Sniffing compass for the deployment of detection dogs

Detection dogs can do much more than locate drugs or explosives. Increasingly, they are being used in surprising and innovative projects: from finding rare animals to detecting invasive species. The possibilities seem endless and continue to grow every day.

We are developing an evidence-based protocol to assess whether innovative detection applications with dogs are feasible and meaningful. Because many unknown factors come into play, it is often difficult to accurately estimate their deployability. That is why we combine literature research, practical cases, and international expertise into a clear checklist that provides guidance for researchers and professionals. In this way, we bring science and practice together and work toward reliable detection dogs ready for tomorrow’s ecological challenges.

Oct '25 / Oct '27

Odisee, cluster (bio-)technologie

Feasibility protocol for innovative use of detection dogs in the field

At Agro-Bio, we have been using specially trained detection dogs for years. People often ask us: “Can dogs also detect this or that, and is it useful?” The answer is not always simple. Dogs have long been used to find drugs or explosives, but today they are increasingly deployed for innovative purposes. Think of ecological projects, such as detecting animal species, plants, or even fungi. Many unknown factors make this work complex, and we cannot always be sure in advance whether an assignment is feasible.

Interest in detection dogs is growing rapidly. More and more organizations approach us with questions and collaboration proposals for new applications. During previous networking days with Odisee, we brought together governments, researchers, companies, and dog trainers. This led to concrete projects: from detecting stag beetles and otters to locating nests of endangered red wood ants, and even detecting invasive species such as flatworms in greenhouses and crayfish.

Today, we answer such questions by combining literature research with field visits, observations, and test sessions with dog teams. As the number of new cases continues to grow, we are developing a feasibility protocol: a practical checklist that allows us to quickly and reliably assess whether dogs can be deployed for a specific detection goal. We validate the protocol for content and usefulness in the field, with feedback from international experts in ecological organizations and detection training. We also provide a clear step-by-step plan for try-outs, so a selected dog team can test feasibility in practice after theoretical considerations have been made.

Additionally, we are working on guidelines to better estimate replicability by other dogs, considering factors such as the dog’s characteristics and training level.

detection dogs – feasibility protocol – innovative goals – ecological detection – practice-oriented research – Agro- and Biotechnology – invasive species

Also check out our study on using detection dogs for wild boar carcass detection. This research is particularly relevant as African Swine Fever (ASF) is spreading in Europe and poses a serious threat to the pig industry.