If you own a dog, you know how rewarding it can be when they respond to commands, and do the things they are told. Some of us have trouble just getting our pets to listen when their names are called.

With a growing interest in dog training in the U.S. and the popularity of shows like "Dog Whisperer", which airs on The National Geographic channel -- families across the world are becoming more and more in tune with the astounding abilities of dogs. But their skills go far beyond magic -- they're absolutely real.

A few weeks ago, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) graduated a new class of canine handlers at its Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Va. The ceremony was the culmination of an intensive, 10-week training course completed by federal officers from the CIA, Department of Defense, U.S. Marshals Service and the Federal Protective Service, in which ATF canine trainers spent six weeks "imprinting" the dogs, giving them the capability to locate 19,000 explosive odors – including peroxide-based explosives.

"These dedicated students have been training for seven-days-a-week since Jan. 7," noted ATF Acting Director Michael Sullivan. "They and their highly-trained canine partners are now prepared to use their skills to protect the public and prevent terrorism."

Imagine your dog, with its keen sense of smell -- having an even stronger ability to sniff out over 19,000 different scents and tell you exactly where they are. Even your pet doesn't measure up to ATF or military standards, you can still teach it to become an exceptional pet in and around your home.

According to Cesar Milan, the dog behavior specialist who stars in "The Dog Whisperer", understanding how dogs behave in nature can help us better fulfill their needs when we bring them into our homes.

With the ATF's specialized Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia -- the big dogs rule as they are taught concepts that will make them useful in criminal investigations, protective search and sweep operations, and safeguarding national special events.

The handlers and their canines train extensively together for 10 weeks, learning how to search out explosives in vehicles, schools, train stations, concert venues, warehouses and retail stores. The dogs can also detect firearms and ammunition. Prior to graduation, each canine must pass an odor recognition test with 100 percent accuracy. This certification test is conducted by a forensic chemist using the National Odor Recognition Test developed by ATF.

The ATF trains approximately 90 new canine teams each year and places them, without cost, with local, state, federal or foreign law enforcement agencies. Teams are recertified each year and receive continuous support from ATF throughout the approximate eight-year working life of the dogs.

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