At SKYDD, we will meet Maria Delin, Secretary General of BOSH, The Swedish Search Dog Industy Association. We spoke to her about the role of search dogs in today’s security landscape, why the need for quality-assured dog-and-handler teams is growing – and the potential role civilian search dog teams could play in Sweden’s total defence.
For those who are not familiar with BOSH – who are you, and why is there a need for an industry association for search dogs?
– BOSH, the Swedish Search Dog Industry Association, exists to bring structure, quality and credibility to an industry that has historically been relatively unregulated. We bring together industry professionals, promote skills development and work to establish clear standards for both dogs and handlers. Anyone purchasing professional search dog services should be able to know exactly what level of competence and quality they are getting.
When people hear “search dog”, many think of police dogs trained to detect drugs or explosives. How much broader is their field of use today?
– Significantly broader. In addition to drugs, weapons and explosives, professional search dogs can be trained to detect, for example, surveillance devices and other concealed electronic equipment. They can also be used to locate pests, water leaks and smouldering hotspots following forest fires. Fundamentally, it is about using the dog’s highly developed sense of smell to find things that can be difficult for both people and technical equipment to locate.
What types of security threats can professional search dog teams help companies and organisations detect?
– Depending on the team’s specialisation, this can include everything from drugs, weapons and explosives to concealed electronic equipment. Search dogs can therefore be a valuable tool in preventive security work, where the aim is to identify a potential threat before it has the chance to develop into a more serious problem.
Where are you currently seeing the greatest demand for search dogs – and are there areas where they should be used much more extensively?
– We are seeing growing demand from companies, municipalities and organisations looking to strengthen their preventive security work. At the same time, awareness of what professional search dog teams can actually be used for remains relatively limited. We see considerable potential here. Search dogs could become a more natural part of organisations’ security work and be used alongside other methods to prevent and detect risks.
How do you ensure that dog-and-handler teams meet the required standards of quality and competence?
– A professional search dog is about much more than an excellent sense of smell. The entire team needs to be quality-assured. The dog must have the right training and aptitude for the task, while the handler needs to be able to interpret the dog’s behaviour, conduct searches methodically and understand both the assignment and its limitations. Continuous training, professional development and regular operational assessments are therefore essential elements of professional search dog work.
The security industry is becoming increasingly technologically advanced. What can dogs still do that technology struggles to replace?
– Dogs have a unique ability to search for specific substances or scents in complex environments and indicate things that we cannot see ourselves. That does not mean dogs should compete with technology. Quite the opposite. Search dogs do not replace technical security solutions – they complement them. Combining different methods can create a stronger and more comprehensive approach to security.
What role could professional civilian search dog teams play in Sweden’s total defence, for example during a state of heightened preparedness or war?
– During a state of heightened preparedness or war, society will need to make the most effective possible use of available resources and expertise. We believe professional civilian search dog teams could be one such resource. Depending on their specialisation and the needs that arise, they could provide valuable search capabilities to complement society’s other resources.
BOSH currently has no established cooperation with the Swedish Armed Forces. Is private-sector search dog expertise a resource that Sweden should make better use of – and what could such cooperation look like?
– We believe this is a question worth discussing. Professional civilian search dog teams already possess expertise and resources that could prove valuable when society’s needs increase. Future cooperation could be based on clear standards, training and quality assurance, together with a structured model defining when and how civilian resources could be deployed.
Search dogs are not the answer to every security challenge. But the right dog-and-handler team, with the right expertise and quality standards, is a security resource that Sweden has good reason to take more seriously.
Thank you, Maria! We look forward to welcoming you to SKYDD and hearing more about the role of search dogs in modern security work. See you at Stockholmsmässan on 20–22 October!