Canine teams from all over the country got certified for detecting explosives at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
About 47 dogs took the National Odor Recognition Test from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
"It's a test that Congress mandated ATF to do back in 1997," says lead instructor Cody Monday.
The test examines the dogs' ability to detect 10 fundamental explosive odors.
Part of the test involves setting up 15 paint cans in a circle.
"Within those paint cans, there are 10 distractor odors and five explosives," says Monday. "So the dog needs to be able to distinguish the difference between an actual explosive and a distractor."
Those distractors include things that dogs could routinely come into contact with, such as electrical tape or rubber gloves.
Some of the dog breeds include Labradors and German Shepherds.
"We typically use dogs that are herding dogs or dogs that like to hunt," Monday says, "and they are easily imprinted to find explosives."
Monday says the challenge for ATF is to stay one step ahead of those who make the explosives.
"On an annual basis, we look at the report that is sent out on what bad guys are making (and) what they're making bombs with," says Monday, "and we make sure we incorporate that into this test so that all these officers are prepared when they have to go on an actual call."
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