Indication in detection and scent work

Observe the team

The response is interpreted within a training or operational protocol. Do not assume all organisations teach the same visible behaviour or that excitement alone is a reliable indication.

Validate the claim

Ask how correct finds and false responses are checked. Sporting qualification, an agency assessment and a staged public demonstration are different forms of evidence.

Using this reference

Use this explanation to understand the term in context. For an entry decision or disputed result, check the current rules and the original event documentation; a glossary cannot replace the authority’s decision.

Describe the response neutrally

A caption can say that the dog paused at a container and the handler called a find, then separately state whether the official result confirmed it. Avoid interpreting any pause as a successful detection. The target placement, assessment procedure and result are needed to make that stronger claim.

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• Australian Government — biosecurity detector dog program (opens in a new tab)

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