PWO SG (BIO-)TECH Feasibility protocol for the innovative use of search dogs in the field
At Agro-Bio, we have been actively involved in the use of search dogs for several years. The most common question we receive is, ‘Is it possible to investigate whether target X or Y can be detected with search dogs? And is it worth the effort?’ These questions increasingly concern innovative, new search objectives, i.e. beyond the already well-researched applications such as drug or explosive detection. Many unknown parameters come into play with such new questions for ecological detection. As a result, ecological detection is often highly complex and its feasibility is currently difficult to predict. In this project, we therefore want to develop a feasibility protocol: a generic, systematic checklist that can be used for every new question or detection target, in which we assess the importance of preconditions in different domains. Our main question focuses on the professional analysis of innovative search dog questions from the field. In order to be able to answer the field questions correctly and completely, we focus on the development of an evidence-based, systematic feasibility protocol that guides the implementation of feasibility studies related to innovative applications for search dogs.
How can we develop a feasibility protocol according to established methods, weighing up all relevant parameters after thorough research and testing in the literature and in practice (cf. previous overview)?
Can we optimise the feasibility protocol by evaluating its usefulness and workability and submitting it to the international panel of experts?
How are two pilot cases progressing in which we are applying the feasibility protocol and conducting concrete trials based on a step-by-step plan?
Given the complexity of ecological detection, the answer to the question of whether it is feasible will, in most cases, be nuanced. In the feasibility protocol, we identify the parameters needed to provide a well-founded, nuanced answer, so that the generalisability of the results can be assessed and a qualitative estimate of reliability can be made.
