Estonia’s bomb dogs mark 30 years of explosive searches

Estonia’s Rescue Board has used bomb detection dogs to search for explosives for 30 years, ERR reported in the television programme Ringvaade. The first dog, a Labrador named Sammi, was bought in 1995 and responded to its first call on April 26, 1996. That first assignment is now used to mark the anniversary of bomb dogs’ work in Estonia.

Urve Lageda, a chief specialist at the Rescue Board, said a second Labrador was brought in soon after Sammi, followed by German shepherds. The range of traditional service breeds used as bomb dogs now also includes English springer spaniels, Belgian shepherds and Czech shepherds.

Lageda said the dogs’ work became particularly important during foreign missions. One of the largest was the three-year mission in Afghanistan, where a team with two dogs was sent every six months.

“The main story is that when the American president visited the military base, an Estonian dog was specially called in to protect him,” Lageda recalled.

Dogs work for toys and praise

On-duty bomb dogs should not be disturbed by members of the public, said Õnne-Mare Sagur, head of the Rescue Board’s bomb dog handlers group. People should ask the handler for permission before petting a dog, as the animals have different temperaments. Some are eager to interact, while others prefer to avoid contact with strangers.

Bomb dog training uses the animals’ natural enjoyment of play. Sagur said the dogs work for a ball, praise and food. Searching is associated with play, and after finding explosives, the dog receives its toy and the handler’s approval. “For the dog, it is above all a pleasant and fun activity,” she said.

Bomb dogs are used in many locations across Estonia, including airports, ports and the border, as well as at major events. Their work at such events often goes unnoticed because they check and secure venues before important guests arrive.

“Whenever there are suspicious bags or packages, or someone suspects that an object in a public space could be dangerous, our bomb dogs come and help check it,” Sagur said.