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How To Find a Search and Rescue Dog Training School
By Melissa P. Buhmeyer
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!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_P._Buhmeyer
By Melissa P. Buhmeyer
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!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_P._Buhmeyer
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