What type of training do search and rescue dogs need?
Search and rescue dogs undergo a tremendous amount of training, similar to the training that police dogs receive. Canine search and rescue units have been established around the world and work to save lives and recover bodies during disasters, incidents of kidnapping and missing persons and drownings. A majority of the search and rescue teams located in the United States are non-profit groups that consist of volunteers. They are mainly self funded. The team members provide all the care and services for the search and rescue dogs besides the travel and housing expenses during training and rescue operations.

How are search and rescue dogs used to help people?

Search and rescue dogs are called to help police search and rescue crews during unpleasant situations. They are used to help find drowning or kidnapped victims, missing persons, people who have been lost or buried during a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado or earthquake and even skiers who have been caught in avalanches. These dogs are called in immediately after a need arises and work tirelessly searching for survivors. They use their discerning sense of smell to locate the victims. Search and rescue dogs are able to work in all conditions, including dark, rain, sn ow, heavily populated areas, and dense shrubbery and in debris.

Upon arriving at the scene, the search and rescue units report to a unit leader. The unit leader is constantly working with the local emergency responders. Initially each team will conduct a hasty search around the paths in the area. If no progress is made they will then be assigned a small territory to perform a more detailed and thorough search. It is customary for teams to work and provide unit leader with a report. Once the dog locates the individual, the handler will take the dog to the side and offer praise and a reward for the dog.

What are some of the requirements search and rescue must meet before being called into action?

The training that police dogs and search and rescue dog undergo is extremely intense and time consuming. In most cases dogs are trained for up to a year with training sessions occurring at least twice a week before they are able to participate in live searches. Training search and rescue dogs requires dedication, perseverance and a willingness to put others before yourself. Below are a few of the tasks search and rescue dogs must successfully complete prior to participating in a live mission.

Obedience

Search and rescue dogs must be obedient and under control at all times. They must be able to work with other search and rescue teams and understand both hand and verbal commands.

Some common tasks that search and rescue are required to complete include

• Staying, when the master is out of sight for 15 minutes
• Recall from 15 meters away
• Sit from 10 meters
• Stay down at recall

Tracking

One of the most important objectives for search and rescue dogs is tracking. They use tracking where the dog's head is kept low to the ground to follow a trail and locate missing persons and provide evidence for crime investigations. When training rescue dogs it is important to understand that dogs have roughly 120 - 195 million more olfactory cells th an humans thereby making their sense of smell incredibly acute. Generally speaking dogs should be equipped with a non restrictive harness and 20 foot line.

A routine test to ensure that a search and rescue dog is adequately learned in tracking involves mock tracking exercise. This typically involves the dog tracking a scent through various obstacles like gravel, and distractions such as other human and animal scents.

Searching

Searching is different from tracking. When a dog is searching they are using an airborne scent. When searching it is advisable that search and rescue teams work with the wind as it will carry the scent to the dog.

A common test used to identify whether or not a dog is adequately trained in searching involves making the dog to participate in a mock search. In this search a person is concealed somewhere in a rural environment within 400m. The subject should be located within 20 minutes.

Retrieving

Search and rescue dogs are required to retrieve arti cles connected with their target. Upon receiving the command the search and rescue dog should retrieve the item and return it to their master. They should also release the article upon command.

Agility

Given the nature of their work (e.g., climbing, maneuvering in narrow spaces and jumping) search and rescue dogs must be agile. In order to determine the agility level of the dog they are required to complete an obstacle course. Common obstacles include jumps balance beams and frame planks.

Where can I find more information on training search and rescue dogs?

There is a wealth of information related to training search and rescue dogs on the internet. A great place to begin is the National Association for Search and Rescue at . Another site that has a lot of great information regarding police dogs is the Work Dogs International site.