Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Is this traditional archaeology?

Accepted Answer

non-invasive

Question 2

Can canines confirm the presence of human remains?

Accepted Answer

No. Canine responses indicate areas of potential interest based on detection of odors associated with remains. Odor detection alone does not confirm the presence of human remains. Canine responses inform areas that may warrant consideration, avoidance, or further consultation by appropriate authorities or additional tools.

Question 3

What do the dogs detect?

Accepted Answer

Our dogs are trained specifically to detect odors, often highly diffused, associated with human decomposition that occured decades or centuries ago, particularly related to mortuary practices from before the wide-spread adoption of modern funerary practices (embalming) in North America.

Question 4

What factors affect detection?

Accepted Answer

Soil composition, moisture, mortuary traditions (burial, cremation, etc), primary or secondary burial, burial depth, disturbance history, surface conditions, and environmental variables can influence detection. Results are interpreted conservatively within the context of site conditions.

Question 5

What is the oldest burial dogs have detected?

Accepted Answer

Specially trained dogs were used in a project in Croatia and were able to detect burials in a Bronze Age to Early Iron Age necropolis that dates as far back as the 8th century BC! Our dogs are trained regularly to detect burials over 200 years old, and have experience detecting remains as old as 1,500 years or more. That said, the age of a burial cannot be determined through canine detection.

Question 6

Is this service appropriate for culturally sensitive lands?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when requested or approved by appropriate Tribal, community, or land management authorities. Engagements are structured to respect cultural sovereignty, confidentiality, and community protocols.

Question 7

What goes into the cost of detection canine services?

Accepted Answer

Cost reflects project size, logistics, documentation needs, and reporting scope. Services are typically scoped in advance to provide useful planning information efficiently.