What talented dogs!
Thanks to Chosun.com for this article.
Termite Sniffing Dogs Patrol Palaces
A pair of dogs have become guardians of Korea’s ancient palaces, trained to sniff out termites that damage the wooden buildings. The Cultural Heritage Administration said it’s the first time dogs have been used to guard the palaces since Korea won its independence. It’s also the first time animals have been used to help preserve the nation’s cultural landmarks.
Samsung Life Insurance donated the two termite sniffing canines to the Cultural Heritage Administration on Wednesday, and the pair demonstrated their skills at Geunjeongjeon main hall of Gyeongbok Palace. The dogs are English Springer Spaniels named Woori and Boram. During the demonstration they successfully detected termites in eight barrels and pillars at the Chosun Era palace.
Trained not to damage the wooden buildings, Woori and Boram didn’t lick or bite the barrels and pillars but rather waited for their handlers to act. The dogs were originally trained to sniff out explosives or drugs but they have been learning to find termites since May.
