How do detection dogs work?
Buster & Bella were trained by specialist dog trainer, Martin Domonick of the K9 Centre in Queensland. Martin has spent many years in the Royal Australian Air Force Dog Squad and trains narcotic dogs and explosives dogs to name just a few. Buster & Bella were trained the same way that military dogs, quarantine dogs and policee dogs, in detecting the substance in their particular field.
How were they trained?
The K9 Centre trained Buster & Bella by using LIVE termites of all different genes. Termites emit a scent that only dogs can smell. This scent is a mixture of pheremones and a sugar secretion from wood feeding termites.
Beagles have a sense of smell that is up to ten thousand times more developed that a human. Beagles are better used for ground-scenting (following a scent on the ground) that they are at air scenting which is why they are excluded from most mountain resuce teams.
What if I have dogs at home?
We ask that you lock your dogs away or ask someone to baby sit them for a while. If the scent of dogs at your house is too strong, this may distract Buster & Bella from their work. After all, they ARE dogs andy do what all other dogs do!
In this event, Steve may only take the dogs inside your home and not use them outside.
Do they smell dead termites?
No. Our detection dogs are only trained to smell LIVE termites that emit a scent, not dead ones. Buster & Bella are trained to not react to dead termites or the old workings of a termite colony.
Will they work for anyone?
No. The dogs are trained to see Steve as the 'alpha male'. They will only respond to his commands. If you have seen any of the police TV shows or Border Security TV shows, you will notice that each dog only has one handler, our termite detection dogs are the same.
Are they well behaved?
Extremely! Buster & Bella are trained to associate work with food. When a reward of food is offered, they understand that they must work for that treat. Steve will only treat the detection dogs when they have identified live termites.
Detection dogs are trained to understand that work means work, and play means play. They wont jump up on to you, or rummage through your pantry when inside. They don't bark at you or are intimidated by you.
What is their success rate?
Scientific studies show that termite detection dogs have up to a 97% accuracy in locating LIVE termites. Compare that to a human pest controller who has a success rate of up to 70%. Buster & Bella are better value for money!
How do you motivate the dogs?
Steve carries live termites with him every day. The idea behind this is so that the detection dogs have a 'positive find' each and every time they conduct a termite inspection. This keeps their motivation levels high.
The jar that has the live termites inside it, is placed in the house somewhere for the dogs to find They only need to have one positive find to keep them happy and motivated.
Buster vs Bella?
Buster is the older of the two detection dogs. We explain them as Buster being the 40 year old tradesman and Bella is his apprentice. Bella is still only young and learning by watching and observing Buster.
Can I pat them?
You are more than welcome to pay the detection dogs but only AFTER they have finished their work. They may be distracted if people are talking to them or patting them.
Can I feed them?
No. Buster & Bella associate food with work. If they are fed for no reason, this may affect their quality of work. This is how most detection dogs are trained.
Do they have days off?
Yes! They have weekends off just like you and I. They get to lie around in the sun and relax on their days off. However they are still trained daily at their home to ensure quality.
In Summer, if the temperature reaches above 35 degrees, we wont take the dogs to work. This isn't negotiable. This is so they aren't sitting in a hot car, there is no risk of heat exhaustion or dehydration and that they aren't subjected to distraction from the heat. We take great care in our work and even more so with our beloved detection dogs.
Do they get distracted?
Yes, they are still dogs. Other dogs barking at them, the smell or other dogs, the lure of food and being patted will distract them. Click here to download the checklist for the termite inspection with Buster & Bella.
You are welcome to interact with the detection dogs AFTER they have finished working by we ask that you not feed them please.
Do they go under the house?
No. The dogs do not crawl under your house or building. Steve does! Detection dogs can smell through carpets and through walls. They can detect what is going on UNDER your house without crawling under there themselves.
Do they bite?
No. Buster & Bella are very well trained and well behaved. They do not jump, bite or bark. They are true professionals!
How do they tell you they have found termites?
The detection dogs will sit when they have found live termites and point to the area with their nose. They will continue to do so and will not be lured from the area until they are treated with food.
How do they travel?
The detection dogs are transported inside the vehicle in specially designed cages. This is in accordance with the law, with the detection dog code of conduct and our contract with the K9 Centre. Their cages have comfortable mattresses and water dishes. They have plenty of fresh air. Steve will take Buster & Bella to relieve themselves regularly.
What are their treats?
The dogs are treated with dog kibble. A specialised variety that treats their teeth (like a toothbrush). They get a different variety of food at night time for their dinner. The detection dogs are on a strict diet of high quality pet food that is weighed for each dog and helps us to maintain their weight. Any changes in their diet could be potentially devastating for the detection dogs by causing stomach upsets.
Are they pets?
Yes! Buster & Bella are employee's during the working week, but they are household pets when they're at home. They are very much spoilt and very well loved by our family and friends.
They play ball, they chase cats and birds, they bark at people walking past, they scratch at the door when it's tea time, they play in the dirt and dig holes and they even sleep in our outdoor furniture during the day.
We think they might know how popular they are because they become very demanding at times!
At what age will they retire?
The detection dogs will retire when they are between 8 and 10 years old, or when they are deemed 'in-effective' at locating termites.
Buster and Bella must visit Martin Domonick at the K9 Centre in Queensland once per year to make sure they are still doing the job 100%.
How clean are they?
Buster and Bella are undoubtedly the cleanest dogs in town! They are bathed weekly and are treated for fleas and ticks at the same time. Their nails are trimmed, they are brushed daily and they even visit the 'doggy dentist' twice a year.
How healthy are they?
The detection dogs are in very good health. They must have a health check every 6 months in accordance with the pest detection dog code of practise. They are vaccinated against everything a dog can catch. If in the event of illness, they are taken immediately to the vet and are given time away from work to recuperate. They aren't just workers to us, they are beloved pets as well.