Mold Dogs in Training

In some situations, the most difficult part about mold in a building is finding it. If it were found well in advance, the problem might have been more easily contained and eliminated. Unfortunately, it is often the case that by the time a major problem is discovered, it has gotten completely out of hand. Because of this, newer techniques are being developed to detect the problem as early as possible. For some of these new methods, it is necessary to lean on a relationship that is thousands of years old. Take a look at the process of training mold dogs, and how they are used to protect homes and businesses from the detrimental damage of mold.

The Beginning

There are a few places around the United States that work to train dogs to detect even small amounts of mold within buildings. After canines had been used for years to detect drugs, bombs, and even people, it became evident that their noses could be used for good in even more ways. Various scientists put together a team to research whether or not dogs could in fact be used to detect mold. After a few years with positive results, they were able to see their findings put in action.

Now there are more than eighteen species of mold that these trained dogs can detect, including those that are considered toxic to residents. In fact, for the dogs, finding these molds is even easier than for those that are trained to detect arson. Here the odds aren’t all stacked against them with over 30 smells to detect and arsonist doing enough damage to potentially mask the smell.

The Training

Each dog trained in mold detection must go through a variety of assessments and years of rigorous exercises. They must learn to detect the different smells of mold not only in the main areas of the home, but in crawl spaces and the attics as well. The dog in training must be able to focus on the job at hand, and when mold is detected, it must be able to lead its human counterpart to the spot.

The road to becoming a mold dog is a long process. In all, one dog must receive between 800 and 1000 hours of training, and must be able to prove they are capable of fulfilling the job at hand. After the dog has finished it’s training, it must be paired with the person who will be working with it. Together they must train for an additional forty hours to prove they are able to work well together without missing anything.

The road to becoming a mold detecting dog is long, and only for certain dogs. As this method becomes more popular, it may become easier than ever before to detect mold within homes and businesses. If you have any suspicion that mold is residing in your home, don’t hesitate to call a professional to get the problem assessed before it can grow any further.