The process of training a bomb dog is rigorous and demanding, often starting when the dogs are just puppies. Typically, breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Belgian Malinois are chosen for this task due to their intelligence, strong work ethic, and natural scent detection abilities.

The training begins with socialization and basic obedience to help the dog develop a bond with its handler and a solid foundation of discipline. From there, the dog moves on to scent training. This involves introducing the dog to various explosive odors and teaching them to associate these scents with a reward, such as a treat or praise. Over time, the dog becomes adept at detecting these scents, even in complex environments or at significant distances.

After mastering scent detection, bomb dogs undergo extensive field training, where they learn to work effectively in different settings, such as airports, stadiums, or public transportation hubs. This training also includes learning to ignore distractions, such as loud noises, crowds, or other animals, to stay focused on the task at hand.

In addition to their initial training, bomb dogs continue to practice and hone their skills throughout their careers with regular drills, exercises, and ongoing training sessions.