PowerPoint Presentation

SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS

Introduction to SAR DogsBest tools of any search and rescue (SAR) team.Powerful sense of smell, exceptional hearing, a rigorous training and an amazing bond with their handlers.Cadaver dogs: dogs trained to find human remains.

What do SAR Dogs do?Search Dogs are trained to find missing people by various means such as air scenting, trailing and tracking. These are very efficient methods of searching large areas quickly and does not always require items of clothing or effects of the missing person.

Where do SAR Dogs work?Basically you will find search dogs working in all types of terrains, in the mountains, on the moors, in the countryside, in towns and villages as well as on collapsed buildings or on bodies of water.

Who do SAR Dogs look for?Search Dogs are employed in a wide range of scenarios looking for missing people of all types and age groups including WALKERS AND CLIMBERS, those suffering from ALZHEIMERS or DEMENTIA, CHILDREN, DESPONDENTS and possibly VICTIMS OF CRIME.

Why are SAR Dogs used?Dog teams can be quickly deployed in rural and urban areas or by 44 vehicles and helicopters in remote or difficult to reach areas, where they can begin to start searching at the earliest opportunity, whilst other search resources are being marshalled.With their amazing sense of smell, speed and agility Search Dogs can typically do the work of around 20 foot searchers in good conditions and many more in poor conditions. In ideal conditions a dog can pick up a human scent from about 500 metres.

When do SAR Dogs work?Search Dogs work equally well in the day and the night.

When should SAR Dogs be called upon?Search Dogs should be summoned as early as possible as this gives the dogs the best chance of success.

SAR Dogs CharacteristicsMust be agile and resistant enough to deal with typical difficulties of search and rescue activities. Thus toy breeds are not a good choice.Must not be so big that its size makes the rescue task even more difficult (mountains, helicopters, boats).Exception: When people need to be pulled out of water, giant breeds, like Newfounland, are very useful.Must be exceptionally motivated to search during long time periods under the most unfavourable conditions. Therefore, dogs with high prey drive are preferred because they get obsessed with the fetch the human game.Must be perfectly socialized to people and other animalsMust be accustomed to work (or play) under stressful situations.

SAR Dogs SpecialitiesClassified according to their speciality into 2 groups:1. Tracking dogs: follow a victims path from point A to point B.

2. Air scent dogs: smell the air seeking for human scent.

Types of SAR Dogs

Air Scenting Search DogsAir Scenting Search Dogs search routes, paths and areas looking for human scent particles.They do not discriminate scent e.g. they do not look for specific people but will look for anyone that is in the area.Once the dog finds a missing person they will return to their handler and indicate with a bark or by jumping up at them. Then the dog will take their handler back to the missing person with a show me command.On finding the missing person the handler rewards the dog with their favourite toy and/or food whilst heaping lots of praise on them.It is this game through years of training that drives the dog to find the missing person.

Scent Specific Trailing DogsScent Specific Trailing Search Dogs follow a scent trail looking for / following human scent particles.These search dogs do discriminate scent e.g. they are given an article of the missing persons clothing and will then hunt for a trail that matches that scent.The rest follows the same way, i.e. , the indication and reward.

Drowned Victim Search DogsDrowned Victim Search Dogs search the boundaries of bodies of water or on the water in the front of a boat looking for human scent particles emanating from the water.They do not discriminate scent e.g. they do not look for specific people but will look for anyone that is in the water.

Training a SAR DogA well trained SAR dog is a sight to behold. The dog can evenly manoeuvre the most difficult of terrain with the grace of a mountain goat all the while looking for a trapped or hidden human being. This type of work is often done on the fly, at the drop of the hat, with little advanced warning. It requires a talented dog and a special handler willing to invest the time and effort.

Selecting a DogIntelligence, agility, stamina, drive, work ethic, confidence, and the ability to listen and respond to the handler.Puppies are preferred.HIGH level of ball/play drive; intense concentration level.German Shepherd Dog, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador Retriever are three of the primary breeds.

Beginning TrainingHide-n-seek game with owner (person closest to dog).Command used- Find it.Play tug of war with a toy, then hold the dog on a leash and make someone run away with the toy in a direction the dog can see him. The person should then drop down or duck behind a bush after which the dog is released to go find the toy (with the command find it).Once the dog finds the person, play tug with him and excite him so he begins to enjoy finding people.With further training sessions, the difficulty level is increased by increasing the search area, number of people, etc.

Some other types of SAR Dogs

Avalanche dogs Another type of tracking dog are Avalanche dogs. These dogs search for people who are trapped under the snow and can someone under as much as 15 feet of snow. Many people visualize the loyal St. Bernard playing this role, but these days many breeds including German Shepherds and Labradors also perform this much needed job.

Cadaver dogs The final search dog that relies heavily on its sense of smell are Cadaver dogs. Also referred to as Human Remains Detection Dogs, these dogs are relied upon to locate dead people by detecting scents rising from the ground. These dogs are many times used for recovery after natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes. While it's not the most glamorous job, these dogs often bring closure to families by being able to properly bury their loved ones.

Water Search dogs Water Search Dogs are another form of search and rescue dog that search for drowning victims in the water. These dogs work along shores or in boats following a scent as it rises to the surface of the water. The dog will slap and bite at the water once it's found the trail. Breeds that are naturally comfortable and enjoy water such as Retrievers and Newfoundlands usually fill this role.

What happens to retired dogs?SAR Dogs retire at around 8 years of age or even earlier.Retired dogs may be sent to adoption centres, for adoption by general experienced people.But more often they are adopted by their handlers itself, as they have developed an unbreakable bond working for long years together.

ConclusionWhile some SARS dogs may be dedicated to their jobs on a daily basis, many SARS dogs live with search volunteers and spend a lot of their days as a family dog, working only when duty calls. Regardless, these dogs have become more skilled and valuable to society over the years and there's no doubting the vast natural ability these dogs possess.

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