makes me happy

[@seastarbutterfly]

I had a dog like this in San Antonio the last time I flew. The lines went super fast. Nice and efficient. Great program!

[@ivanleinnn]

He contribute a lot more to this society than a lot of people

[@prfwrx2497]

3:19 Who the hell names a dog "poopy" lmao

[@SnwBrdnSOB]

Yoooo I was wondering the same thing haha.

[@crypticshadows]

it’s so funny, especially since a military person named them that

[@austinberry5696]

I always think it's a treat whenever search dogs walk past at the airport. I saw this one being trained getting all excited and sniffing everyone walking past like a little robot. They were just so excited to show their handler that they're ready for the job haha

[@manils35]

Having served in Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India, I know the importance of safety and security of passengers and the planes. A person on the job may skip or slip, but dogs won't. You are safe. Now a days there are machines to do job. (Particle Analyser). Thanks for the video.

[@manumusicmist]

Which machines may I ask?

[@Your_Local_WeirdWeeb]

It's amazing to know that dogs are able to do this, dogs truly are heroes

[@LinaGForero]

The only thing better than the dog being named “Poopy” is the narrator saying it very seriously.

[@KA-eu9sy]

Bravo to K9s! Especially to Brandy. All heroes saving lives. We really do not deserve dogs. They're too good for us.

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

I am currently training a VERY SMART rescue Lab/Staffy, and I train her every single day. This subject interests me totally. Highly trained dogs are amazing!!

[@redfailhawk]

ay yo! APBT/Husky mix for me! She's doing amazing. I actually took the in-training sign off my apartment door just recently... it felt incredible... now I just have legal notes about service dogs up as a reference for my landlord. My girl is loving being a spoiled pup.

[@luciferfallenangel666]

Alternate video title: Good creatures doing good things.

[@hellosunshine305]

I love how much these dogs love what they do. Dogs love to have a job!

[@Smileysue74]

Dogs are so awesome,, we should be doing more to protect all animals. This is a great program, I'm so glad that the dogs are treated well, as family members and hopefully that means that they receive a good retirement.

[@OneLastFlower]

3:19 I love the very serious narrator voice "this dog, poopy"

[@Andre-uu5xv]

Omg I remember Bak!! I went on a trip from PHL to MIA and Bak was the dog that screened me.

[@eddie918]

Meanwhile, my dog can’t even look in the direction I point

[@AnoraJohnson]

Cute comment. If you're serious though, point then throw a treat in that direction. Won't take long to get the point. 😉

[@cynthiar7350]

I donated a GSD back in the 70’s to the New Orleans PD. He was assigned to the bomb squad. He both loved & needed a big job as a working line shepherd.

[@robertcostache3763]

Never been this early to an insider video 😁

[@randomtheatrestuff107]

I was checked by one and it was so tempting to pet her. She was so cute and so close. She was very excited before she started working

[@lioreubm677]

These dogs be sniffing out bombs while my dog just leaves them on the floor

[@Michelle_B.]

I saw some bomb dogs at Disney World and while we walked past I mentioned that the dog was a good boy and the handler just smirked. 😂

[@AnoraJohnson]

Either she's heard it a lot, or the dog ate out of the trashcan that morning. Maybe both. 😉

[@redfailhawk]

@@AnoraJohnson the truth in this hurts.... recent story about my dog guide: Person in grocery store: aww so cute Me, just five minutes earlier: Lilypad! Stop huffing the bread! I know it smells good but you can't DO that in the grocery store... we're gonna get kicked out! Me: *trying not to laugh* yeah she's a mess Seriously though. If fresh bread smells so amazing to us, I wanna know what SHE smells...

[@AnoraJohnson]

@@redfailhawk 😂 Oh my goodness. I have a mobility service dog. He has his moments too, also usually following a compliment from a stranger. When he was in training he stole a foam squishy toy from the floor and wouldn't let go. I paid for it via the tag and got him to finally drop his prize after leaving the store. I kid you not it was a _poop emoji_ shaped squishy. Lilypad is the best name ever by the way. ❤

[@JaimeRodriguez-ok6om]

1:22 why I thought it was real dog 😭🤣

[@a-3077]

Same

[@amanrifat9085]

Great video! I love how the dogs were wagging their tails when they were with their future handlers aww😍

[@jackmurphy4100]

They do at least for police departments the handler buys them for $1. I'm pretty sure its the same for TSA

[@johneng1886]

I miss working with Gary and Bak... Great team to work with!!!

[@JetPackDino]

10:27 that squeaky tennis ball is the exact one my dogs are crazy about! Lol the squeak at the end woke all of them up, now I have to go play fetch

[@bobbieminami4484]

Thank you for. Your dedication and determination to keep us safe!

[@WeTravelOnlyByNightAsItsSoHot]

Love them Doggoes!! Thanks for keeping everybody safe!!

[@itsjackybova365]

Animal lives are so precious and important. It’s a true blessing to watch these dogs serve their country to keep us humans safe. God gave us animals as a gift and it’s time to respect them!

[@propertycharm7045]

I love dogs and the abilities they have! I think I might want to train dogs one day myself!

[@liveletlive3348]

_There is nothing more effective out there in all of TSA's arsenal_ _A well trained dog team is a force multiplier_ 🐕🐩

[@rmsteutonic3686]

This reminds me of the time I saw some soon to be service dogs being trained to use an escalator in a shopping centre. One was fine but the other was scared.

[@FADI_TINY]

I love this documentary way too much!!

[@liarodriguez9119]

My sister has three hound dogs, including a beagle and two basset hounds and god their noses are wild. The beagle is incredibly food motivated so I could never imagine letting that dog loose in an airport because he would destroy all bags containing food. Just today I caught the beagle a trick in less than 10 minutes using treats and he started doing it on his own for the food

[@ShadowBunnyification]

In Australia our Biosecurity and Quarantine Service use beagles just for that reason! Australia is lucky that a lot of pests and diseases aren't present here so the rules about importing plant and animal products are extremely strict. The beagles do an amazing job of detecting food in luggage and mail and preventing it from entering the country. Plus beagles are so cute that it's hard to be afraid of them.

[@liarodriguez9119]

@@ShadowBunnyification Man, funny you mention they're cute, my sister's beagle was adopted and it seems he had issues with past owners because he is incredibly aggressive. He's had a bunch of trainers at this point and gotten slightly better but that dog is something else.

[@franchescagiroir3549]

This is so wholesome

[@skb136]

All I keep thinking is “what a good boy” 🥺

[@guihe7095]

I've finally learned the pronunciation of malinois.

[@whydoyoucare4057]

dogs are so amazing

[@critical_shot9292]

I love the “DO NOT PET” sight on him

[@cultcity]

i used to own a german pointer that was a sniffer dog and it was hilarious when I took her into the airport and she was sniffing everybody’s luggage and we even met one that was on duty!

[@alexwolfeboy]

That’s adorable. They get into their habits just like us, and it’s harder to break one than it is to make one.

[@wickedwitch7456]

You better give her a treat 😂

[@yippiegal]

Did I hear him right did he say that dog’s name is Poopy? 😂

[@THGfan-vy8xc]

My dog also loves those squeaky tennis balls

[@snuggies8037]

What a cute pup! So good! 💕

[@johncameron4194]

He’s wonderful ❤️

[@a-listercrowley2737]

Holy shit!!! My grandfather used to train german shepherds there... San Antonio. Went back in 2017 and barely recognized the place I remember that one road 1604 was a dirt road then a two lane... now it looks like a full blown highway I miss all my old friends down in Texas hope they're doing well..

[@sunflowerhill1175]

Amazing dogs

[@preston2925]

He is a good boy

[@Claralopod]

I really enjoyed the interview with the guy at the end

[@jellypopcorn]

_Awesome to see this!~_

[@uttrakhandwala5204]

Just amazing

[@Inergee7]

3:20 wow did him dirty wit the name

[@jadewolf22]

Love that “work” for dogs is basically just them having fun and loving their best life

[@santhosh5240]

He's the healthiest Dog man ur Pro bro I love you.

[@scarydays6528]

"This dog, Poopy," lol

[@whyparkjiminnotridejimin]

Man I love all German dog breeds.

[@kan50805]

They also have good breeds

[@johncameron4194]

Dogs are the best

[@Mikay3218]

A true good boi

[@renviluan2842]

I think I found my calling!!

[@lymphant7738]

Never been too early in insider video

[@caitlincastro3041]

Omg i love this

[@skyepressley7261]

I’m super glad I found this video because I think this is what I want to do:)

[@kyra3085]

I want to see more videos about working animals.

[@kantameena9668]

You Go Bak

[@janellemora1728]

I smile whenever a TSA dog walks by me at the airport. The only torture is not being able to pet them.

[@nicolea2839]

We should be able to pet them! Who agrees?

[@Brent-jj6qi]

@@nicolea2839 sadly, it would distract from their jobs, it’d be like giving a security guard a nice long hug

[@ronnyshaji2700]

Sweet and talented dogs 😍😍😍

[@thekingofsevens7358]

So we're not gonna talk about the dog called poopy

[@pbm2023]

Impresionante el trabajo que realizan los binomios caninos .

[@rujuljain6040]

Respect the 🐶, Kindly be sweet to them as they are only loyal to us even more than humans.

[@aksel7177]

I'm very happy to see vizslas among the seven breeds . Best Hungarian waterhunting dogs

[@christ4572]

Good boys!!!!

[@viacomsspy5439]

Yall really named the dog poopy 😭

[@Keetoxx]

i love dogs

[@arielg7000]

so cool man and bad ass

[@KZNer_Drag0n]

So cool

[@PBGMHVE7785HD]

Awesome

[@inspiredme7030]

Good boys and girls

[@sophiafauni7990]

All dogs are good dogs, but these are the best

[@tb9267]

I really had to laugh... The last seconds of the video: the man presses the dog's squeaky toy and somewhere in the distance it barks 😂😂😂

[@emilydennie2712]

Look dad I found a bomb!! Can I have my toy now???

[@binaryseraph855]

That's a guuuud dawg

[@alecstaley1017]

This dog "poopy" hahaha

[@jonnyfranks5879]

Top dogs

[@devinfarkas8871]

3:19 I just wanna know who tf named that dog "Poopy." Lol