Super Sniffers: Dog Detectives on the Job

Product Description

A dog’s nose is 300 times more powerful than a human nose, so it’s no wonder that dogs use their incredibly advanced sense of smell to do some very important jobs. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent explores the various ways specific dogs have put their super sniffing ability to use: from bedbug sniffers to explosive detectors to life-saving allergy detectors . . . and more. This dynamic photo-essay includes first-hand accounts from the people who work closely with these amazing dogs.

Review

“Meaningful text and spot-on photography unlock the mysteries, showing specialized skills, effective training methods, and specific canine personality requirements that, when put together, create amazing possibilities . . . Expertly written, engaging.” ―School Library Journal“An extensive and eye-opening look at how dogs are trained for a variety of service capacities, including in the military, for search-and-rescue operations, and as medical alert dogs.” ―Publishers Weekly“Veteran writer Patent gives readers a detailed look into the lives of these canines and the myriad ways in which they help . . . The information on its own is fascinating, and kids will come away with renewed respect for dogs.” ―Booklist“Bracing and surprising . . . [a] clear-eyed, smartly organized book.” ―Booklist, starred review, on Dogs on Duty“A moving portrayal of the powerful human-canine partnership.” ―Publishers Weekly on Dogs on Duty“This lively, bursting-with-color volume covers the life of the canine forces from puppy to MWD to retirement. . . . A sure hit with dog lovers everywhere.” ―Kirkus Reviews on Dogs on Duty“Patent and Muñoz bring to life each step of progress and show how the bandy-legged, shoe-chewing puppy grew and graduated from Canine Good Citizen and obedience classes.” ―School Library Journal, starred review, on Savie Audie“Will tug at the heartstrings of readers . . . bright backgrounds and captionlike commentary keep this uplifting and informational book lively.” ―Publishers Weekly on Savie Audie“A heart-tugging tale.” ―BCCB on Savie Audie

From the Author

I loved working on this book, which was inspired by learning just how amazing a dog’s sense of smell is while working on my previous book, “Dogs on Duty: Soldiers’ Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond.”  Thanks to the internet, I was able to locate sources for this book all the way from Afghanistan to Nova Scotia, including Great Britain, Australia, and many U.S. states along the way.

Dogs can help us and our environment in so many ways, as they can easily be trained to locate any odor.  They now work in conservation, sensing everything from invasive weeds to alien insects and the excrement of endangered animals.  They help people with medical problems such as allergies, diabetes, and Addison’s disease.  And they continue to work in potentially dangerous jobs in law enforcement and military activities, as well as rescue work after avalanches or earthquakes.  And all they require as their “pay” is approval and a chance to play with their favorite toy!  Or, for some jobs, approval and a treat.

About the Author

Dorothy Hinshaw Patent has written more than a hundred books―mostly nonfiction and photo-essays for children―including When the Wolves Returned and Dogs on Duty, both ALA Notable Children’s Books, and The Right Dog for the Job, which earned a starred review from School Library Journal. www.dorothyhinshawpatent.com • www.inkthinktank.com