Purity Pest Control & Common Scents Solutions Add New Bed Bug Detection Dog

TORONTO, Canada — Purity Pest Control & Common Scents Solutions has added a fourth bed bug detection dog named Radar, a pure breed Australian Shepherd from Stoverly Aussies out of Midland, Ontario. Radar is eight weeks old.

“The response we have received has been overwhelming and we must look to the future if we are to keep up with the demand for K-9 bed bug inspections,” says Michael Goldman, president of Purity Pest Control and Common Scents Solutions.

Radar joins the companies other certified bed bug detection dogs: Kody, Alexa and Heidi. “I am a ‘glass is half empty kind of guy’ and while some may say that Kody is only 7 years old, I say he is already 7. I need to start thinking about eventually replacing Kody and those will be pretty big paws to fill. The reason we chose an Aussie is because of its intelligence, hard work ethic and great reputation. The reason we chose Stoverly Aussies is their great track record for producing champion working and show Aussies. The bed bug problem in North America is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. By this time next year we will have another well trained certified dog that will specialize in bed bug scent detection. Radar’s obedience training has already begun and by 6 months he should be able to find bed bugs. At that point he will begin going out on jobs with Kody, watching and learning.”

How Do “Inspector’s Kody and Alexa” Do Their Work?
A dog must be correctly trained, led and interpreted. Once the dog has familiarized itself with the structure, the professionally trained handler guides the dog with special instructions on where to search. The handler observes and interprets his dog’s behavior. Once the target insect is located, the dog performs what’s called a “passive alert”, where he will sit and point to the infested area.

Who are the main players?
The Common Scents Inspection Team consists of: § “Inspector Heidi”. Heidi is a mix lab dog trained and certified by Bill Whitstine of the Florida Canine Academy. She has been specifically trained to detect bed bugs from a variety of locations and situations. Heidi has proven herself in hotels, apartment buildings, long term health care facilities and private residences. Heidi and Wendy will be re-certified annually by the Florida Canine Academy. § Wendy Maeots. Wendy is a dog trainer by profession and has been certified as Heidi’s handler to detect bed bugs. Together, Wendy and Heidi are an internationally recognized K-9 and handler team. § Michael Goldman. Michael owns Purity Pest Control Limited, a local GTA-based pest management company that now has 3 K-9 detection teams inspecting for bed bugs as well as termites. He is a certified trainer and handler.