Tracking and search and rescue (SAR) dogs are trained to track and rescue people who are lost or trapped. They are highly skilled and have a keen sense of smell. They can follow a person’s scent for long distances, even through difficult terrain.
Selection
It is important to select the right dog for tracking and SAR work. These dogs should be intelligent, trainable, healthy, and strong. It is also important to avoid dogs that are not socialized or aggressive.
Scent Discrimination
Tracking and SAR dogs are also trained in scent discrimination. This is a skill that helps them to follow the scent of a specific person.
Socialization
Tracking and SAR dogs must be socialized to be comfortable around a variety of people, animals, and environments. This helps them to feel safe and confident in their work.
Handler Training
Tracking and SAR dogs work closely with their handlers. Handlers must be trained to use the dogs safely and effectively.
Unit Oversight and Management
Tracking and SAR dogs typically work as part of a unit. Unit oversight and management are essential to ensure the effective operation of these units.
Wilderness Search and Rescue Dog Training
Wilderness search and rescue dogs are trained to find people who are lost in wilderness areas. These dogs often require specialized training.
Human Remains Detection Dog Training
Human remains detection dogs are trained to find human remains. These dogs often require specialized training.
Disaster Search Dog Training
Disaster search dogs are trained to find people who are lost or trapped in disasters, such as natural disasters. These dogs often require specialized training.
Disaster Search Dog Skills
Disaster search dog skills are a basic skill set for dogs. These skills allow the dog to work safely and effectively in a disaster area.
Wilderness Search Dog Skills
Wilderness search dog skills are a specialized skill set for dogs. These skills allow the dog to work safely and effectively in wilderness areas.
Explosives Detection Dog Training
Explosives detection dogs are trained to detect explosives. These dogs are typically given the same training as tracking and search and rescue dogs.
K9 Problem Solving
K9 problem solving is a skill set for dogs. This skill set helps the dog to solve complex problems.
SAR Dog Training Scenarios
SAR dog training scenarios provide dogs with the opportunity to practice in a realistic environment. This training helps the dog to work effectively in even the most challenging situations.
Specializations
- Ethology: The scientific study of dog behavior and biological characteristics.
- Applied Dog Behavior: A specialization that studies dog behavior and develops techniques to modify that behavior.
- Learning Theory and Principles: A specialization that studies the learning processes of dogs.
- Applications of Dog Training Tools: A specialization that studies the tools and methods used during dog training.
- Behavioral Problems in Dogs: A specialization that studies the negative behaviors exhibited by dogs.
- Working with Dog Consultants: A specialization that studies the skills required to manage the dog training process by communicating with and educating dog owners.
- Dog Specialties: A specialization that studies specialization according to the different characteristics and abilities of dogs.
- Veterinary and Health Issues: A specialization that studies the health and nutrition of dogs.