Cat Detection Dogs

So what do cat detection dogs do?  Cat detection dogs find lost cats, pure and simple.  These dogs are used to search a particular area for ANY cat that might be hidden.  As with other detection dogs, like hunting dogs and bomb dogs, cat detection dogs are given a command and then begin to search. They react when they detect the scent of a cat.  If during a search, they find the wrong target, they’re told “Good job now find another!”  and they then  search for more cats. 

Cat detection dogs are trained to react on the scent of cats.  In training, a cat is crated and hidden and the dog is taught to search for it.  Dogs that are trained in the work are ones that get very excited when they detect the scent of a cat. 

There are 2 advantages as to why  dogs are trained for this type of work.  First, since only their behavior is shaped, the training process is quick – about 3 to 5 months.  Second, since a cat dog doesn’t need an item that contains a scent (like that of the lost cat) and since it will alert on any cat that’s in the area, all lost cats can potentially be found, including homes with many cats where there is no clean scent item of an individual cat around. 

The main disadvantage to cat detection trained dogs is that they can only bes used to search for cats because their training is so specific. 

Only dogs that have a high level of interset playing with cats are selected for this training method.  Some of these dogs chase cats if given the chance and often can’t live with one because they’re unable to contain their excitement.  The key is that dogs are selected that would never injure a cat.  This requires a dog that will back down when swatted by a cat.