What could a k9 smell through?

The obvious answer is his nose, but I think you mean something else.

If you are asking about what kinds of conditions effect or don't effect a dog's ability to scent, here's the answer:

Different surfaces effect a dog's ability to follow a scent trail. Vegetation is easier to track through because in addition to the body odor the dog can scent crushed vegetation and disturbed earth. Both of these scents will outlast the scent of body odor. Packed dirt isn't as easy to track on as vegetation, but it is easier than paved services. Of paved surfaces, bricks and gravel are easier to track on than concrete or asphalt.

Wind direction and strength can effect tracking by blowing part of the scent off of the track. A well trained dog will stick to the ground where the target walked rather than getting distracted by scents wafting up in the air.

Rain actually improves scent quality.

Rippling water is easier to track across than still water because scent can pool in the ripples, though still water is best for scenting beneath the surface, say for a submerged cadaver.

Age effects scent quality. The more recently the target left scent, the easier it is to detect. If another similar scent crosses the path of the track after the target has left the area, it may distract the dog and lead him off the main path. Well trained dogs will stop and consider instead of simply choosing the "hottest" scent to make sure they stay on target.

A dog's nose is much more sensitive than a human's. One study showed that a dog was able to detect a single finger print on a pane of glass that had been aged for six months.

First answer by Kirsten07734. Last edit by Kirsten07734. Contributor trust: 29 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question]