Improving Explosive Detection Dog Performance in Sealed Parcel Searches Through a Targeted Training Intervention

Explosive detection dogs are routinely deployed for parcel screening, yet realistic sealed-parcel searches may present challenges not captured by conventional odor-recognition training. In 2025, a black box study of ANSI/ASB Standard 092 identified substantially reduced detection of explosives in tape-sealed parcels, suggesting a potential training gap in this search scenario. This follow-on study evaluated whether brief, progressive training could improve dog performance in sealed-parcel searches. Thirteen operational dog teams participated in trials conducted in Lubbock, Texas, and Miami, Florida. Teams completed a baseline assessment using tape-sealed parcels containing 50 g of C4 or TNT, or distractors, followed by an odor recognition test (ORT) using controlled explosive odor presentations. Following the correction of identified odor-recognition deficiencies, teams completed a training intervention manipulating odor availability through variable parcel venting and requiring progression from odor-source recognition to trained final response. Performance was reassessed using the same parcel configuration. All teams detected C4 during the ORT, whereas only two teams detected TNT. Following intervention, overall sealed-parcel detection sensitivity increased by 35 percentage points (p = 0.0078). C4 detection increased from 38% to 69%, while TNT detection increased from 15% to 54%, although neither individual change reached statistical significance. The results demonstrate that odor recognition does not necessarily translate to effective source localization in sealed parcels and support progressive, operationally representative parcel-search training.