In April of 2007 Sable began an extensive scent tracking program. Based on the most common illicit discharges, it was decided that raw human sewage and detergents (surfactants) would be the focus of Sable’s training. Raw human sewage from residential septic systems and municipal sources were used in the training sequence.  Additionally training was conducted separately on a variety of household detergents.  The goal was to train Sable to detect the presence of detergents when the human sewage was not present, allowing him to track illicit laundry connections to storm sewer systems.

During this stage, Sable was first introduced to the scent to ensure there was no aversion. A positive reward was linked to the scent so he would be encouraged to pursue it when encountered. Negative associations or ignoring behaviors discouraged pursuing those scents not associated with the targets.

Sable progressed rapidly with scent recognition and was exhibiting the desire to seek out the scent and follow it to the source. He soon advanced to off-leash searching and increased difficulty of terrain and scents. Sable worked in windy conditions, higher vegetation, and with false targets containing scents he would most likely encounter while working in drainage areas.

In July 2007 Sable began working on live field trials. He was taken into county drains where known illicit connections and clean outfalls existed based on previous site investigations. Water samples were taken and lab results confirmed the presence or absence of sewage and/or surfactants.

By August of 2007 Sable was a full member of the IDDE field crews assisting them with confirmation of illicit discharges and tracking the pollution to the source through urban and rural environments.

 
Photo by Matt Stehouwer

Contact Environmental Canine Services LLC @ s.reynolds@sablethesniffer.com

517.231.6389