The good dog who is bad at sniffing out bombs
Image copyright CIA Image caption Lulu’s experience training as a sniffer dog was tweeted by the CIA
This is Lulu, the Labrador who joined the CIA as one of their newest recruits. Her mission: to sniff out explosives.
But weeks into her training programme Lulu just wasn’t making the grade. A life at the United States Central Intelligence Agency, it seems, was not for her.
So she had to be dropped from the puppy class of 2017.
In a series of updates on Wednesday, the CIA’s official Twitter account posted detailed reasons why Lulu would no longer be part of their sniffer-dog programme, the K-9 Corps.
#CIAK9 Pupdate:Sometimes, even after testing, our pups make it clear being an explosive detection K9 isn’t for themhttps://t.co/nPZl6YWNKb pic.twitter.com/07TXRCH7bp
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017 Report
End of Twitter post by @CIA
We’re sad to announce that a few weeks into training, Lulu began to show signs that she wasn’t interested in detecting explosive odors. pic.twitter.com/c6lxHPfC09
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017 Report
End of Twitter post 2 by @CIA
Dogs in the corps have to be able to sniff out 19,000 explosive scents which they learn in an intensive 10-week training program, with 10 tests at the end. The top dogs then report for duty searching vehicles and buildings for explosives, mainly in the US.
During emergencies the dogs also help local police, schools and other government agencies, but at some point in the canine career a mission overseas is possible.
All dogs, like humans, have good & bad days when learning something new.Same for our pups, though it usually lasts just a day or two. pic.twitter.com/z9lQa2uKX4
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017 Report
End of Twitter post 3 by @CIA
But treats and playtime come at a cost. The newly graduated pups work about 60 hours a week.
Even “when they are away from ‘the office,’ they are always on call,” explained the CIA on their website.
The dogs – mainly Labradors, German shepherds and Golden Retrievers – are selected by CIA trainers from Puppies Behind Bars, a programme which pairs inmates with puppies to teach the dogs basic commands.
For Lulu it has been a challenging time.
For some dogs, after weeks of working w them, it’s clear the issue isn’t temporary & instead, this just isn’t the job they are meant for. pic.twitter.com/bBjPz8Ng2U
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017 Report
End of Twitter post 4 by @CIA
“For our K-9 trainers, it’s imperative that the dogs enjoy the job they’re doing. Sometimes, even when a pup tests well and they successfully learn how to detect explosive odours, they make it clear that being an explosive detection K-9 is not the life for them,” the CIA explained.
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Lulu wasn’t interested in searching for explosives.Even when motivated w food & play, she was clearly no longer enjoying herself. pic.twitter.com/puvhDk1tRX
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017 Report
End of Twitter post 5 by @CIA
The thread and Lulu’s problems have brought thousands of reactions online.
“She just wants to chase a ball. Give her a break,” said one tweet.
Another read: “Maybe Lulu wants to become an artist, travel the world or something else. Rate this doggo for chasing her dreams.”
Others poked fun at the thread, suggesting “maybe Lulu is a double agent.”
There is a happy ending, however. Lulu has been adopted and now enjoys nights in with new friend, Harry.
Lulu was adopted by her handler & now enjoys her days playing w his kids & a new friend, & sniffing out rabbits & squirrels in the backyard. pic.twitter.com/WOImM75P1D
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017 Report
End of Twitter post 6 by @CIA
It is not the first time a dog has been retired from duty earlier than expected. Vidar, a Belgian Malinois hunted out roadside bombs and weapons with the British army in Helmand Province.
Image copyright Wales News Service Image caption Vidar’s turned ‘gun shy’ and his retirement inspired a book
But after two years of service he suddenly became “gun shy” – a military term for dogs who are frightened by loud noises – and his retirement was used as an inspiration for a book for those who struggle to read.
While in Australia Gavel the German shepherd was dismissed from duty for being too sociable.
Image copyright Governor of Queensland Image caption Gavel had time to outgrow four uniforms before police decided he wasn’t suited to the front line
Instead of tackling crime, Gavel wanted to make friends. Luckily though he was given a new job after he flunked out of puppy training in Queensland. He was fostered at the official residence of the Queensland governor and is now known as Gavel VRD, ‘Vice-Regal Dog’.
