David Frost

I conducted a cadaver search for a law enforcement agency Friday. The problem they were having, they had a volunteer group conduct the search. The dogs they were using had 3 positve responses requiring a lot of manhours being expended. Nothing was found in those searches. I was called in after the dogs had hit another area where digging would be difficult and expensive as it would delay an ongoing project. I worked the area, maybe 3 acres tops, and found nothing. I asked before I started the search to NOT be told where the other dogs had responded. After we search the area, with no response, I then asked where the other dogs had responded. I researched those areas. No response. Discussing the events after I had ended my search, the detective told me the trainer had said the dog may have responded due to buried vegatation and the methane gas that was being released. He asked me. Of course I gave the standard answer (for me anyway) I didn't know the dog, nor did I know the trainer. My dog didn't give a response, so I can't say what the other dogs responded to. The only thing I could leave them with was; I know if my dog detects cadaver scent, he will go to source and respond. He did not do that in this area.

I am curious about the methane though. Has anyone experienced this, or hear of it.

DFrost

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DFrost

Any behavior that is reinforced is more likely to occur again.