Definition & Meaning of "tracking dog"

What is a "tracking dog"?

A tracking dog, also known as a scent or scenting dog, is a specially trained dog that uses its keen sense of smell to follow the scent trail of a specific target or object. Tracking dogs are commonly used in law enforcement, search and rescue, and hunting activities. These dogs have a highly developed sense of smell and are trained to follow the scent of a person, animal, or specific odor, such as narcotics or explosives. They are able to track scents through various terrains, weather conditions, and environments, and can often locate individuals or objects that are difficult or impossible for humans to find. Tracking dogs are trained to focus on the scent they are tracking, ignore distractions, and communicate with their handler through various cues or behaviors to indicate the presence of the target scent. They are valuable tools in many fields and play a critical role in tasks that require locating and tracking individuals or objects based on their scent.