EXPLOSIVE detection dogs were sniffing around Port Stephens Council building in Raymond Terrace on Tuesday.
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But nothing untoward was happening with the No.1 Security Force Squadron completing a training exercise. The squadron is located at RAAF Base Williamtown and recently established an Explosive Detector Dog (EDD) Section.
The dogs are trained to find explosives, firearms and ammunition.
"They usually search better in a new environment," explosive detection dog handler Jesse White said.
"They have to deal with new smells, different people and the new surrounds," he said.
Three dogs were taken through the council building including Lucy and Spike, both labradors and Bruce the Belgian malinois.
They are strapped into a harness and let off lead to search the area with their handler using voice and hand commands to direct them if needed.
The dogs respond to any smells that need investigation with a passive response such as sitting down in front of the questionable object or person.
The squadron does other off-base training exercises around Port Stephens and Newcastle.