Sniffer Dogs On The SkyTrain?

[TheSpade]

Was out and about today and once on the train and once just at the station I saw police officers with what I took to be sniffer dogs but I can't be sure. Not sure what other use they would have for dogs.

First time I was getting off the BTS when they were getting on so didn't see what they did on the train. Second time I just got to the platform as the sky train was there so jumped on just before it left and they stayed on the platform so again couldn't really see if they were using them as sniffer dogs or not.

Was I seeing this right?

[NanLaew]

K9 teams. Not specifically sniffers... but they sniff other dogs <deleted> anyway.

[TheSpade]

I see and what is their purpose of hanging around Sky Train stations then? Must be trying to catch people for something.

[dogsdinner]

K-9 teams and/or sniffer dogs. Rule of thumb. Thailand hates drugs especially farangs caught in possession. Regardless of the dogs role. If there is nothing in ones pocket or if your simply going about your business why be worried? Sydney has heaps of them and some young idiots pat them when they sit beside their legs like it's a social call. Pity the dog knows he is going to get rewarded with a ball when they empty the ecstasy/ice filled pockets.

[chrisinth]

It depends what the dogs are trained for. Some trained for drugs, some for explosives. If not sniffers, some are also trained to attack/restrain.

If not a common sight, it may also be an exercise for the handler & dog. Unless you are drugged up & carrying or have explosives/firearms in your possession, I wouldn't worry about it. Don't try to pet them or feed them though, you may get a reaction from that as well.

Nice doggie..................

[kotsak]

Who would like to pet a police officer anyway?

[Shaksey]

I'd have thought a sniffer dog's task was that much harder considering all the "background smells" in Bangkok. Could it smell narc over the scents of half a dozen food stalls, car exhausts, peoples sweat in the hot climate and god knows what else pervades the air in downtown Bangkok?

[chrisinth]

I'd have thought a sniffer dog's task was that much harder considering all the "background smells" in Bangkok. Could it smell narc over the scents of half a dozen food stalls, car exhausts, peoples sweat in the hot climate and god knows what else pervades the air in downtown Bangkok?

That's what they are trained for. A dog's smelling senses are many, many times more acute than ours. Normally the training is based on a game/reward principle and aimed at particular scents, which include blanking out the other smells.

Most of the handlers I know (knew) would have a gun magazine with traces of explosive in it and would carry this in their right-hand trouser pocket (for drug-trained canines it would be traces of an illicit substance). One of the reasons, obviously apart from normal training, that the dog will remain at the handler's right-hand side, paying attention to the trouser pocket when not working.

Have a look at their behavior next time you see them...................

[Shaksey]

I'd have thought a sniffer dog's task was that much harder considering all the "background smells" in Bangkok. Could it smell narc over the scents of half a dozen food stalls, car exhausts, peoples sweat in the hot climate and god knows what else pervades the air in downtown Bangkok?

That's what they are trained for. A dog's smelling senses are many, many times more acute than ours. Normally the training is based on a game/reward principle and aimed at particular scents, which include blanking out the other smells.

Most of the handlers I know (knew) would have a gun magazine with traces of explosive in it and would carry this in their right-hand trouser pocket (for drug-trained canines it would be traces of an illicit substance). One of the reasons, obviously apart from normal training, that the dog will remain at the handler's right-hand side, paying attention to the trouser pocket when not working.

Have a look at their behavior next time you see them...................

Interesting. I've been arrested twice on the basis of a sniffer dog "pointing" me out. Released both times as i had nothing on me i shouldn't. From my own experience's I don't have too much faith in their reliability.