Detector Dog - A Day in the Life

The day in the life of a MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Detector Dog goes something like this:

Detector Dog discovering fresh food in a suitcase.

  • When my handler arrives for work, its time to wake up.
  • Get to go for a run and socialise with the other dogs for 15 -20 minutes
  • Then it is off to the airport
  • Once there the handler determines which flights would be more suitable for me.
  • Once the flight lands and passengers start to disembark, I put my coat on and go out into the arrivals hall to work among the passengers and their luggage.
  • When the flight clears, or I start getting tired (I only work for about 40 minutes in an hour) I get to rest until the next flight. Another of my K9 friends will take over the searching.
  • During the day I exercise and play with the other dogs in the run outside.
  • At the end of my shift, I get taken back to my kennel at the MAFBNZ DDP HQ's where I get to go out into the exercise yard once again.

Detector Dog checking for restricted items in luggage.

Then it is in for the night, for dinner (lovely dog biscuits) and a big long sleep until it is time to wake up.

On my 4 days off I go for bush walks, swims or play in the large runs with the other dogs. I get well looked after by the four full time Kennel staff when my handler is away.

Page last updated: 21 October 2009