High Tech Collars for Border Patrol Pups

Over the years, there have been talks of futuristic dog collars that would reveal if your pet was happy, hungry, or sad. But, unless someone is recreating the translating collar from Pixar's Up, these gadgets seem more like a novelty that would wear off after a few days. But now these collars are getting a serious look for their application with working pups.

CBP's human counterparts already use smart wrist-watches, wearable cameras, and clothing equipped with health and safety sensors, so giving the canines a bit of technology seems like a logical next step. With about 1,500 teams, CBP's dog program is the largest law enforcement canine program in the country. These pups are often referred to as the agency's best tool in tracking potential terrorists and sniffing out illegal substances. Their noses are able to detect some scents at an incredible four parts per trillion.

Wolf believes that the collars will allow dogs to work safely and effectively at a greater distance from their handlers. Additional features could also be added, such as GPS and video.

But not everyone agrees that the gadget is worth the expense. Shawn Moran, Vice President of the National Border Patrol Council, doesn't see the need for a high tech collar since agents are usually close to their dogs. It would be interesting to see if the collar's "translating' capabilities could pick up on minute variances in barking and other behavior that their handlers may not be able to detect (or would have a hard detecting in a hectic situation).

Either way, no collar can replace the communication system that develops organically over time between a handler and their pup-- no matter how fancy the algorithm. My hope is that this technology is used to aid, not replace, a solid human-canine working relationship.