What techniques do trailing canines use to locate a subject?

Trailing techniques refer to methods used by canines to follow a specific scent trail left by a person. This technique involves the dog using the unique scent left in the environment, such as footprints, skin cells, or other scent particles that individuals shed as they move through an area. The dog learns to recognize and follow this scent, enabling it to locate the subject, even over great distances or across different terrains.

Trailing dogs are typically trained to differentiate between various scents and determine changes in scent concentration, allowing them to stay on track and follow the subject’s path effectively. This is particularly valuable during search and rescue operations where finding a specific individual is crucial.

In contrast, other techniques such as visual tracking focus on observing physical signs like broken twigs or disturbed foliage, and airscent techniques involve detecting scent particles carried by the wind without a distinct path to follow. Physical tracking is generally not the primary method for trailing canines, as it may not rely on scent alone. Therefore, trailing techniques are essential for the specific practice of scent work aimed at locating a subject.