Avsec’s explosive detector dogs (EDD) have different jobs than the customs and MPI pups, tasked with sniffing out explosives rather than drugs or food.

Each EDD has a human partner, or handler, and they work together to ensure no dangerous materials are present in our airports or on aircraft. They’re based in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

The job requirements for an EDD are to be happy, confident, sociable, non-aggressive and love playing with toys. Avsec doesn’t discriminate by breed.

Dog teams undergo 10 weeks of training before graduating from the Police Dog Training Centre as operational.

The dogs’ presence in airports can deter potential explosive-layers and they also conduct random searches around the airport, such as at check-in counters, screening points and gate lounges.

They also back up police and customs and corrections teams when there are bomb threats.

Mobile and quick, the dog teams are considered the most reliable and cost-effective way of detecting explosives.