Von Bormann Protocol for Early Training of Detection Dog Puppies Based on Imprinting

This study presents an innovative approach based on the Von Bormann protocol for the early training of explosive detection dog puppies, focusing on the use of olfactory imprinting from the first days of life. Through an experimental design with puppies, the impact of early exposure to microtraces of explosives on the neurocognitive and olfactory development of dogs was explored. The results demonstrated that puppies trained using this protocol showed superior ability in detecting explosives, achieving performance levels comparable to conventionally trained adult dogs in less time. This approach also improved their resistance to working under stress, motivation, and accuracy in challenging operational conditions. The conclusions suggest that intervention during the critical imprinting period can accelerate the development of highly effective operational dogs in the detection of explosives.