Abstract

The human-dog relationships within the teams working in olfactory search within the French Armed Forces have not been investigated through an exploratory and qualitative approach. In order to expand knowledge on this professional and relational modality, semi-structured interviews were conducted with dog handlers from the French Army (n=16) performing explosive device detection and search and neutralization of individuals. Among the themes and sub-themes identified during thematic analysis, the relationships and interactions between humans and dogs emerge from canine individualities, emotions, and interpersonal bonds. The results suggest that the relationships woven between humans and dogs conducting olfactory searches in the French Army are multifaceted. The human-dog relationship in canine military teams is based on multiple characteristics such as bonds, emotions, affection, trust, communication, care, mutual support, technical learning, cooperation, interdependence, and instrumental factors. This study highlights the importance of valuing moments of closeness between the handler and the dog, outside of training and operational contexts. Furthermore, the opportunity to enhance the emotional skills of handlers is of interest in helping some to regulate their emotions, so as not to disrupt or even to assist their dog.

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