Frustration and its Impacts on SAR K9s

Search and Rescue (SAR) canines remain indispensable tools in locating missing persons, performing effectively in varied environments where technology may fall short. While much of the research on SAR dogs has focused on their olfactory capabilities, less attention has been given to the overall welfare and emotional states of these working animals. Frustration—a negative emotional state arising from unmet expectations—can significantly hinder performance in detection canines by degrading learning and processing of stimuli.

This study investigates the physiological and behavioral impacts of frustration on SAR dogs, distinguishing between physical stress from work and the psychological stress of frustration. Our findings highlight how frustration can disrupt task performance and provide key insights into how handlers can better identify and mitigate these emotional states during training and field deployments. By optimizing training techniques to reduce frustration, handlers can improve operational outcomes and enhance the well-being of their dogs, ensuring sustained performance across challenging scenarios.

This is an under-peer review paper.