I am not a munitions expert, and i don't play one on TV, but my understanding is that most explosives emit detectable amounts of certain gasses that are easily detectable with the right equipment. It is the reason there are so many dogs working the luggage.I think it's an overreaction if done to anyone. It's lazy... The procedures are already in place which should have worked to take this guy off of the flight. The fact that he wasn't properly screened shouldn't result in everyone else's discomfort.
The reality is the odds are in favor of those that would do the harm, when We are limited to being reactive. Personally I think that a Blood Pressure, Pulse Scan would be more of a deterrent. Profile on that. Liquid Explosives, and now Powder Explosives are too easy to hide and too hard to detect. Imagine it in an implant. Best to better scrutinize. Even the use of dogs, just passing by them, could trigger a panic attack in a potential bomber, elevated heart rate. What is needed is Personnel capable of spotting the reaction.
Current procedures, properly applied, would have stopped this in Amsterdam.
Dogs are not fool proof, But, They are great at reading People , Fear, Potential Threat. They are worth the Trouble. List Cayenne Powder among their vulnerabilities though.