Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2005. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains iv, 103 p. : ill. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 53-60).

Thesis (doctoral)--Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Glasgow, 1993. / Ph.D. submitted to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, 1993. Includes bibliographical references. Print version also available.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Texas, Dec., 2009. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

The well known scenting ability of domestic dogs has been frequently harnessed by using olfactory sampling of items imperceptible to a human sense of smell. Two main applications exist, which are a) detection of a particular scent, and b) scent-matching of a reference scent to a target scent in the presence of scented decoys. Studies on scent-matching have been limited to humans, where the scent vector is a proxy onto which the scent donor has transferred scent, and two non-human studies, in which the scat of the target species was used as the scent vector. All of these studies of scent-matching have been limited to individual scent donors of the same species. The aim of my study was to explore whether dogs can be trained to match a scent-sample via proxy in the presence of scented decoy proxies from other species, i.e. whether dogs are capable of scent-matching via proxy among several scent donor species. The experimental apparatus was a unique circular device with modifications based on previous research and my personal experience. Proxies were scented by a total of 15 species, by transferring scent onto the proxy either via scent donor body contact or scent donor by-product contact (i.e. scat, dung or shed skin of the scent donor). Training progressed in nine stages over a period of 13 months with three training groups. Fifteen subjects were recruited, with 12 completing the training process. All subjects which completed training underwent 80 runs (i.e. attempts to match a reference proxy to a target proxy). All subjects were able to correctly match a scented target proxy in the presence of five scented decoy proxies from other species at levels significantly greater than chance with an overall success rate of 66%. No early training predictors of eventual success were observed. Sex, breed and training venue did not influence success rates. Age of the subject did influence success rates, with the older and younger subjects having a significantly greater match success rate than subjects in the middle-age range. Proxy scenting method (skin contact or by-product contact) did not influence success rates and species of scent donor was also not found to be associated with success rates. My study demonstrated the use of an inexpensive and simple tool which could provide researchers with the means to explore general olfaction theories as well as more specific questions relating to the scenting ability of dogs for academic, commercial or civil purposes.

Events of significant impact as recent as hurricane Ike yielded a consistent disturbing truth: we lack sufficient numbers of competent search dog [Canis familiaris] teams. This study was conceived to provide information in identifying factors involved in training competent search dogs. Obedience training methods, age training was initiated, previous handler canine training experience, and handler perception and emotional attachment to their search dog were examined through a sixty-six question survey. Achievement of a national certification was used as a measure of performance success. Association between factors and performance success was evaluated through Chi-Square testing. Surveys were announced through the National Search Dog Alliance (NSDA) and were available online; 177 were fully completed by respondents and used in the data analysis. Seventy-two percent of nationally certified canine team respondents preferred positive reinforcement methods. Several statistically significant associations were detected: (a) female handlers preferred positive reinforcement training methods [x^2 = 8.504, d.f.=1, P = 0.004], (b) as dogs matured use of active training equipment increased [x^2 = 54.043, d.f.= 2, P < 0.001]., and (c) four hours or more time spent training each week had a higher proportion of national certifications [x^2 = 16.379, d.f. = 1, P less than 0.001]. The data also indicated a trend for handlers to have previous canine training experience equal to or greater than search dog training experience [x^2 = 118.36, d.f. = 9, P =0.05]. The results warrant further research on the effects of early training, the effects of training time investment, and the interaction between canine selection and handler understanding of canine learning theory.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2008. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 61 p. : ill. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 54-61).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2009. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Thesis advisor: Dr. Derek B. Fox. "May 2009" Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Montana, 1999. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-81). Also available online.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University, 2009. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 130-143).