Airscenting is a specialized technique used by search and rescue dogs to locate individuals by detecting scents carried by the wind. This method is effective in diverse environments like fields, forests, and urban areas, allowing dogs to cover larger areas than tracking dogs, which focus on ground scents. Trained to recognize specific scents, airscent dogs use scent discrimination exercises to differentiate odors. During searches, they detect the "hot" scent—fresh, concentrated scent particles in the air—enabling them to find lost or trapped individuals, even if they are not nearby. Airscenting is efficient for covering vast terrains quickly, as these dogs can work off-leash, exploring multiple paths and adapting to changing wind patterns. When they detect a scent, they signal their handler through specific behaviors, alerting them to a potential victim's presence. The dog then leads the handler to the individual for a swift rescue. Environmental factors like wind speed and humidity can influence the effectiveness of airscenting.

Cadaver dogs, or human remains detection dogs, are specially trained canines adept at locating human remains in various conditions and locations, including buried or submerged bodies and decomposed remains. Their exceptional sense of smell allows them to detect unique scent markers associated with human decomposition, making them invaluable in forensic investigations, search and rescue operations, and recovery efforts. In addition to identifying decomposed remains, these dogs are trained for specific scenarios, such as retrieving bodies from water, where they excel in navigating aquatic environments. Overall, cadaver dogs play a crucial role in crime scene investigations, disaster recovery, and missing person cases, highlighting their significance in forensic science and search operations.

Trailing dogs are specially trained canines with an exceptional ability to track distinct human scents, even when the scent does not follow the individual's actual path. Environmental factors like wind, temperature, humidity, and terrain can affect how scents disperse, complicating the tracking process. These dogs excel at following scent trails left on the ground, detecting unique markers even if they are faint or days old. A well-trained trailing dog can trace the footsteps of someone who passed through an area long ago, distinguishing that trail from others nearby. Trailing dogs can also track individuals who have traveled by vehicle, picking up scents that escape through open windows or ventilation systems. Their training allows them to navigate various terrains, including hills, marshes, forests, and urban areas, making them invaluable for search and rescue operations and law enforcement activities.