Project Description
Canine Search and Rescue
K9 Search and Rescue (SAR) training takes K9 training to the next level. Most handlers think K9 SAR training is only for professionals that dedicate their time, money and life in the pursuit of their skills. Many handlers train their K9s for either “Live Find” (going to areas searching for missing individuals either in disaster areas, woods or urban areas) or training in HRD (Human Remains Detection) (searching for victims that are presumed deceased. These professionals need K9 partners that have a high drive, confident, willingness to work away from the handler and loyal.
The good news is: all dogs can benefit training in SAR. This is a multiple disciplinary adventure. K9s need advanced skills in obedience, agility and scent work. For those nervous dogs, you would be amazed how much confidence is learned.
What types of dogs are able to attend?
This is a great class for all active dogs and can be great for nervous or non confident dogs. Dogs work at their own pace, and generally at a distance from each other on the training course even non-dog to dog friendly dogs can benefit from this training.
What type presequence training is required?
It is helpful if your dog has basic obedience skills like: sit, down, stay, come and works well with you. Also previous scent classes are helpful as well. But none of that is required for the beginner class
Do I have to be part of a SAR team?
No, this beginner class is great for all active dogs
I do not have an interest in joining a Search & Rescue Team, can I still attend?
Yes, 90% of students will never join a SAR team, but love this class
So what do we do in class?
We will introduce your K9 partner to three dog training disciplines
1: Scentwork – We start to introduce your K9 to scent games and finding different scents with their nose. Depending on the goals of the class, we may use scent oils, explosive scents or cadaver scents
2: Urban Agility – Introducing your K9 to climbing through rubble piles, crossing on different types of planks, drainage ditches, vehicles and more
3: Obedience – This is not your basic obedience skills, but sending your dog away from you, giving directional commands, recalls and more
Minimum equipment needed:
6′ leash
30′ leash
Scent items for home practice
Good quality harness is recommended
We go beyond teaching the dogs just to use their nose, they also need to be able to work at a distance, have a good stop, heel, and agility commands. The dogs should also be athletic as they will need to navigate an urban obstacle course consisting of climbing a ladder, going through tunnels, crossing a plank, a wobbly surface, over pallets, tires and more. Older dogs, extreme fearful dogs or dogs with disabilities (hip dysplasia, arthritis or other mobility problems) may have a hard time on the obstacles.
Not sure you or your dog can handle this type of training, then give me a call and we can plan on meeting before you sign up for class.