Other Abilities of Search and Rescue Dogs

As well as learning these basic commands, search and rescue dogs must learn a number of other abilities and must be able to perform in a superior manner through a large number of tasks including:

Agility. Search and rescue dogs need to be able to maneuver difficult areas, including walking on thin planks and jumping objects.
Tracking. Search and rescue dogs must be able to track people through difficult conditions. They can track the one scent, without being distracted by other scents or weather conditions.
Retrieving. Search and rescue dogs often have to retrieve objects and bring them to their handlers. These objects may include clothing from a missing person.
Searching. Searching is similar to tracking, but there is a difference. With tracking, a dog will follow a track left on the ground. With searching, a dog will sniff the air to try and find someone.

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Training Programs for Search and Rescue Dogs

Training rescue dogs is a specialized area. In order for a dog to be used in search and rescue operations, they need to undergo intensive training at a special training center. Their handler also needs to undergo training, in order to learn how to control their dog and how to handle emergency situations. Some of the training centers and associations for search and rescue dogs include:

Canine Search and Recovery (csar.org)
FEMA: Urban Search and Rescue Response System (fema.gov/usr)
NASAR - The National Association for Search and Rescue (nasar.org)
SDF - Search Dog Foundation (searchdogfoundation.org)
NSARDA - National Search and Rescue Dogs Association UK (nsarda.org.uk)

Each of these sites has information on breeds and details of the given training programs. You will also find contact information and requirements for dogs and owners to participate. The programs offered by these training centers are rigorous for both the animals and their handlers. The work in which these teams will be engaged is vital and consequently the training sets high standards of performance. (There are also a large number of local and state training centers that train search and rescue dogs and police dogs.)

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Other Abilities of Search and Rescue Dogs

Training Programs for Search and Rescue Dogs

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