Bond, the RCMP's Oldest Sniffer Dog, Continues to Secure Edmonton Airport
At nearly 12 dog years old, which translates to the late 70s in human terms, Bond the German shepherd holds the distinction of being the oldest explosive detective on the nation's oldest police dog force. Despite her advanced age, she remains the queen of explosive safety at Edmonton International Airport, maintaining her critical role in detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ensuring security for high-profile visitors.
Decades of Service and Specialized Training
Bond's career has included some remarkable assignments, from sweeping the Queen's bathroom at the Hotel Macdonald before her check-in to inspecting the stands at Rogers Place ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to an Edmonton Oilers game. Her handler, RCMP Const. Joel Mackown, emphasizes that when Level 5 public figures such as the Pope, former American presidents, or other VIPs arrive in Edmonton, Bond becomes indispensable.
"The toilet that they sit on, the bed that they lie in, the hockey seat that they're sitting in — know that that area has been swept by the police dog," Mackown stated, highlighting the thoroughness of their security sweeps.
Signature Sit-and-Stare Technique
During a recent demonstration at the RCMP K Division Training Centre, Bond showcased her olfactory prowess to Leduc leaders. With her big brown eyes and laser focus, she triangulated the area using her wet, black nose before settling on a suspicious locker. Her signature move — the sit-and-stare — involves sitting upright and staring fixedly at the target until she receives her reward.
"We could go to Tim Hortons for a coffee, come back, and she should still be sitting here, staring. She doesn't move until the reward is given," Mackown explained. Mastering this technique in a world full of doggy distractions requires extensive training. "That's taken a lot of man-hours to train. It's not an easy thing to do," he added.
Critical Role in Airport Security
Edmonton International Airport holds a unique position as Canada's northernmost major international airport, and Bond's role is mandated by Transport Canada regulations. "You can't be a class one international airport without immediate canine explosive detection regulated by Transport Canada. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, Transport Canada says you have to have immediate Canada explosive detection," Mackown emphasized.
He further noted that when planes arrive, any explosive-related issues fall squarely on him and Bond. "We have to have a zero mission failure in explosives at the airport," he asserted. While million-dollar machines scan bags for explosives, only Bond can perform her duties with her 300 million sensory receptacles in her nose, compared to a human's five million.
Rewards and Recognition
Bond's rewards for a job well done include profuse praise and some Kong ball tug-of-war. Mackown quipped, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a job where people tell you did great work every day and tell you how good you are?" This positive reinforcement keeps Bond motivated and effective in her duties.
As Bond continues her service, she exemplifies the dedication and specialized skills required to maintain security at one of Canada's key transportation hubs. Her longevity and unwavering performance underscore the vital role that canine units play in national security efforts.
