Human Remains Detection (HRD)

HRD dogs are specially trained to hunt for and locate deceased individual and human remains. They are an incredibly valuable tool for society and oftentimes the determining factor in whether a recovery is successful. From locating minuscule amounts of virtually unidentifiable evidence in criminal cases to providing closure to distressed families, HRD dogs work under law enforcement, civilian handlers and other investigative personnel to help close missing person cases. 

These incredible dogs are often required to work a large variety of environments in all weather conditions. From individual rooms inside of a building to hundreds of outdoor acres across variable terrain, the demands of an HRD K9 – handler team are extensive. The variability within working environments requires significant stamina and a thorough familiarity of navigating settings where odor movement differs substantially. It is imperative that an HRD K9 can generalize a massive spectrum of target odors in their various forms, states and combinations while ignoring similar non-target odors such as animal remains. 

HRD dogs are expected to successfully locate fresh bodies, bodies going through all stages of decomposition, and bodies which have been skeletonized for years. They are also expected to successfully locate any portion of human remains in their varying states of decomposition, from human teeth to flesh, individual limbs and everything in between. It is imperative that these dogs are able to distinguish the scent of human decomposition from all other species to prevent them from generalizing the odor profile too broadly and alerting on animal remains. 

Most HRD dogs work off lead at a distance from their handler while covering large amounts of area; however, in certain environments they are worked on lead or indoors and expected to search much more slowly and methodically. It is important that both a dog and handler understand the most optimal search strategy for each individual deployment and are able to conduct their search accordingly. HRD handlers are often working a delicate balancing act between directing their ranging K9’s movement when necessary without cuing them or disrupting active searching. 

Handlers must be able to effectively read their dog as they work and determine when their dog is nearing target odor opposed to when they are showing interest in something irrelevant. HRD requires an immense amount of teamwork between dog – handler teams, but it is a highly rewarding, necessary and purposeful discipline.