Running from Tracking Dogs: Debunking Bloodhound Myths

Objective

To explore and debunk common myths about bloodhound capabilities in tracking humans by putting them to the test through various challenges and tricks.

Introduction

• The host is attempting to evade a tracking dog in a forest with several engineered distractions.
• Aim to test and debunk five common myths about bloodhounds.

Challenge Setup

• An hour is given before the dog starts tracking.
• Various contraptions and strategies devised based on research are used to outsmart the tracking dog.

Participants

• Shay: Expert search-and-rescue handler with over 30 years of experience.
• Zinka: The tracking dog, a German Shepherd.

Myths to be Tested

1. Myth 1: Bloodhounds are almost never used these days; German Shepherds like Zinka are preferred as they are equally good at scent tracking and are more intelligent.
2. Myth 2: Ability to track by distinguishing between scents even if multiple people have touched an item.
3. Myth 3: Dogs have a 1,000 times better sense of smell than humans across all areas.
4. Myth 4: The handler is equally important in tracking as the dog.
5. Myth 5: Dogs track humans by their DNA.

Key Tests and Strategies

• Hiding Test: Using personal items like a watch for Zinka to track.
• Squirrel Distraction: Using a taxidermy squirrel to test Zinka's distraction.
• Sock Drone & Rover: Creating scent trails using drones and rovers with articles of the host's clothing.
• Hydrophilic Scent Molecules: Testing if water can wash the scent away.
• Mega Fans: Creating a powerful wind to misdirect scent molecules.

Findings and Conclusions

• Myth Busting: Zinka easily tracked despite the distractions, debunking the myths about limitations in tracking.
• Intelligence and Training: A dog's capability also relies on the handler's guidance.
• Comparison to Human Senses: Humans may have a superior sensitivity to certain smells (e.g., petrichor) than others but not for all scents.
• Squirrel Distraction Ineffective: A bloodhound's training and the handler's cue prevent her from being distracted easily.
• Result: Despite all tactics, Zinka was able to track and find the host consistently.

Conclusion

Though attempted distractions caused minor delays, they were ultimately ineffective against a well-trained tracking dog like Zinka. The collaboration between the dog and handler proved crucial in the success of scent tracking.