There are many
things dogs can be trained to do but, of all the tasks a working
dog can perform, search and rescue ranks the highest for needing
qualified, professional trainers. A Search and Rescue (SAR) dog’s
performance, quite literally, can determine life or death to a
human in need.
As shocking as it may sound, there is no set of standards for
rescue dog training. Subsequently, rescue clubs, teams, and
individuals emerge as trainers, when, in fact, they may know
little, or nothing at all, about training a SAR dog. Attending
seminars and reading books on the subject are worthwhile
endeavors, but they do not constitute being a SAR dog trainer.
Sadly, in a large percentage of cases, this is an assumption not
only made, but followed, and replicated. In some cases, those
touting themselves as SAR dog trainers scarcely have enough
knowledge to teach a dog simple parlor tricks, let alone promptly
and accurately scenting or tracking skills, where a human life
hangs in the balance.
Even when the topical qualifications are in place, this is no
substitute for failing to research the validity of those
qualifications. You will hear the term “qualified instructor”
often from those with police/military backgrounds. While this
sounds impressive, keep in mind that there is no “qualification”
standard to begin with, so the very title is misleading. Further,
there may be a very good reason that the individual is no longer
training/handling outside of the police/military venues. That
reason may be a desire for work in the private sector, or it could
be indicative of poor performance.
Now, I’m not trying to paint a bleak picture; there are a number
of incredible SAR dog trainers out there. All of these great
instructors hold one thing in common: they can bear your scrutiny
with flying colors. If you’re making the huge step towards
training your dog for SAR, then you really need to make the right
choices. Here are the top things to consider when choosing a SAR
dog trainer:
1. Experience. There is no substitute and there is no better gauge
of a trainer’s value. Look for trainers who have years of
experience in a wide variety of disciplines, not just SAR.
Demonstrated ability, in more than a single focus, means that the
trainer will be able to administer a wide variety of training
methods to accomplish the end goal. Other potential disciplines to
look for include: agility, obedience, hunting, or herding. This
experience is easily verified by titles such as: Companion Dog
(CD, CDX) Agility Dog (AD, MACH, NATCH), Schutzhund (I, II, II) to
name a few.
2. Actual SAR experience is a must. SAR dogs perform a number of
tasks that your instructor MUST have real-world experience with.
They need to be well-versed, from first-hand experience, on how
lost or fleeing people will act, how a crime scene needs to be
preserved in cadaver searches resulting from criminal acts, etc.
3. The trainer should be well-versed on all breeds and capable of
assessing and advising on the limitations and capacity of that
breed.
4. Separate marketing from proven performance. If your trainer is
good, you can bet he or she will have references. Contact those
agencies and inquire about the specific services the trainer was
hired for and their thoughts regarding the trainer’s services.
Just because they have a polished web site, well-designed
brochures, etc., does not mean they’re the best pick, by default.
In some cases, a smaller organization may actually yield better
references.
The decision for you, and your dog, to become involved in SAR is a
big one. Take the time to do your homework. Your success and
enjoyment will not only be richer but it may, in fact, save a
life!
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