how far down can cadaver dogs smell of decomposed body

Cadaver dogs, also known as human remains detection (HRD) dogs, are trained to detect the scent of decomposed human remains. The depth at which they can detect this scent depends on various factors, including:

1. Soil type and composition: Different types of soil can affect the diffusion of scent molecules. For example, sandy soils tend to allow scent molecules to travel farther and faster than clay soils.
2. Moisture levels: Higher moisture levels can help to preserve scent molecules and allow them to travel farther.
3. Temperature: Temperature can affect the rate of decomposition and the release of scent molecules. Warmer temperatures tend to increase the rate of decomposition and the strength of the scent.
4. Age of the remains: The older the remains, the weaker the scent may be.
5. Type of decomposition: The type of decomposition (e.g., aerobic vs. anaerobic) can affect the types of scent molecules produced and their detectability.

That being said, here are some general guidelines on the depth at which cadaver dogs can detect decomposed human remains:

* Shallow graves (less than 1-2 feet deep): Cadaver dogs can typically detect the scent of decomposed remains in shallow graves with ease.
* Medium-depth graves (2-4 feet deep): Cadaver dogs may be able to detect the scent of decomposed remains at this depth, but the signal may be weaker and more variable.
* Deep graves (4-6 feet deep): Cadaver dogs may still be able to detect the scent of decomposed remains at this depth, but the signal may be very weak and require more time and effort to detect.
* Extremely deep graves (over 6 feet deep): It may be challenging or impossible for cadaver dogs to detect the scent of decomposed remains at this depth, especially if the soil is dense or the remains are old.

It’s worth noting that these are general guidelines, and the actual depth at which a cadaver dog can detect decomposed remains will depend on the specific conditions of the search area and the dog’s training and experience.

In some cases, cadaver dogs have been known to detect remains at depths of 10-15 feet or more, but these cases are often exceptional and require a combination of favorable conditions and a highly skilled dog and handler team.

It’s also important to remember that cadaver dogs are not a replacement for other search methods, such as ground-penetrating radar or excavation. They are a valuable tool that can help to locate remains, but they should be used in conjunction with other methods to confirm the presence and location of human remains.