For the purposes of this article, a drive is defined as an innate impulse that prompts a

Transcription

1 THE BROWNELL-MARSOLAIS SCALE: A PROPOSAL FOR THE QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF SAR/DISASTER K9 CANDIDATES : Authred by David A. Brwnell and Mark Marslais : INTRODUCTION At SAR/Disaster training and deplyment scenes it is nt uncmmn t recgnize that there are vast differences in the quality f canine teams acrss their search perfrmances. Sme teams regularly demnstrate utstanding search capabilities; thers nly marginally perfrm r altgether fail. There are a number f reasns fr incnsistent perfrmances between teams and within teams. Frm these authrs s standpint many f the cmplaints regarding pr and incnsistent perfrmance f search teams can be traced t the selectin and emplyment f unsuitable canine search candidates. Repeatedly, search units--whether civilian r plice--have accepted dnated canines int their training prgrams because they were readily available. Fr example, plice units accepted dnated canines that generally fit the traditinal plice dg lk (e.g., German Shepherds, Dberman Pinschers). Additinally, these units wuld d little in the way f screening candidates ther than seeing if candidates barked when given a threat ( defense drive ) and chased a thrwn ball ( ball drive ) in their wn backyards. This ften was the extent f their pre-screening. Fr civilian search units, many canines came as part f a package deal. Vlunteers began training with their search units as grund searchers r supprt staff. Later, they wuld shw up with their pets and assert that their cmpanins wuld make gd search dgs. The search units did little t screen the dgs and, regardless f their verall search perfrmance at training r deplyments, accepted and integrated them int the units The tls fr screening canines fr their chsen applicatin have existed fr years. One nly has t speak with the excellent plice, Schutzhund and cnfirmatin trainers acrss the cuntry t learn that there are specific evaluatins that prvide an indicatin hw well a canine will perfrm thrughut its lifespan whether it be search, sprt r shw. T sme extent, trainers in the SAR/Disaster cmmunity have adpted and adapted a number f evaluative exercises fr canine search prspects. Hwever, there is a lack f unifrmity and agreement f what tests shuld be used and needed. Additinally, there is disagreement as t the weight that shuld be given t the varius tests and hw much ne may be mre imprtant than anther. The intent f this article, then, is t prvide SAR/Disaster trainers and training directrs with sme guidelines and the apprpriate tests which lead t a quantitative and qualitative instrument by which they can accept r reject prffered canine search candidates. CANINE DRIVES AND NERVE STRENGTH Search trainers and training directrs acknwledge that there are a number factrs they cnsider when screening canine candidates. They lk at such things as a canine s fitness, sciability, size, and trainability. These are very imprtant factrs with regard t determining a canine s suitability fr entering search wrk. As imprtant as these factrs are, hwever, there are tw that must be stringently evaluated: a) a canine candidate s drives, and b) a canine s nerve strength. It is these authrs s assertin that withut the prper cmbinatin f drives and nerve strength a canine candidate will nt be successful in search wrk, regardless f their perfrmance in ther screening instruments. OVERVIEW OF DRIVES Fr the purpses f this article, a drive is defined as an innate impulse that prmpts a ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 1 f 25

2 canine t actin (e.g., retrieve, play). Canine literature is replete with numerus theries n what behavirs r actins are utward manifestatins f a drive and hw many drives exist in a canine. Nnetheless, there is agreement that canine drives are innate and are essential t a canine s survival. There is als agreement that there are differences t the quantity and quality f drives in and between canines. That is, canines are nt equal with regard t the amunt f drive they have. Fr example, sme canines have a very prnunced prey drive while thers d nt. Canines with little r weak prey drive will nt be successful in the sprting and wrking fields (e.g., Schutzhund, plice service, SAR); they may make excellent family pets and cmpanins, hwever. At a minimum, a SAR/Disaster canine candidate with prnunced drives will maintain search intensity acrss a myriad f cnditins and envirnments (e.g., ht and cld climates, large wilderness areas, stressful urban disaster scenes), will be very trainable and mldable, and will prvide years f cnsistent and successful search wrk. Therefre, it is imperative that prir t being selected fr SAR/Disaster wrk, canines be prperly and thrughly drive-tested. Currently, there are six drives enumerated in the canine literature: a) pack r scial; b) play; c) fd; d) prey; e) hunt; and f) defense. Pack r scial drive refers t a canine s desire t interact with a grup. The grup may cmprise ther canines, a handler and their family, r ther members f a search unit. A canine candidate with an established and stable pack drive will integrate well int a search (handler and canine) unit cmpsed f ther teams and persnnel. A canine with a dminating pack drive may be difficult fr the inexperienced handler t cntrl r display aggressin tward ther canines, but with prper training and handling by an experienced trainer r handler can becme an utstanding perfrmer. A canine with a diminished pack drive may be shy arund ther search teams and members; this is equally prblematic as they will nt integrate well with ther team members (humans and canines) during SAR training and peratins. A canine s desire t entertain itself r engage in entertaining behavir with thers is play drive. A canine wh readily rughhuses, runs, r engages in tug-f-war with his handler has high play drive. A high play drive is essential fr easing bstacle training, intrducing searching, prmting stress relief during training and search missins, and building a handler-canine bnd. Canines with diminished play drive will nt recver as quickly frm stress after intensive training and deplyments. Hunger is a canine s mst primitive and basic drive; withut fd a canine cannt survive. Fd can be psitively used t enhance and reinfrce training. Therefre, a canine search candidate s mtivatin fr btaining sustenance shuld be strng--they shuld be very animated and demnstrative at feeding time. Hwever, as with ther drives, there are differences between canines in their desire t seek and btain fd. In its mst elemental frm, prey drive is a canine s desire t pursue, capture and kill quarry. Prnunced prey drive is mandatry fr success in all search wrk. It ges withut saying that in SAR/Disaster wrk, there is n desire fr a canine t kill the quarry (the victim). Relatedly, it shuld be nted that in Schutzhund sprt and plice service wrk there isn t a need fr a canine t kill the prey in any f the training exercises and deplyments. Rather, the gal is fr a canine t capture and hld the lst r hiding subject. An elevated prey drive ges far twards helping a canine attain this gal. Related t prey drive and as equally imprtant is hunt drive. Hunt drive is a canine s desire t search using their nse fr the prey that is nt visible. In the wilderness, canines and lupines regularly search fr prey via their nses as mst game animals cnceal themselves frm predatrs. A canine with a distinct hunt drive can be readily trained t hunt fr victims in SAR/Disaster wrk. A canine candidate exhibiting utstanding prey and hunt drives has the ptential fr being a distinguished SAR/Disaster dg. The final canine drives t be discussed are defense and fight drive. These are the drives that galvanizes a canine t fight t prtect themselves frm a resisting prey, ther canines invading their territry r cming clse t it s pack, and ther canines that attempt t take their prey frm them. Plice service wrk requires that a canine have a well-defined defense and fight drive s that the canine can be trained t prtect it s handler and themselves during criminal apprehensin wrk. Schutzhund sprt als requires a prnunced fight/defense drive t enhance their perfrmance in the prtectin phase f a cmpetitin. High defense drive in SAR/Disaster wrk can be ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 2 f 25

3 prblematic. Fr example, a search canine with a prnunced defense r fight drive may becme s prtective f their prey (a victim) that it prevents rescue wrkers frm getting t them. Finally, althugh plice service dgs may have a high defense r fight drive and extensive prtectin training, this des nt preclude them frm wrking in SAR/Disaster wrk. Mst plice service handlers have cntrl f their canines and, thus, will be able t recall them away frm trapped victims s that rescue wrkers can get t them. Althugh the abve discussin has cnfigured canine drives int six categries, in reality a canine regularly engages a cmbinatin f drives at any given time. Fr example, a hungry canine in the wild can jin with a pack f ther hungry canines t hunt fr fd. Once prey is lcated, the canines will pursue and hunt until they have seized it. These same canines will prtect their kill frm ther predatrs until they have been sated. Thus, it can be difficult t delineate what drive a canine is perating in a specific situatin. Nnetheless, it is imperative a fair and thrugh attempt be made t evaluate individual drives when assessing a canine search candidate. Equally imprtant is the evaluatin f a canine search candidate s nerve strength. OVERVIEW OF NERVE STRENGTH Nerve strength refers t a canine s ability t deal with r adapt t stress-prducing envirnmental stimuli. The nerve strength f a canine is partly determined thrugh it s breeding and heredity and partly thrugh it s expsure and scializatin t a variety f envirnments and stimuli acrss their lifetime. Fr example, plice trainers have reprted that it is nt uncmmn t bserve high-scring and prnunced curage Schutzhund canines raised in cuntry kennels timidly react t urban sights and sunds (e.g., buildings, buses, machinery). Hwever, because f breeding and with prper expsure, these canines quickly and successfully adapted t the urban envirnments they were emplyed in. It is imprtant that SAR/Disaster canine candidates have the nerve strength t adapt t a variety f tactile, aural, visual and lfactry stimuli. Tactile nerve strength refers t a canine s ability t adapt t the varius physical surfaces and surrundings their bdies may cme int cntact during search exercises. A canine may encunter a variety f flr cverings (e.g., slick vinyl, smth tile, rugh stne); numerus utside surfaces (e.g., rugh cncrete, thrny grund cvering, slick decking); unstable surfaces (e.g., and cnfining bstacles (e.g., tunnels, crawl spaces) which they must negtiate during searches. If a canine becmes panicked upn encuntering any f these cnditins then their search skills may greatly diminish. Aural stimuli such as banging, punding, and digging will cnfrnt a search canine. Additinally, lud machinery such as generatrs, trucks, saws, and steam shvels are present at many disaster scenes. In sme hstile disaster envirnments (e.g., Kenya) search canines may hear gunfire. Therefre, a search canine candidate must be stable and nt becme verwhelmed by these lud nises and machines. Search canines cannt be unsettled by visual stimuli such as cllapsed structures, large trucks and rad building machines, smke frm burning fires and large grups f peple (e.g., rescue wrkers, media, nlkers). Even if nt scialized t these stimuli, a canine must have sufficient nerve strength t cntinue searching upn encuntering them. Finally, while it is nt recmmended that canines wrk in areas inundated with fumes and smke (e.g., diesel engines, fires), it may becme necessary that searches be cmpleted in such envirnments. And, althugh these stimuli may diminish the lfactry capabilities f a canine, the handler will have t make the adjustment t his search strategy t cmpensate fr the lss. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 3 f 25

4 EVALUATION TESTS PRE-EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS CANINE CANDIDATE Every dg handler has her r his favrite breed. Hwever, nt all breeds are suited fr SAR/Disaster search wrk. Canine candidates fr SAR/Disaster wrk will mst likely cme frm the hunting, herding and sprting breeds--breeds that predminantly search/hunt with their nses as ppsed t their sight. Additinally, the canine candidate must be athletic, agile, durable, sciable, tractable and mldable. Cnsideratin must als be given t the candidate s size; extremely large breeds will nt be as surefted as smaller breeds, will require mre fd and water n sustained search peratins, and will take up mre space in transprt vehicles. Breeds cmmnly seen in successful searches and deplyments include but are nt limited t: German Shepherds, Labradr Retrievers, Glden Retrievers, Belgian Shepherds, Brder Cllies, Dberman Pinschers, Australian Shepherds and sme mixed breeds. Regardless f the breed chsen, the ptential search candidate shuld be at least ne-year ld. By this age, a candidate shuld have been thrughly scialized and medically screened; she shuld be able t participate in the drive and nerve strength testing withut being excessively mentally and physically stressed. TESTING AREAS Cnsidering that a SAR/Disaster canine will travel t a number f unfamiliar areas in its searching lifetime, it is imperative that the drive and nerve screening take place in neutral lcatins alien t the canine candidate. Many canine candidates are adept when perfrming tests n hme fields but flunder when brught int strange territries. Fr example, gd plice trainers nte that canines ften adequately perfrm prtectin tests n their wn hme grunds. Hwever, when tested utside the hme territry envirnment, these same candidates fail t exhibit adequate prtectin behavir--a must fr plice search and apprehensin wrk. Relatedly, many canines are very cmfrtable searching fr their ty r reward arund their play areas. Hwever, fr sme canines the desire t search fr a ty diminishes r disappears in unfamiliar surrundings. Thus, the hme field advantage must be nullified. DRIVE TESTING Drive testing will encmpass nly tw f the drives mentined abve: a) prey and b) hunt. PREY DRIVE TESTING In the prey drive test, a canine is evaluated n their eagerness t pursue and capture prey. This test is run 10 times. The handler prvides the canine s favrite ty r bject (e.g., ball, jute ty) t the evaluatr. The evaluatr excites the canine with the bject and then thrws it s that it remains visible t the canine. The canine is evaluated fr the speed and enthusiasm by which he pursues and takes hld f the bject. HUNT DRIVE TESTING In the hunt drive test, a canine is evaluated n their willingness t use it s nse t search fr prey. There are fur subsets t this test; they are differentiated by the amunt f time between the hiding f the bject and the release f the canine t search fr the bject. While the candidate is restrained by the handler, the evaluatr thrws the candidate s ty int thick brush r grass s that it is ut f sight. In the first subtlest, the canine is immediately released upn the bject drpping ut f sight int the brush. The canine is evaluated fr her willingness, eagerness and tenacity fr entering the area and searching fr her ty. The successive tests are similarly cnducted Hwever, the secnd subtlest requires a 15-secnd delay befre the candidate is released t search fr the bject. The third subtlest requires a 30-secnd delay and the final subtlest requires a 60-secnd delay. Each successive subtlest is evaluated accrding t the standards applied t the first test. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 4 f 25

5 NERVE STRENGTH TESTING There are 12 tests in this sectin f the evaluatin. There are six tactile tests, fur aural tests and tw visual tests. There is n specific lfactry test cnducted in this sectin. The authrs presume that a canine will be expsed t enugh lfactry stimuli in the visual - smke and aural - machinery tests. Additinally, the risk f permanently diminishing the lfactry capabilities f a search candidate far exceed the need t see a canine functin in nxius fumes and smke. TACTILE NERVE STRENGTH The first fur tactile tests cnsist f fting evaluatins: slick flring, unstable surface, rugh surface, and elevated surface. Fr slick flring, a canine is brught int a building r area that has finished vinyl, tile r stne surfaces r a similar type surface. The canine is evaluated n it s ability t mve acrss the flring withut panicking r requiring assistance frm the handler. One f the mst useful unstable surfaces can be fund at a playgrund r park--a swinging bridge n a children s playset. The surface mves frm side-t-side and dips and a canine candidate may find this unsettling. Generally, a rck r cncrete pile functins well as a rugh surface; n this surface, a canine is evaluated n it s ability t mve precisely and diligently acrss the surface and nt attempt t run ff. Finally, an elevated surface can be fashined frm a 2 x 10 apprximately 12 feet lng set up n bxes apprximately 2-3 feet ff the grund. The narrwness f the surface frces a canine be precise and sure in his stepping. A lng banquet table culd serve as an apprpriate substitute. One f the best cnfined space test areas is a machine rm f an ffice building. A canine has t maneuver between furnaces, cmpressrs and piping in these rms. Their bdy generally stays in cntact r brushes up against these bject fr the time they are in there. In this test, a canine is evaluated n their ability t stay fcused althugh they may be squeezed by pipes and furnaces. This test is run first under lights and secnd withut lights. AURAL NERVE STRENGTH In the aural evaluatins, a tied ut canine is bserved as running lawnmwers and weedeaters, punding hammers, and discharging guns are brught near their lcatin. A canine with slid nerve strength will bserve the ging-n but will nt attempt t run at r away frm the testing. VISUAL NERVE STRENGTH An excellent place t cnduct the visual - mving machinery test is at a warehuse where numerus tractr-trailer rigs are cnstantly mving in and ut. The candidate shuld be leashed t prevent them frm running frm the lcatin r int traffic. Finally, a smke grenade r bmb can be set ff in an pen area and the canine can be walked thrugh it. A canine shuld nt becme s disriented in the smke that they becme disriented r frightened. SCORING Each test is prvided with an adjective and numerical scre. The evaluatr shuld pick the scre that best represents the perfrmance f the evaluated canine at the time f it s perfrmance. All drive tests scres are ttaled and divided int the number f tests given. The nerve strength tests are ttaled and divided int the number f tests given. The drive test scre and nerve strength scre is derived frm the runding ff tables at the bttm f the individual wrksheets. The tw scres are cnverted int an adjective rating brrwed frm Bdingbauer s adjective puppy ratings and represent a candidate s ptential in SAR/Disaster wrk: very prmising, prmising, less prmising r unprmising. CONCLUSION Prper selectin and testing f SAR/Disaster canine candidates if essential in rder t reduce the time needed t bring the canine t Missin ready status, and als reduce the wash ut r failure rates. It will als enable trainers and handlers t be cnfident that their canine will be able t quickly vercme the many envirnmental stresses that may face them in the ften cnfusing and hectic envirnment that the SAR/Disaster canine is faced with in it s peratinal search functins. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 5 f 25

6 APPENDIX 2 BROWNELL MARSOLAIS SCALE: DESCRIPTION OF CATEGORIES BROWNELL MARSOLAIS SCALE: Descriptin f Categries VERY PROMISING - Candidate fr disaster search: Scres frm the screening instrument fall int the fllwing range: Ttal Weighted Scre f 90+, with minimum Mtivatin / Drive Scre f 45 A VERY PROMISING Candidate fr disaster search is very balanced. The canine demnstrates high verall drive and nerve strength. This canine is friendly tward peple and ther canines. This candidate will quickly excel at all search, bedience and agility tasks acrss a myriad f cnditins and envirnments with the apprpriate training. The canine will wrk well with an experienced and accmplished handler as well as with an inexperienced handler. Expsure t cnsistent and challenging training will bring this candidate t missin-ready status quicker than ther candidates. Trainers and training directrs must ensure that their training prgrams and regimens take full advantage f this canine candidate s abilities and mtivatin. Additinally, the training staff must ensure that the canine s assigned handler is up t the task keeping pace with such a favrable candidate. Prmising - Candidate fr disaster search Scres frm the screening instrument fall int the fllwing range: Ttal Weighted Scre f 80-89, with minimum Mtivatin / Drive Scre f 40 A PROMISING canine is a gd search candidate. He is balanced with regard t drive and never strength, and well scialized. Because his nerve and drive strengths are nt as prnunced as the Very Prmising candidate, he will require a lnger and patient training perid prir t attaining missin-ready status. This candidate may experience minr prblems with sme task and envirnments. Hwever, with apprpriate training and familiarizatin he will vercme and/r adapt t them. A patient, knwledgeable and experienced handler will bring ut the best in this candidate. An inexperienced handler under the watchful eye f a cmpetent training staff with a challenging and regimented prgram will be able t wrk this canine t his fullest search ptential. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 6 f 24

7 BROWNELL- MARSOLAIS SCALE: Descriptin f Categries LESS PROMISING - search candidate Scres frm the screening instrument fall int the fllwing range: Ttal Weighted Scre f 70-79, with minimum Mtivatin / Drive Scre f 35 A LESS PROMISING canine is a pr search candidate. The canine will require extensive and lengthy training and prblem slving. Even with these effrts, there is n guarantee the candidate will be a successful searcher. The canine will nt readily adjust t new envirnments r situatins. This candidate may have limited success in search wrk tailred t her strengths. Fr example, With high drive (3) and lw nerve strength (1) this candidate might be able t successfully search in wilderness settings. Urban and disaster searches with there verwhelming envirnmental stimuli wuld incapacitate this canine. Cnversely, the lw drive-high nerve strength candidate (1,3) wuld be cnfident in the urban search setting but wuld be easily distracted. This canine may have pr scial behavirs. T get the tpmst perfrmance ut f this canine, the training staff and the handler must be exceptinally knwledgeable and experienced. A unit s training directr shuld give serius cnsideratin t nt emplying this canine in a search training prgram. UNPROMISING search candidate Scres frm the screening instrument fall int the fllwing range: Ttal Weighted Scre f less than 70, OR Mtivatin / Drive Scre f less than 35 AN UNPROMISING canine search candidate shuld nt be permitted t enter a search training prgram. Regardless f the length and depth f training, he will nt be deplyable fr search wrk. This canine will exhibit behaviral prblems when stressed at training scenaris. It wuld be unfair t the canine, the handler and the unit t retain this candidate in a search training prgram. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 7 f 25

8 DISASTER CANINE QUALIFICATION SCREENING This screening is designed t evaluate the ptential f a canine t perfrm disaster search wrk. The prcess will exam inherent qualities f the canine including: the canine's resilience, nerve strength, agility, bldness, friendliness, mtivatin t wrk, fcus, prey drive and hunt drive. In additin, the screening prvides an pprtunity t assess the wrking relatinship between the handler and canine and the skills the canine has been trained t perfrm. The age f the canine and previus training are taken int accunt. Regardless f the breed, ptential search candidates must be at least 12 mnths f age. The screening is divided int tw parts: PART 1. Inherent Ability Overview Phase A. Sciability Test 1a. & Test 1b. - Tward Peple Test 2. - Tward Other Canines Phase B. Mtivatin and Drive Test 1a, Test 1b, Test 1c. - Cmmitment t Reward (Ty) & Play Drive Test 2. - Prey Drive Test Test 3a. - Hunt Drive: N time delay Test 3b. - Hunt Drive: 15 Secnd delay Test 3c. - Hunt Drive: 30 Secnd delay Test 3d. - Hunt Drive: 60 Secnd delay Test 4. - Handler / Canine Interactin Phase C. Nerve Strength Test 1. - Surface Sensitivity: Slick Surfaces Test 2. - Surface Sensitivity: Unstable Surface Test 3. - Surface Sensitivity: Rugh Surface Test 4. - Height Sensitivity: Elevated Stable Plank Test 5. - Cnfined Space: Lighted Test 6. - Cnfined Space: Dark Test 7. - Sund Sensitivity: Machinery Test 8. - Sund Sensitivity: Punding and Rattling Test 9. - Sund Sensitivity: Gunfire (ptinal) Test Visual Sensitivity: Mving Machinery (ptinal) Test Visual Sensitivity: Smke (ptinal) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 8 f 25

9 Part 2. Perfrmance Skills Overview (Canine prceeds t this stage nly at the recmmendatin f the evaluatr.) The Canine is asked t perfrm the fllwing skills at its current level f ability. This part f the screening will assess the level f perfrmance t which the canine has been trained. This will aid trainers in planning future training and setting gals and bjectives fr each canine. Phase A. Obedience Test 1. Figure 8 (lse lead heeling testing sciability) Test 2. Heeling Test 3. Dwn Stay Test 4. Recall Test 5. Emergency Stp (Optinal) Phase B. Bark Behavir Test 1. Barks fr Ty Test 2. Barks fr Ty frm stranger Test 3. Bark Alert at subject in alert prp (need nt be cncealed) Phase C. Directability Test 1a. - Partial curse (fr less experienced dgs) Test 1 b.- Full curse Phase D. Agility and Cmfrt n Easy Rubble Test 1. See Saw Test 2. Tunnel Test 3. Ladder r stairs Test 4. Travel ver easy rubble Phase E. Rubble Search (Only at the recmmendatin f the evaluatr) This screening prgram has been develped thrugh a cllabrative effrt invlving the fllwing rganizatins: Chilprt U.S.Inc. (D. Brwnell); Dg Speed One (M. Marslais); and Emergency Respnse Canines (P.Hawn, M.Remer). [August, 2000] ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 9 f 25

10 DISASTER CANINE QUALIFICATION SCREENING PART 1. Inherent Ability Phase A. SOCIABILITY The disaster canine must be friendly and cmfrtable arund strangers and ther canines. A canine must allw anther persn t mve it t a different lcatin in the absence f its wner. The canine must wrk, live, and be transprted in the presence f ther canines. The canine must nt shw aggressin. Persnnel: 1 lgistics persnnel 1assistant t untie canine frm fence (nt familiar with the canine) Equipment: 1 6ft. lead 2 carabineers 3 cnes 1 stpwatch 1 canine numbered arm bands fr each handler Testing site: pen area, place t tie ut canine, fence preferred Test 1a, 1b & 2. - Sciability twards Peple and Other Canines The disaster search canine must be friendly and cmfrtable arund strangers and ther canines. One canine is screened at a time. The handler will attach the canine t a secured lead. The handler prceeds t a designated area ut f the canine's sight. After 1 minute a stranger walks laterally by the canine at a distance f five feet beynd reach f the tied canine. The distance frm the canine will be clearly marked. A stranger then walks laterally and just ut f reach f the tied canine with a nn-testing canine, selected by the evaluatrs, n lead at heel. The canine n lead will be between the stranger and the tied canine. The passes are t be repeated. The stranger then returns alne, unties the canine and returns the canine t the handler using the handler's lead. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 10 f 25

11 Test 1a. Sciability Twards Peple (Stranger walks by canine) [0] Shws defensive flight behavir; grwling and mving backwards; ears nt fully up: hackles up. Shws stress as stranger appraches; cwers; recils frm stranger; urinates; stays uncmfrtable; ttally avids the stranger. Unable t perfrm exercise. [1] Shws defensive fight; aggressive frward behavir, lunging tward persn; stands its grund; barking and / r grwling; hackles up; tail up; ears pricked; direct eye cntact. [2] Canine maybe indifferent r tentative; may freeze; wide eyed; cruched bdy; wrinkled brw; tail tucked and wagging; yawning; initially backs up r retreats, then becmes mre cmfrtable twards stranger. [3] Ambivalent tward stranger; stays relaxed; tail wagging; demnstrates n stress and exhibits cnfidence when a stranger mves by; sciable attitude. Test 2. Sciability Tward Other Canines (Canine and stranger walk by twice) [0] Shws defensive flight behavir; may have grwling and barking; nt lunging frward; mving backwards; ears nt fully up; bdy cruched; hackles up (either alng entire back r just up frnt). Shws stress as canine appraches; urinates; stays uncmfrtable. Unable t perfrm exercise, [1] Defensive fight behavir; aggressive frward behavir; lunging twards canine; stands its grund; barking and/r grwling; hackles up; tail up; ears pricked; direct eye cntact. [2] Canine maybe indifferent r tentative; avidance behavirs; yawn; stiff tail wag; sme attempts t initiate psitive scial behavirs; becmes ver stimulated by presence f ther canine. [3] Canine maintains psitin but is clearly relaxed; psitive interest in ther canine; tail wagging; relaxed bdy carriage curisity twards ther dg in playful manner; Shws ambivalence twards canine. Test 1b. Sciability Tward Peple (Stranger unties canine) [0] Shws defensive flight behavir; grwling and /r barking; mving backwards; ears nt fully erect; bdy cruching; whiskers back; hackles up (either alng entire back r just up frnt). Shws stress as stranger appraches; cwers; recils frm stranger when apprached. Unable t perfrm exercise. [1] Shws defensive fight behavir; aggressive frward behavir; lunging twards persn stands their grund; barking and/r grwling; hackles up; tail up; ears pricked; direct eye cntact. [2] Canine may be indifferent r tentative; may freeze; wide eyed; cruched bdy; wrinkled brw; tail tucked and wagging; yawning; backs up retreating then becmes cmfrtable and playful with stranger. Ges willingly t stranger. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 11 f 25

12 [3] Eagerly greets stranger with enthusiasm; tail wagging, demnstrates n stress and exhibits cnfidence when meeting a stranger; is indifferent; makes bdy cntact, mves frward in an engaging, sciable way. Phase B Mtivatin and Drive Canine drive is defined as an innate impulse that prmpts a canine t actin (Brwnell-Marslais). The mre instinctive an actin is, the mre reliable it will be (K. Mst). A handier must prvide smething the canine wants which will stimulate the canine int a desired respnse. Disaster search canines must be highly mtivated t search fr lng perids f time in an envirnment that is challenging. Persnnel: 1 lgistics persn 1assistant trained t interact with canine 1 timer 1 persn t thrw rewards Equipment: Bx f assrted tys r rewards Stp watch Canine's favrite reward r play ty 1 milk crate Test site: Unfamiliar pen area with places t hide thrwn tys; tall grass, shrubs, Test 1a, 1b, 1c Cmmitment t Ty/Reward and Play Drive The dg's cmmitment t his reward system is evaluated. A canine that readily rughhuses, runs, r engages in tug and/r retrieves with his handler as well as strangers has a high play drive. High play drive is essential fr mtivating the dg t wrk and t relieve stress during training and search missins. It als builds a bnd between handler and canine partner. Test 1a. Handler plays with canine/familiar ty. The handler is asked t play with his dg using the dg's favrite type f play. They are asked t demnstrate retrieve and/r tug play. [0] Canine des nt engage in play, ignres handler, mre interested in envirnment than ty. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 12 f 25

13 [1] Grabs ty nly if teased; starts t play but quickly lses interest ;runs away with ty but sn drps it. [2] Grabs the ty and plays but ccasinally needs t be caxed back t play. Plays keep-away; may drp ty when distracted but picks it up again. [3] Plays vigrusly. Never lses interest, presents ty fr cntinued play, nudges, whines, bark, r paws t get ty fr mre play, stays fcused n ty. Test 1b. Plays with new /unfamiliar tys with handler [0] Canine des nt engage in play, ignres handler, mre interested in envirnment than reward. [1] Canine chses t play with ty similar t their wn, ignres thers. Lses interest easily. [2] Canine plays with ther tys, but with less intensity, still prefers ty similar t his wn, but cntinues t play. [3] Canine plays with all available tys enthusiastically; never lses fcus. Test 1 c. Plays with stranger with familiar ty [0] Canine des nt engage in play, ignres stranger lks tward handler fr supprt, mre interested in envirnment than reward. [1] Canine grabs ty nly if teased, starts t play but quickly lses interest, runs away with ty but sn drps it, may lk fr handier supprt. [2] Canine grabs ty and plays but ccasinally needs t be caxed back t play. Plays keep-away; may drp ty r return t handier, but cmes back t stranger. [3] Canine plays vigrusly. Never lses interest, presents ty fr cntinued play, nudges, whines, barks, r paws t get ty fr mre play, stays fcused n reward. Test 2 Prey Drive In the prey drive test, a canine is evaluated n his eagerness t pursue and capture prey. This test is run ten times. The handier prvides the canine's favrite ty r bject t the evaluatr. The assistant r evaluatr excites the canine with the bject and then thrws it s that it remains visible t the canine. As the bject hits the grund the canine is released. If pssible, the canine shuld nt be held but is fcused n evaluatr and ty. The Canine is evaluated fr speed and enthusiasm by which he pursues and takes hld f the bject. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 13 f 25

14 [0] Canine walks tward bject; canine sniffs bject but des nt pursue r carry it; canine gets distracted and ges ff t explre surrundings. Canine lses interest after less than 5 thrws. [1] Canine trts tward bject; canine picks up bject, but des nt retrieve r cnsistently carry bject; behavir declines after 5 thrws r maintains slw pace n all thrws. [2] Canine ges t bject at a steady pace; Canine picks up bject and carries it arund r back t handler and evaluatr; canine is mildly distracted by surrundings; canine perfrms cnsistently n pursuit and seizure f bject. Behavir declines after 7 thrws. [3] Canine quickly and enthusiastically runs after bject; canine energetically seizes the bject and carries it arund r back t handler and evaluatr; canine is nt distracted by surrundings; canine perfrms similar pursuit and seizure. Behavir is maintained n all retrieves; stays cnsistent in its fcus and enthusiasm fr the bject. Test 3a, 3b, & 3c. Hunt Drive In the hunt drive test, a canine is evaluated n their willingness t use their nse t search fr "prey" that is nt visible. A canine with a distinct hunt drive can be readily trained t "hunt" fr victims in SAR/ Disaster search wrk. A canine candidate exhibiting utstanding prey and hunt drives has the ptential fr being a distinguished SAR/Disaster search canine. There are fur sub-tests. While the handler restrains the candidate, the evaluatr r assistant thrws the candidate's ty int tall grass, brush etc. s that it is ut f sight. The canine is evaluated fr its willingness, eagerness and tenacity fr entering the area and searching fr its ty. Allw 1 minute fr each hunt test. N cmmands are given. Test 3a. Hunt Drive: N Time Delay [0] Canine des nt enter brush; Canine searches n utside f brush; canine des nt find and retrieve bject; canine begins explring ther areas r returns t handler and evaluatr. [1] Canine trts t brush line and tentatively enters area; canine searches fr shrt perid and repeatedly cmes back ut f brush; canine may lcate bject but smetimes quits searching when bject is nt quickly lcated. [2] Canine ges t brush line at a steady pace and lks fr easy access int brush;canine searches fr bject; but ccasinally exits area and returns t handler and evaluatr; canine searches area thrughly and lcates bject r until evaluatr determines search has gne n lng enugh. [3] Canine quickly and enthusiastically cmmits t brush area withut delay; canine wrks area until bject is lcated r evaluatr has determined canine has searched lng enugh; canine ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 14 f 25

15 retrieves bject and brings it back t handler r evaluatr; canine never leaves search area. Test 3b. Hunt Drive: 15 secnd delay [0] Canine des nt enter brush; Canine searches n utside f brush; canine des nt find and retrieve bject; canine begins explring ther areas r returns t handier and evaluatr. [1] Canine trts t brush line and tentatively enters area; canine searches fr shrt perid and repeatedly cmes back ut f brush; canine may lcate bject but smetimes quits searching when bject is nt quickly lcated. [2] Canine ges t brush line at a steady pace and lks fr easy access int it; canine searches fr bject but ccasinally exits area and returns t handier and evaluatr; canine searches area thrughly and lcates bject r until evaluatr determines search has gne n lng enugh. [3] Canine quickly and enthusiastically cmmits t brush area withut delay; canine wrks area until bject is lcated r evaluatr has determined canine has searched lng enugh; canine retrieves bject and brings it back t handier r evaluatr; canine never leaves search area and stays fcused Test 3c. Hunt Drive: 30 secnd time delay and canine is turned arund 360 befre being released [0] Canine des nt enter brush; Canine searches n utside f brush; canine des nt find and retrieve bject; canine begins explring ther areas r returns t handler and evaluatr. [1] Canine trts t brush line and tentatively enters area; canine searches fr shrt perid and repeatedly cmes back ut f brush; canine may lcate bject but smetimes quits searching bject is nt quickly lcated. [2] Canine ges t brush line at a steady pace and lks fr easy access int it; canine searches fr bject but ccasinally exits area and returns t handler and evaluatr; canine searches area thrughly and lcates bject r until evaluatr determines search has gne n lng enugh. [3] Canine quickly and enthusiastically cmmits t brush area withut delay; canine wrks area until bject is lcated r evaluatr has determined canine has searched lng enugh; canine retrieves bject and brings it back t handler r evaluatr; canine never leaves search area and stays fcused. Test 3d. Hunt Drive: 60 Secnd Delay and canine is turned 360 befre being released ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 15 f 25

16 [0] Canine des nt enter brush; canine searches n utside f brush; canine des nt find and/r seize bject canine begins explring ther areas r returns t handler and evaluatr. [I] Canine trts t brush line and tentatively enters area; canine searches fr shrt perid and repeatedly cmes back ut f brush; canine may lcate bject but smetimes quits searching when bject is nt quickly lcated. [2] Canine ges t brush line at a steady pace and lks fr easy access int it; canine searches fr bject but ccasinally exits area and returns t handier and evaluatr; canine searches area thrughly and lcates bject r until evaluatr determines search has gne n lng enugh. [3] Canine quickly and enthusiastically cmmits t brush area withut delay; canine wrks area until bject is lcated r evaluatr has determined canine has searched lng enugh; canine retrieves bject and brings it back t handier r evaluatr; canine never leaves search area and stays fcused. Test 4. Handler/Canine Interactin The interactin between the handler and canine is bserved during the screening. The handler is als asked t sit canine. When directed by the evaluatr, handler releases the canine frm a sit and fllws with a reward. [0] Canine ignres handler. Refuses reward. Handler and canine d nt have an established wrking relatinship. [ I ] Canine needs t be refcused, takes reward but immediately drps it and becmes distracted. Handler must cax canine t cntinue interactin. Canine frequently ignres handler. Handler and canine have a weak wrking relatinship and lack a psitive wrking attitude. [2] Canine and handler have a fair wrking relatinship. Canine fcuses n handler but lacks enthusiasm. Takes reward frm handler and cntinues t interact nly with handler s encuragement. Handler and canine wrk as a team and have a fair wrking attitude. [3] Canine maintains very gd eye cntact and fcus; anticipates and takes ty. Handler and canine wrk very well as a team, pssess well-established relatinship, reward system and very gd psitive wrking attitude. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 16 f 25

17 Equipment: Phase C. Nerve Strength Nerve strength refers t a canine's ability t deal with r adapt t stress-prducing envirnmental stimuli. The disaster canine must have the nerve strength t adapt and wrk when challenged by wrking n a variety f surfaces, in cnfined areas, and expsed t nise distractins. Persnnel: 2 lgistic persnnel 1 persn t deal with nise distractins Nisy machine; leaf blwer, weed whacker, lawnmwer, generatr 1wide chain rugh surface 1 tin r metal tray; metal surface; metal cntainer 1 slick surface; 2 plastic barrels blted tgether with bth ends pen; 1 slide, 1 unstable surface; sheets f plywd resting n uneven surface r pile f wd scrap 6 wd pallets 2-3ft high spls r 2 stable bxes r platfrms t elevate a plank 1 wden plank 8 r 10 feet in length by at least 16 inches wide 1 cnfined area (lighted); machine rm, ffice, shed, tunnel 1 cnfined area (dark); small rm, clset, tw barrels blted tgether with ne end pened. Testing site: Outdr area fr set up f sund distractins, pen area, barn, building with debris, clsets, utility rm During this part f the screening the handier may nly use a fd lure, if needed, n the secnd repetitin. The canine needs t be evaluated withut wrking in drive. If the canine is ver-mtivated by the ty, a clear picture f the dgs nerve strength may nt be reflected. The canine must perfrm each task twice. The secnd repetitin tests the canine's ability t prcess and manage a challenge t their nerve strength. Test 1. Surface Sensitivity; Slick surfaces The Canine is asked t travel acrss a slick surface. The canine must g acrss twice. [0] Canine refuses t g acrss surface. Avids bstacle, refuses fd. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 17 f 25

18 [1] Canine starts and stps befre getting nt surface; lks t handler; handler must' repeatedly cax canine t get canine acrss; canine freezes n surface; n secnd repetitin canine des it slwly, cautiusly and/r avids bstacle, shwing a decline in perfrmance. Nails may be ut n bth attempts. [2] During first repetitin, canine starts slwly and prceeds cautiusly acrss surface; canine des nt freeze n surface; handler infrequently caxes canine acrss surface. Canine uses nails and pads t maintain grip. On secnd repetitin the canine may be mre cnfident; perfrmance is maintained and/r imprved. [3] On bth repetitins the canine mves acrss surface; canine is very cnfident and stable n the surface. Needs little supprt r encuragement. Nt stressed by the exercise. Perfrmance is maintained r imprved. Test 2. Surface Sensitivity: Unstable surface Canine is asked t travel acrss an unstable surface. The canine must g acrss twice. [0] Canine refuses t g acrss surface. Avids bstacle, refuses fd. Unable t cmplete exercise. [1] Canine starts and stps befre getting nt surface; lks t handier; handler must repeatedly cax canine t get the canine acrss; canine freezes n surface; n secnd repetitin canine des it slwly, cautiusly and/r avids bstacle, shwing a decline in perfrmance. [2] At first attempt canine starts slwly and prceeds cautiusly acrss surface; canine des nt freeze n surface; handler infrequently caxes canine acrss surface. On secnd repetitin the canine may be mre cnfident perfrmance is maintained r imprved. [3] On bth attempts the canine mves acrss surface; canine is very cnfident and stable n the surface. Needs little supprt r encuragement. Nt stressed by the exercise. Perfrmance is maintained r imprved. Test 3. Surface Sensitivity: Rugh surface Canine is asked t travel acrss a rugh surface. The canine must g acrss twice. [0] Canine refuses t g acrss surface. Avids bstacle, refuses fd. Unable t cmplete exercise. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 18 f 25

19 [1] Canine starts and stps befre getting nt surface; lks t handler; handler must repeatedly cax canine t get the canine acrss; canine freezes n surface; n secnd repetitin canine des it slwly, cautiusly and/r avids bstacle, shwing a decline in perfrmance. [2] At first attempt canine starts slwly and prceeds cautiusly acrss surface; canine des nt freeze n surface; handler infrequently caxes canine acrss surface. On secnd repetitin the canine may be mre cnfident; perfrmance is maintained r imprved. [3] On bth repetitins the canine mves acrss surface; canine is very cnfident and stable n the surface. Needs little supprt r encuragement; uses pads; nt stressed by the exercise. Perfrmance is maintained and/r imprved. Test 4. Height Sensitivity: Elevated plank Canine is asked t crss an elevated plank. Canine must g acrss twice. [0] Canine refuses t jump up nt surface and crss plank. Avids bstacle, refuses fd. [1] Canine starts and stps befre getting nt surface; lks t handler; handler must repeatedly cax canine t get the canine acrss; canine freezes n surface; n secnd repetitin canine des it slwly, cautiusly and/r avids bstacle. Perfrmance is maintained r declines. [2] At first attempt canine starts slwly and prceeds cautiusly acrss surface; canine des nt freeze n surface; handler infrequently caxes canine acrss surface. On secnd repetitin the canine may be mre cnfident; perfrmance is maintained r imprved. [3] On bth repetitins the canine mves acrss surface; canine is very cnfident and stable n the surface. Needs little supprt r encuragement. Nt stressed by the exercise. Perfrmance is maintained r imprved. Test 5. Cnfined Space: Lighted Canine is taken t a cnfined space and enters the lighted area [0] Canine refuses t entire the cnfined space. Avids area, refuses fd. [1] Canine starts and stps befre getting int the area; lks t handler; handler must repeatedly cax canine t get the canine t enter; canine freezes; n secnd repetitin canine des it slwly, cautiusly and/r avids bstacle, perfrmance is maintained r declines. [2] At first attempt canine starts slwly and prceeds cautiusly int area; canine des nt freeze n surface; handler infrequently caxes canine acrss surface. On secnd repetitin the canine may be mre cnfident; perfrmance is maintained r imprved. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 19 f 25

20 [3] On bth repetitins the canine mves int the area; canine is very cnfident and stable; needs little supprt r encuragement. Nt stressed by the exercise. Perfrmance is maintained r imprved. Test 6. Cnfine Space: Dark Canine is taken t a cnfined area and enters the dark area. [0] Canine refuses t enter cnfined space. Avids area, refuses fd. [1] Canine starts and stps befre getting int the area; lks t handler; handler must repeatedly cax canine t get the canine t enter; canine freezes; n secnd repetitin canine des it slwly, cautiusly and/r avids bstacle, shwing a decline perfrmance. [2] At first attempt canine starts slwly and prceeds cautiusly int area; canine des- nt freeze in area; handler infrequently caxes canine int area. On secnd repetitin the canine may be mre cnfident; perfrmance is maintained r imprved. [3] On bth repetitins the canine mves int the area; is very cnfident and stable; needs little supprt r encuragement. Nt stressed by the exercise. Perfrmance is maintained r imprved. Test 7. & Test 8. Sund Sensitivity: Machinery and Punding/Rattling Canine is n a lse lead and is walked by the handler and passes by the running machinery and then cntinues n int secnd area walking by the punding chain n metal r similar nise. The dg is reversed and walks past bth sunds again. Test 7 Sund Sensitivity: Machinery [0] Canine runs frm bject; Canine flees scene; pulls away; hides behind handler; lays dwn; freezes and refusing t walk n. [1] Canine clings t handler r jumps up n handler; whines, and lks t handler; handler must repeatedly cax canine; mves away frm sund surce but canine des nt flee area and mves n; On secnd repetitin perfrmance declines r is maintained. [2] Canine infrequently lks arund at sund surce; canine displays sme anxiety and is tentative n apprach but stays in area; alert but wary; ges tward sund surce. On secnd repetitin may be mre cnfident; perfrmance is maintained r imprved. [3] On bth repetitins the canine acknwledges the sund surce; canine is alert, relaxed and cnfident; perfrmance is maintained r imprved. Test 8. Sund Sensitivity: Punding and rattling ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 20 f 25

21 [0] Canine runs frm bject; Canine flees scene; pulls away; hides behind handler and lies dwn; freezes and refuses t walk n. [1] Canine clings t r jumps upn handler; whines, and lks t handler; handler must repeatedly cax canine; mves away frm sund surce but des nt flee area and mves n; On secnd repetitin behavir declines r is maintained. [2] Canine infrequently lks arund at sund surce; canine displays sme anxiety and is tentative n apprach but stays in area; alert but wary; ges twards surce. On secnd repetitin may be mre cnfident; perfrmance is maintained r imprved. [3] On each repetitin the canine acknwledges sund surce; canine is alert, relaxed, and cnfident; perfrmance is maintained r imprved. Test 9. Sund Sensitivity: Gunfire (Optinal) Starter pistl is fired 30 feet behind canine. [0] Canine runs frm sund; canine flees scene; canine hides behind handler and lies dwn; canine is stressed and unnerved. [1] Canine clings t r jumps up n handier; whines; mves away frm sund but des nt flee area; handier repeatedly reassures canine. [2] Canine lks arund and displays sme anxiety; canine is tentative and stays in the area; canine is alert. [3] Canine acknwledges sund; canine is alert, and relaxed and cnfident. Test 10. Visual Sensitivity: Mving Machinery (Optinal) Canine and handler enter area with mving machinery. The canine is n a lse lead. [0] Canine attempts t flee scene; canine hides behind handler and lays dwn; canine is stressed and unnerved. [1] Canine clings t r jumps up n handier; whines; mves away frm activity but des nt flee area; is stressed; handler repeatedly reassures canine. [2] Canine lks arund and displays sme anxiety; canine is tentative and stays in the area; is willing t mve tward machinery; canine is alert. [3] Canine acknwledges activity; canine is alert, relaxed and cnfident. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED D. Brwnell; M. Marslais; P. Hawn. 1st Revisin: Sept Page 21 f 25