TSA"s Bomb-Sniffing Dogs Get Even Better

I've got a pretty big snout...wonder if the TSA folks could train me?

This fascinating article in a recent NY Times explains the ins and outs of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA's) rigorous dog training program—and we're not talkin' teaching us hounds how to "sit" and "stay".  It turns out that "dogs remain the best method of detecting bombs", but their training is done by humans...and the TSA's humans have to make sure their canine training methods stay at least one step ahead of the bomb makers'.

The TSA's training facilities and dog training techniques have become more elaborate as they learn the latest tactics of the dastardly bomb makers. Most of these heroic canines have 15-25 weeks or training before they're deployed in the "field'. According to the article: "Seventeen warehouses here [at the TSA's dog training center at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio] contain mock airport settings, including cargo bays and even a room with a replica of the interior of a 747 aircraft. Dogs are also trained to operate on trains and aircraft."

You'll love this brief, yet high intensity video showing one dog's training session.

We hope you enjoy reading about these canine heroes and their trainers as much as we did. And let us know what you think of the TSA's program and this super cool video—we'd love to hear your thoughts!

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