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Bomb-checking dogs get ready for sea duty

Bomb-checking dogs get ready for sea duty

   Eight new U.S. Coast Guard dog teams will receive explosives detection training from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Canine Enforcement Train in Virginia.

   It is the first time CBP has provided such training for the sea service, but officials said it is another example of sister agencies within the Department of Homeland Security working together. CBP has more than 1,200 canine enforcement teams trained to detect chemicals, drugs, humans, currency and other smuggled items. Two years ago, the agency began training its dogs to detect explosives as part of its expanded, antiterror security mission.

   Explosives detector dogs are trained to indicate the presence of more than 20 odors associated with different types of explosives. The training was modified slightly for the maritime environment, including vessel searches, to meet the Coast Guard's needs.