Find out how we train our Explosives Search Dogs

To continue our exclusive behind the scenes insight into the variety of roles in the Met, we explore the work of our explosives search dogs and their handlers.
A dog's nose is many, many times more sensitive than that of a human, and so is ideal for tracking or detecting, whether it be drugs, criminals, bombs, stolen property or people.
Explosives search dogs are part of our Dog Support Unit who support colleagues and respond to emergency calls where their unique sniffing skills can be used to help make London safer.
Our explosives and narcotic search dogs must be very calm and work methodically, but must also possess a high level of motivation. The training is reward based, and the dogs must bark or freeze when they have detected the presence of explosives or narcotics. They are taught to search in a variety of environments and they possess a high level; of stamina to ensure they can work for long periods of time.