The use of trained dogs to discriminate human scent: a reply
Article Abstract:
Comments by Sommerville et al on research on the abilities to dogs to discriminate human odours rightly point to the ambiguity of the task set for dogs in a particular experiment. The dogs were unsure as to whether they should respond to odour from a part of the human anatomy, or to a particular person's smell. This ambiguity was a deliberate introduction into the experiment, and is important since law courts seek unambiguous evidence. Though dogs could be trained to solve the problem, the most scientific approach is to keep an open mind. Forensic evidence should also be reliable, and this is important in considering the use of dogs for law enforcement.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1993
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The use of trained dogs to discriminate human scent
Article Abstract:
Caution over the ability of dogs to identify odours from different parts of one person's body, and distinguish this from other people's odours, has been expressed by Brisbin and Austad, but the issue could be solved through correct training methods. Dogs may be confused as to what they should be identifying, and whether this should be a part of the anatomy or an individual human. The fields of dog training methods and success rates should receive more attention in scientific journals, and so far their use in law enforcement appears to be justified.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1993
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Female voles discriminate males' over-marks and prefer top-scent males
Article Abstract:
Many species of mammals use scent over-marketing as a form of competitive advertising. Observations in golden hamsters suggest that they may have specialized mechanisms for evaluating such marks. A study of meadow voles seeks to discover whether they have similar abilities. The study shows that female voles, exposed to the anogenital scent marks of two males, can determine which individual's scent is on top of an over-mark and consistently prefer the male that has scent-marked over another individual's scent. Details of the study are presented.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1997
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