Labrador retriever flunks out of bomb-sniffing school for not wanting to detect bombs
— -- A Labrador retriever named Lulu has flunked out of bomb-sniffing school after she displayed to her handlers that she was no longer interested in detecting bombs, according to the CIA.
"We are sad to announce that Lulu has been dropped from the program," the CIA announced in a press release Wednesday.
Lulu did not make the cut to graduate with her fellow fall 2017 puppy classmates after she began to show signs that she wasn't interested in sniffing out explosive odors a few weeks into training.
Pups often have off days when they're training for such an important job, the CIA said. The issue -- which can often be fixed with more playtime and breaks -- is often temporary.
"After a few days, the trainers work the pup through whatever issue has arisen, and the dog is back eagerly and happily ready to continue training," the CIA said. "But for some dogs, like Lulu, it becomes clear that the issue isn’t temporary."
Lulu was no longer motivated to search for explosives and was "clearly not enjoying herself any longer" when motivated to do so with food and play.
"It's imperative that the dogs enjoy the job they’re doing," the CIA said.
Trainers made the "extremely difficult decision" to drop Lulu from the program for her physical and mental well-being, the CIA said.
Lulu's handler adopted her, so she now enjoys cushy work-free days that include playing with his children and sniffing out rabbits and squirrels in the backyard. She even has a new friend -- a fellow Labrador retriever -- to hang out with all day.
"We’ll miss Lulu, but this was the right decision for her," the CIA said. "We wish her all the best in her new life."
Lulu's handler is still on the search for an explosive detection K-9 partner, the CIA said.
