ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with the internal and external aerodynamics of the nose involved in the sense of smell (olfaction) as they relate to training and searching with SDs. The sense of smell involves detection and perception of chemicals (odorants or scent molecules) inhaled by the dog. These scent molecules in the environment enter the dog’s nose in the gas phase, in the solid phase as particulates from a source, and attached to particulate matter such as dust or skin flakes. In the warm and humid environment of the nose, scent molecules in the gas phase and those detached from particulates contact sensors (receptors) that generate electrical signals which are sent to the brain. Signal processing and learning by the brain result in the “perception” of an odor or scent.
