Why are dogs necessary for demining?
Many demining operations use old equipment, such as metal detectors and pointed probes to carefully check every indication of metal found in the ground. Often, hundreds of pieces of metal must be investigated to find a single mine. This is a hazardous, inefficient and time consuming process that uses a large amount human resources to clear relatively small amounts of ground.

Also, many mines have very little metallic content, virtually rendering metal detectors useless. Dogs have proven to be an effective and far more efficient way to detect mines. Highly trained explosive-sniffing mine dogs are mine detectors, not metal detectors. They can efficiently verify areas that are free of mines.

How is the dog motivated to detect landmines?
The dog is motivated to work because of its relationship with its human partner and the reward received for finding a mine. When a dog detects a mine, the handler praises and rewards the dog, usually with a ball or a kong. This makes the work fun for the dog.

How are mine detection dogs treated in countries where dogs are not traditionally accepted?
Mine detection dogs are working dogs that benefit the community. Most cultures understand and appreciate working animals. The strong bond developed between the dog and handler, along with the wonderful work accomplished by the dog team, often tends to change attitudes of the local people towards the animal. The local population sees the team as a positive force bringing safety and stability back to their community.

What is the cost of a mine detection dog?
Costs vary according to breeding, labor, training, veterinary support, usage, and demand. For the adopt-a-dog program, the cost of acquiring, training and delivering a certified mine detection dog to a contaminated country is approximately $20,000.

What happens when a dog completes its useful demining service?
MLI and CHAMPS believe that successful programs insure that proper care is available to retired dogs. They should be placed in good homes or other circumstances in appropriate recognition of their service. CHAMPS often uses retired dogs such as Rosa to demonstrate the demining process to CHAMPS students as well.