Bloodhounds are able to follow an individual's unique scent. The bloodhound is typically given a scent article, such as a person's clothing or bedsheets, at the point where the subject was last seen. From there, the dog and handler begin to follow the scent trail to the subject. Even if the dog is unable to locate the subject, the search manager can use the dog's direction of travel to reduce the search area.
The dog's handler carefully watches the dog and other factors such as wind and weather conditions while the two of the them work the scent trail. With the dog working along with his nose down at ground level, and the handler closely watching the dog, one or more runners follow closely behind to warn the handler of any danger and to assist with traffic control in urban areas. Dogs, handlers, and runners all train together at various locations.
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Updated on August 8, 1998