It seems that the dogs are not wearing protective booties when they're working. I realize the entire video is edited for length and interesting moments, but I also wonder whether the dogs are washed after being in burned structures. I wouldn't want the dog to come back into headquarters (or home) without being washed off, to prevent exposure to others as well as licking its own fur. Having them go into buildings with probable chemical contamination without barrier protection exposes them to toxins that can harm them, cutting their (working) lives shorter than needed. For dogs that cost a lot to train and are so valuable, spending $40 or so on boots and giving them a bath should be a no-brainer.
As a dog-lover, I share your concern. Other training videos I've watched pretty much reflect what's represented in this one. My research indicates that while humans are required to use Universal or Standard Precautions when investigating scenes where there is potentially harmful chemical contamination, arson dogs don't receive the benefit of protection. I've found nothing about baths, but that's something I'm going to try and work into Flame Game. Thanks!
Thank you for trying to work some protection for the dogs into your book. I just don't understand how so few of the people working with these dogs ever think about the problems of exposure. It should be so obvious! I am not a 'house proud' person in the least, yet I get tired and icked about dogs tracking regular crud into the house (spring is not my favorite time). I would be incredibly creeped out by a K9 bringing chemicals and residue from a fire site (or from searching any dirty building) into the house, and I'd be way more upset that the dog could be harmed right through its skin.
It seems that the dogs are not wearing protective booties when they're working. I realize the entire video is edited for length and interesting moments, but I also wonder whether the dogs are washed after being in burned structures. I wouldn't want the dog to come back into headquarters (or home) without being washed off, to prevent exposure to others as well as licking its own fur. Having them go into buildings with probable chemical contamination without barrier protection exposes them to toxins that can harm them, cutting their (working) lives shorter than needed. For dogs that cost a lot to train and are so valuable, spending $40 or so on boots and giving them a bath should be a no-brainer.
ReplyDeleteAs a dog-lover, I share your concern. Other training videos I've watched pretty much reflect what's represented in this one. My research indicates that while humans are required to use Universal or Standard Precautions when investigating scenes where there is potentially harmful chemical contamination, arson dogs don't receive the benefit of protection. I've found nothing about baths, but that's something I'm going to try and work into Flame Game. Thanks!
DeleteThank you for trying to work some protection for the dogs into your book. I just don't understand how so few of the people working with these dogs ever think about the problems of exposure. It should be so obvious! I am not a 'house proud' person in the least, yet I get tired and icked about dogs tracking regular crud into the house (spring is not my favorite time). I would be incredibly creeped out by a K9 bringing chemicals and residue from a fire site (or from searching any dirty building) into the house, and I'd be way more upset that the dog could be harmed right through its skin.
ReplyDeleteI got a bath worked in. Hopefully it will survive the edits.
DeleteThat's awesome. I'm looking forward to reading Red Tide and The Flame Game.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy them.
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