Canadian
canine search corps
Residential Schools and the use of:
Historical Human Remains Detection Dogs
CCSC has been involved in numerous searches at the sites of former residential schools throughout Western Canada. Specialized training results in our dogs being able to detect trace amounts of human decomposition buried deep below ground as it travels to the surface from gravesites over 100 years old.
HHRDD
Historical Human Remains Detection Dogs (HHRDD) are specially trained to detect, locate and alert on odours from the decomposition of buried human remains.
Trained Final Response
HHRDD are trained to give a “trained final response” (TFR) or alert where the odour of human remains is most concentrated at the surface.
Odour Pathways
Decomposition odour travels to the surface along the path of least resistance. Factors such as soil composition, compaction, water presence, topography, burrowing animals, and root systems can cause odour to shift horizontally before reaching the surface. As a result, HHRDD may alert where the odour emerges, which may not be directly above the body.
Terrain Versatility
HHRDD are highly capable of covering large land areas in various challenging terrains (e.g., thick brush, dense woods, water, and steep slopes) in a relatively short period of time.
​
