I saw something new today. We flew from SAN-LAX, out of our little commuter terminal, on a small commuter jet to LA. There were two young guys with big muzzled dogs waiting at the gate. They were the first to board the plane, and took all of row 11, the last row which has 4 seats. The dogs each had their own seat. They were military service dogs.

I had been coming up with all kinds of scenarios, wondering if these were cadaver dogs headed to China - but they were only flying onward to Sacramento. Because they are service animals, they are always boarded in the cabin.

I saw something new today. We flew from SAN-LAX, out of our little commuter terminal, on a small commuter jet to LA. There were two young guys with big muzzled dogs waiting at the gate. They were the first to board the plane, and took all of row 11, the last row which has 4 seats. The dogs each had their own seat. They were military service dogs.

I had been coming up with all kinds of scenarios, wondering if these were cadaver dogs headed to China - but they were only flying onward to Sacramento. Because they are service animals, they are always boarded in the cabin.

Wow, I have never heard of this before. Perhaps they are considered to have some sort of active duty status which allows them to be allowed in the cabin? Were their handlers in uniform?

They were probably bomb sniffing dogs. As you may imagine, they are very expensive to train and are generally not separated from their handlers. The Navy also has trained seals and dolphins, but I doubt you would see these on your flight!

They were probably bomb sniffing dogs. As you may imagine, they are very expensive to train and are generally not separated from their handlers. The Navy also has trained seals and dolphins, but I doubt you would see these on your flight!

Our corporate conventions always have bomb sniffing dogs on the show floor. They are not that expensive to train. No more than cadaver seeking animals.

Perhaps they were trained to seek enemy bomb seeking dolphins? That would be something!

The young men weren't in uniform, though they had service haircuts. The dogs each had heavy leather body harnesses on.

I was on a flight between DCA-CAE. Young lady in non-uniform, but badged, walked on the plane with a Belgian Malinois, who evidently was a police dog of some sorts.

I personally have no problems with dogs - I've owned a good few - but she had a tough time controlling her dog. No barking but mostly restlessness. I've had better control of my untrained Australian Shepherd dog than she had with hers.

I always question the smartness of having a restless police dog on a plane, unrestrained, and un-muzzled. :rolleyes:

JP

I always question the smartness of having a restless police dog on a plane, unrestrained, and un-muzzled. :rolleyes:

JP

How often does that happen?

So far only once to myself but who knows how often?

JP
How often does that happen?

So far only once to myself but who knows how often?

I'm guessing not very. I suspect were an incident to arise involving a restless police dog on a plane, we'd hear about it.

The Navy also has trained seals and dolphins, but I doubt you would see these on your flight!

To do what, exactly? I hardly imagine it's to do flips and amuse large crowds :p

I was on a flight between DCA-CAE. Young lady in non-uniform, but badged, walked on the plane with a Belgian Malinois, who evidently was a police dog of some sorts.

I personally have no problems with dogs - I've owned a good few - but she had a tough time controlling her dog. No barking but mostly restlessness. I've had better control of my untrained Australian Shepherd dog than she had with hers.

I always question the smartness of having a restless police dog on a plane, unrestrained, and un-muzzled. :rolleyes:

JP

This is interesting as SanDiego1K mentioned in the first post that the dogs on that flight had muzzles. I wonder if there is any official policy pertaining to wearing muzzles by either the airlines or the branch of service involved when a service dog is in the cabin or if the decision is left up to the handler?

I wonder if there is any official policy pertaining to wearing muzzles by either the airlines or the branch of service involved when a service dog is in the cabin or if the decision is left up to the handler?

I think it's really up to the handler to use the muzzles in public. I have traveled with a guide dogs in training, accompanied working guide dog teams and know several SAR handlers who have traveled on the plane. These particular dogs obviously have different temperament than military or police service dogs so they do not require muzzles.


They are not that expensive to train. No more than cadaver seeking animals.

In general, a large number of bomb sniffing dogs are purchased from special breeders, usually imported from Europe, and the training cost can be upwards of $70,000 if you consider all expenses. The total expense for a fully trained guide dog is about $90,000.

Bomb sniffing dogs are usually military trained, but other service dogs such as cadaver or SAR dogs are civilian trained & usually a volunteer team. The cadaver or SAR dog handlers usually have other full time jobs and train part time with local organizations. Any costs related to training and certification/travel are almost always out of their own pocket, so in a sense they are definitely "that expensive" to train.

To do what, exactly? I hardly imagine it's to do flips and amuse large crowds :p

They are trained for tasks such as finding mines, locating swimmers and divers who may seek to plant explosives, and doing port security. They can also bring up submerged suspicious objects. Many are outfitted with cameras so a trainer can see what the animal sees.

The dogs each had their own seat. They were military service dogs.


Did you happen to notice if the seats had any sort of coverings on them? Sanitary conditions aside, I'd hate to be the next passenger in that seat if I was allergic....