TSA to deploy more floppy-ear dogs because they're less scary than pointy-ear dogs

[sl8]

From https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-travel-briefcase-tsa-dogs-20181228-story.html

TSA to deploy more floppy-ear dogs because they're less scary than pointy-ear dogs

By HUGO MARTIN
DEC 28, 2018 | 4:00 AM


TSA officer Cedric Belvin and German shorthaired pointer Angus search departing passengers for explosives at Miami International Airport on Nov. 21. The head of TSA says the agency is trying to employ more dogs with floppy ears because they are less intimidating. (Carl Juste / TNS)

In its effort to make the airport security screening process faster, the Transportation Security Administration is employing new high-tech baggage scanners, facial-recognition cameras and “automated lanes” to eliminate passenger gridlock.

But TSA Administrator David Pekoske said the agency is also making at least one new change to reduce traveler stress: deploying more floppy-ear dogs, rather than pointy-ear dogs, to sniff out explosives in public areas.

During a recent tour of Washington Dulles International Airport, Pekoske told the Washington Examiner that his agency believes floppy-ear dogs are less intimidating to travelers than dogs with pointy ears.

“We find the passenger acceptance of floppy-ear dogs is just better,” he said. “It presents just a little bit less of a concern. Doesn’t scare children.”

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More at link.

[ProudLib72]

1. Awww, I want to pet the little dobbie

Or pittie, or rottie, or almost any other dog with naturally floppy ears.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

2. German Shorthairs

Are wonderful dogs.

[Drahthaardogs]

4. The real German Kurzhaar are not a dog to be trifled with

Males are 80 lbs and up and are used on European boar. They are not just bay dogs but will get in and pull hair. Some of the old ones even gave Schutzhund titles.

These dogs are still around if you know where to look.

The American version are much softer in my experience.

[StarryNite]

3. Oh, my goodness.

Maybe they should start training Yorkies and Shih Tzus to do the job.

[jmowreader]

5. TSA needs to follow the Air Force's lead on their bomb dogs

When I was coming back from Korea, we had a stop at an air base in Japan. One of their Security Police showed up with his bomb dog.

It was a basset hound. Which makes a hell of a lot of sense: a basset hound can get into smaller places than a big dog can.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

11. bassets are lovable

As long as you're non-threatening, a basset is a tolerant, lovable dog.

[jmowreader]

13. The kids would really like them

[Throck]

6. New Recruits

[Img][/img]

[ProudLib72]

7. Those are known as "terror dogs" around these parts!

[Solly Mack]

14. My two are fearless.

[TomCADem]

8. Does a Welsh Corgi count as a pointy-ear dog?

Or, does the whole butts that strut business take the edge off?

[OregonBlue]

9. My very first thought was Beagles. They have

Great noses and are anything but intimidating.

[roamer65]

12. Australia used beagles for quite a while.

When I went there in 2001, just after 9/11 they were out in force sniffing the bags and people when I landed in Sydney.

[Mr. Quackers]

10. They should use Jack Russells