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Search and Rescue Dog Training: Nothing average about it
I think the only thing that is average in search and rescue dog training is that the dog’s
breed is not specified and that no particular dog is above any other when it comes to effectivity.
The dog’s characteristics that make it effective in search and rescue dog training is intelligence, his willingness to be trained, an exceptional sense of smell, resilience, calm and that he is not easily distracted.
In search and rescue dog training before they start with the advance lessons, the dogs must successfully complete obedience courses and how to find people and items. After the basic training the more rigorous physical exercises designed to simulate real life situations are taught. Just like what would be expected during missions they have to be able to transverse different environments, from forests to the heart of cities and sewers the SAR dogs must be able to follow the victim or criminal’s trail. This is possible because the dogs are able to follow the rafts or dead skin cells that people shed. These rafts contain a scent that is unique per person. Following trails is not the only task a SAR dog is trained for. Search and rescue dog training also includes protecting others as well as finding where drugs are hidden. Usually a SAR dog and his handler must work together, training twice a week for a year before they are even ready for their first mission. They also have to pass a strict evaluation process before being allowed to go to the field.
When SAR dogs are brought to the field their role becomes at par with their human handlers. Everyone reports to the operations leader and pairs are assigned work areas to search. The operation runs like clockwork with little margin for error especially when time is of the essence and a life is in the balance. This is the reason why search and rescue dog training needs to be rigorous and precise. Another characteristic that a SAR dog must have is sociability. The nature of search and rescue operations is that it is a team effort. SAR dogs will be time and again required to work with other team members, specialists or be exposed to populated areas.
The foundation of search and rescue dog training is based on the visionary work of Bill Syrotuck. Although some methodologies may vary slightly in different SAR units the core trainings are the same. This standardization across the board ensures that different SAR units are able to effectively work well with different teams and government agencies.