Virginia Search and Rescue Dog Association

Glossary of terms used on this site

Term	Definition
Target Odor	Glossaries: K9 SAR Glossary Target Odor : (aka Source) odors which detector dog are trained to detect. Author: Penn Vet Working Dog Center
Temperament	Glossaries: K9 SAR Glossary Temperament : The general consistence with which the animal behaves. Author: Penn Vet Working Dog Center
Thermal	Glossaries: K9 SAR Glossary Thermal : Layers of air, separated by temperature (and humidity).
Tracking	Glossaries: K9 SAR Glossary Tracking (Dog): dogs are able to follow a human scent, by following the footsteps. Tracking dogs may also be following the odor of crushed vegetation and soil bacterial action. Visualize the dog's Nose Down, working within a few feet of the actual track. Author: William G. Syrotuck
Trailing	Glossaries: K9 SAR Glossary Trailing (Dog): dogs are scent specific and require a scent article, with a track. Visualize the dog's Nose Down and Up, working some distance from the actual footsteps. Author: William G. Syrotuck
Turbulent Air Flow	Glossaries: K9 SAR Glossary Turbulent Air Flow : When flowing air hits an obstacle/object and causes airflow chaos.

Laminar Air Flow
Laminar Air Flow: a straight flow of air without and interference.
Looping Scent
Looping Scent: when scent travels upwards from a source, and settles down away from the source. Occurs with little to no wind at the source.
LKP
LKP (Last Known Position): the last location of the missing subject, substantiated by evidence or clues. The LKP changes with the discovery of clues/evidence.