It starts with understanding the characteristics that make a dog a good candidate for SAR training. A good rescue dog can’t be affected by loud or sudden sounds, and must be able to get along with other dogs and people well. To a dog SAR work is not seen as work, but as a game they love to play.
Search and rescue work is a rewarding experience for a dog. It is a challenge both physically and mentally but most importantly it’s a lot of fun. A dog’s personality and characteristics from its breeding are two of the most important factors in whether a dog will be suited to rescue work.
Some dogs are naturals at searching for people, but not all dogs (like people) are suited to search and rescue (SAR) work. Dog breeds that are considered naturals are German Shepherds, American Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Bloodhounds, Border Collies, and Belgian Malinois. Mixed Breed Huskies, Poodles, Australian Shepherds, Cattle Dogs and Springer Spaniels are also used. At USDASG we focus on German Shepherds, American Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds and Begian Malinois.
In addition to re-housing and retraining retired or failed military and police working dogs ( MWD's), we also field suitable puppies from rescues as well as reputable breeders.
Rehousing and social conditioning
The bond between handler and SAR dog is critical. It is for this reason that we re-house our dogs with their assigned handler. Each handler provides a loving home environment where their dog can gain social skills and learn to be part of a family unit. This is an important component that will underlie the dogs ability to effectively join, with their handler, a larger search and rescue team.
During this time the handler focuses on obedience training and socialization of their dog. Additionally, games play is a crucial part of the development of the skills the dog will need to be successful during formal search and rescue training. Hide and seek and fetch are fun activities for dog and handler and serve to instill the basic foundation for later training.
Socialization with people and other animals is a vital component of family life for the dog. Helping the dog to learn to be friendly is essential to being a good search and rescue dog.
Search and Rescue Training
U.S. Disaster & Search Group (USDASG) follows a series of training over a minimum 12 month process that leads from Applicant to Full Member.
Handler Training
We ensure that handlers understand and meet the requirements for certification. We also provide opportunities for handlers to develop their wilderness and survival skills and supervised USDASG team field training. It is a must that handlers be self-sufficient in the wild.
All handlers must complete SARTECH III training, Incident Command System training, plus other relevant training as outlined in our New Member training packet.
