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Discovering K9 Search And Rescue Training For Pets

By Donna Schmidt


When it comes to dogs, there are a number of different breeds. Some breeds connect better to K9 search and rescue training than others. Breeds which often excel in this area include Golden Retrievers, Giant Schnauzers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinchers, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds. At the same time, while this training is often used by first responders, pet owners of all breeds can often benefit from this training.

When working with a family pet, the animal is often taught the basics of sniffing to locate an owner, handler, trainer or family members. In some cases, pets can also be taught how to alert a family member if someone or something is in danger. For example, the television show Lassie shows a Border Collie that is trained in this manner.

While there are many courses in this area, some are better than others. In most cases, the course leader has a great deal of experience with a number of different animals. Although, most often the individual has worked with dogs on a regular basis whether as an owner, pet-sitter or trainer.

For those looking to get a pet involved in actual search and rescue, it should be noted that the dog will be involved in rescuing people during natural disasters, man-made attacks, and are often used in missing person cases. In many cases, the animal can provide irreplaceable, life saving service of all kinds whether working with law enforcement or other first responders.

To become a search and rescue dog, the animal along with an owner, handler or trainer must attend the courses associated with certification. For, most often the individual is the one whom accompanies the dog on a mission. As such, the individual and animal must be able to pass a test involving intelligence, agility, stamina and determination.

Another difference is that professionally trained K9s can work to locate and provide assistance on a moment's notice. While, those trained to work with first responders are taught how to alert and lead individuals away from dangerous situations. As such, owners and handlers must also learn these techniques in order to understand when a dog alerts one that danger is present.

In most cases, dogs are taught how to locate and alert based on specific scents. However, there are three types of these dogs. The three types of K9s used in search and rescue are air-scenting, ground disturbance and trailing as in following the scent of an individual based on articles of clothing or other items. Some dogs may work as bomb-sniffing and drug dogs as well as search and rescue. While this is the case, most first responders prefer to work with animals which are trained in a specific area when and where possible.

Most SAR dogs are trained in all types of scent work. As a result, these dogs can work everything from a missing person case to accidents and natural disasters. In some cases, these dogs are used to find survivors of airline, bus and train crashes. Whatever the case, it is important the dog and handler, owner or trainer and first responders work together in as calm a manner as possible.




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