Prevailing wind directions. A dog works best when placed to take advantage of odors carried on the wind. When there is little or no wind, a dog can detect intruders up to 200 meters away using its senses of smell, hearing, and sight. In unfavorable wind conditions, a dog can still detect by sound and sight. Heavily wooded areas.
POL can damage paws and the dog's sense of smell.
Work near POL points must be infrequent and brief. NBC agents also limit the use of dogs because there are no protective devices for dogs. Whenever possible, a MWD team rehearses with team or patrol members so everyone can get used to working with the dog. Team members also must know what to do if a handler is seriously wounded or killed. A dog that has worked closely with a team and has developed a tolerance for one or more of the members will usually allow one of them to return it to the kennel.