Search and Rescue

Search and Rescue Dogs

A good search and rescue (SAR) dog must remain focused on the task at hand.  The task is to find the scent no matter where it leads or much other odors have mixed with desired scent.

The favored breeds for SAR and rescue work are German Shepherds, Belgium Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Retrievers and the  Bloodhound but any medium to large breed or mix can serve just as well if they enjoy tracking and can concentrate on following the scent.  The breed is not critical but the dog's attitude is very important.

A dog's sense of smell is powerful and discerning.  Dogs, like human beings or mechanical sensing devices, possess inherent capabilities and limitations.  The primary value of the dog as a detector is his ability to perform as a sensor mechanism.  It is well established that the dog is very able to detect minute traces of certain odors and has a nose ability superior to humans.  Some breeds are better endowed, nose wise, than others.  Heredity, intelligence, and training will vary with each individual dog.  There is little doubt that regular practice will improve both the working ability of the dog's mind as well as the discriminatory  quality of his nose.

A prospective SAR dog must be evaluated to determine if they have the necessary drives.  Dogs must display high hunt, play and ball drives because in training, dogs are rewarded with praise or a toy when they locate an acting victim.  A good SAR dog will work hard for his/her reward or praise.

Dogs are trained to follow a scent in different terrains and during different weather conditions.   Dogs can also be trained to locate and find cadaver scents.  A dog's skill improves through regular training sessions and handlers must continue working with their SAR dog once training is complete.

SAR dogs can locate scent by air-scenting and on-lead tracking.  A dog will air scent with their heads up, sniffing the air to catch the scent and then follow that scent to the victim.  Tracking dogs also use air scent to start the track and then follow the scent on the ground to the victim.  A good SAR dog will follow the scent wherever it leads even if the track is mixed with other scents. 

Dogs trained and utilized by World K9 for SAR are procured from domestic  sources throughout  the United States.  There are a minimal number of dogs that qualify for selection.  Therefore, the process of obtaining dogs that possess the selection  prerequisites  is a most important ongoing program.  Contact us at 734-279-1400 or by e-mail at sales@worldk9.com .