The human race loves dogs not only for companionship, but also for their incredible senses. Dogs can be seen at the airport guiding blind people or working with house inspectors to find termites. Termites can cause millions of dollars in damage to homes, and termite dogs are like modern-day ghost-busters, getting rid of these unseen pests. This article explores the amazing abilities of termite dogs and how they are trained to detect termites.
Signs a Dog Can Hear Termites
Dogs have impressive senses and can detect even the most peculiar things. If you are a dog lover, you may be amazed to learn that dogs can even hear termites. When people are considering fixing up old houses, termite damage is an important factor to consider. Termites can cause significant damage to homes without homeowners even realizing it. A former police dog trainer discovered this firsthand when he found a termite nest in his new house, despite it being declared termite-free. This led to the creation of TADD (Termite and Ant Detection Dogs), a company that uses trained Beagles to sniff out termites in buildings and homes.
History of Beagles as Termite Detector Dogs
Beagles have a long history as scent hounds and are known for their hunting skills. They were first seen in Greece over a thousand years ago and were primarily used for hunting hares. Over the centuries, Beagles were selectively bred to create different types of hounds. They were brought to England by William the Conqueror, who further bred them to increase their speed. Beagles were used for hunting and were referred to as “St Hare Hounds” and later as Talbot Hounds. In the 19th century, different types of Beagles emerged, and they were eventually bred with Foxhounds to create the ultimate hunting dogs. More breeding followed, and in the late 1800s, the official Beagle breed was established.
Science of Dogs Detecting Termites
Beagles are known for their superior sense of smell, with around 225 million scent receptors. They also have a wide hearing range, ideal for detecting the unique sound that termites make. Training a Beagle to detect termites starts at eight weeks of age and involves classical conditioning using boxes or cans. Dogs are rewarded with food when they correctly identify the smell of termites. There are training programs available for those interested in starting their own termite-detecting dog business.
In summary, termite dogs are highly skilled at detecting termites and are trained from a young age to use their senses to find these pests. Beagles, with their superior sense of smell and hearing, are particularly well-suited for this work. With their help, homeowners can identify and eliminate termite infestations before they cause extensive damage.
“In the pursuit of termites, these termite dogs are the ghost-busters of the modern age.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Dogs, especially Beagles, can be trained to detect termites due to their acute sense of smell and hearing. Beagles are particularly suitable as they are small enough to get under houses and into tight spaces. Other signs that a dog is sensing termites include alertness, listening, wagging tail, pacing, sniffing, head turning, staring at the wall or floor, running under homes, and giving a trained alert behavior.
2️⃣ Training a Beagle to detect termites begins at eight weeks of age and by the time they are 8-10 months, they can start working as “Termite Dogs”. Training programs involve classical conditioning using boxes or cans and rewarding the dog with food when it correctly identifies the smell of termites.
3️⃣ The history of Beagles as detectors dates back to ancient Greece where they were used for their hunting skills. Over centuries, they were bred and adapted for various purposes, including hunting rabbit, hare, and fox. Their journey has been a genetic whirlwind, but today their sniffing prowess is possibly their greatest asset, making them excellent termite detectors.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What are termite dogs and how do they work?
– Termite dogs are dogs that are trained to sniff out termites in buildings, boats, and homes. They can detect the presence of termites through their sense of smell and alert their handlers to the infestation.
2. How do dogs sense termites?
– Dogs have highly tuned senses, including a strong sense of smell and hearing. They can pick up on the scent and sounds of termites, allowing them to locate termite nests and infestations.
3. What are the signs that a dog can hear termites?
– Signs that a dog can hear termites include being alert, listening, wagging their tail, pacing, sniffing, head turning, and having their tail up. They may also stare at walls or floors and run under homes.
4. What is the history of Beagles as termite detector dogs?
– Beagles have a long history as hunting dogs and have been selectively bred for their scent tracking abilities. They were used to hunt hares in ancient Greece and were later bred with other dogs to create the modern Beagle breed.
5. How are dogs trained to detect termites?
– Dogs are trained to detect termites through classical conditioning, using a reward system. They are taught to associate the scent of termites with a reward, such as food or a toy, and are rewarded when they correctly identify the presence of termites. Training typically starts at around eight weeks of age.
