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Assessment on the Effectiveness of Pseudo-Narcotics Training Aids to Candidate Coast Guard Detection Dogs

Joselle Luz A. Abas

Discipline: biomedical sciences (non-specific)

 

Abstract:

This study examined the effectiveness of pseudo-narcotic training aids in replicating the scent profiles of real narcotic substances, specif-ically marijuana and methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), for training Coast Guard K9 narcotics detection dogs. A mixed-methods ap-proach was used, combining performance evaluations of ten handler-dog teams with focus group discussions involving instructors, evalua-tors, and handlers. Findings revealed that dogs trained with pseudo-narcotics achieved perfect detection rates in most conditions and performed comparably to those trained with real substances, even in distraction-rich environ-ments. However, real narcotics generally produced faster detection time and fewer false indications. Statistical analysis confirmed differ-ences in detection speed without distractions, but no significant differ-ences under distracting conditions. Thematic analysis highlighted six key factors: use in refresher training, the need for initial imprinting with real substances, legal and logistical benefits, environmental influ-ences, scent differentiation challenges, and the role of evolving training technologies. The study concludes that pseudo-narcotics are effective adjuncts for maintenance and broad deployment. However, they cannot fully substitute for real narcotics in foundational imprinting. This study pro-vides evidence that pseudo-narcotics can complement, but not fully re-place, real narcotics in Coast Guard K9 training.