Search & Rescue Dog Association of Alberta Standards Revised April 2013 Revised January 2013 Revised November 2012 Revised April 2012 Revised January 2010 Revised December 2009
Contents Introduction... 2 Goals... 2 Philosophy... 2 Objectives... 2 Candidate Criteria... 4 Membership Obligations... 5 Categories of Membership... 6 Supporting Associate (Regular) Membership... 7 Supporting Associate (Regular) - Evaluation Criteria... 8 Supporting Associate (Field tech) Membership... 11 Supporting Associate (Field tech) - Evaluation Criteria... 13 Associate Membership... 14 Associate - Evaluation Criteria... 15 Active Membership... 25 Active Accreditation... 27 Active Administrator... 38 Friend of SARDAA... 39 Life... 39 Optional Course List... 40 Evaluation Marking Cards... 41 1 P age
Introduction The purpose of this document is to provide SARDAA Members with information on expectations, and information on the progression of training and testing leading up to a search-ready team. History SARDAA was officially formed in November of 1989 when it was registered with the Companies Branch of the government of Alberta under the Societies Act. Charitable Organization status under Revenue Canada was obtained in July of 1991. There were six original members of SARDAA Kevin George, Barb McLeod, George Hart, Mike Andresen, Michelle Limoges and Bob Wynnyk. Mission Statement SARDAA's mission is to provide properly trained, competent search dog/handler teams in the province of Alberta, and Canada. Handlers will have working knowledge of SAR techniques, SAR management, evidence preservation, courtroom procedures, navigation, survival, first aid, and other specialized training as required. Members of SARDAA are expected to follow guidelines set out for training, participate in team training exercises, demonstrate a team-oriented attitude and train themselves and their dog to the best of their ability, to ensure that the 'potential survivor' has a well trained and highly competent team working towards his/her rescue. Goals SARDAA's goal is to provide SAR-dog instruction, training and information so as to develop well-trained dogs and handlers for search and rescue purposes; and, to provide a minimum two dog/handler teams to authorities when requested. Philosophy Our philosophy is to assist others, and to preserve life using well-trained dogs. SARDAA members do not freelance; our teams respond to official agencies only. SAR is not a game! As in any search training, both the dog and handler must train and prepare themselves to avoid becoming a lost person as well. The use of SAR dog teams is of little value if teams are not trained in a professional manner and if they do not understand both their value as well as their limitations. We strive to instill this knowledge in our members. SARDAA requires that team personnel attending a search or taking part in a public function on behalf of the organization wear the team uniform of a red SARDAA shirt and black pants, or red coveralls. Objectives Our objective is to train dog and handler teams in the skills needed for them to work 2 P age
throughout the province of Alberta, and elsewhere, in times of disaster or emergency and to provide professional support to local response teams in order to aid in the work of locating lost or missing persons who are trapped or injured on land or in water. Not all persons or dogs are suited for SAR work in SARDAA and it is through the course training and team training that we determine if our members can serve the community by being part of the SARDAA team. SARDAA Training Standards and objectives from the Personnel Handbook are the minimum level of performance that is required by SARDAA for use in each of our training profiles. It is important to remember that the SAR Dog Team must be prepared to continue to train on an ongoing basis to maintain and develop their skills. In addition to dog training, all members must achieve the objectives as laid out in the Personnel Handbook. The skills acquired from this handbook will allow any member to act as field tech when needed. For dog handlers, this would be expected within the first two years of joining the association. Once ready, the handler will apply to run through the Field Tech Evaluation to test their skills. For Field Tech, they would be expected to apply for the field evaluation within the first year and a half of joining. 3 P age
Candidate Criteria To join SARDAA and begin training, candidates must: 1) be a minimum of 18 (eighteen) years of age. 2) be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. 3) be in good physical condition. 4) be willing to volunteer his/hers time in aid of the Lost Person. 5) have an appreciation of the outdoors. 6) be willing to commit the time needed to train and work with dogs. 7) be willing to allow their dog to be evaluated for aptitude by senior SARDAA members. This evaluation assesses the dog s level of sociability and its drives. The objective is to screen applicants with the view of accepting only those dogs that exhibit the aptitudes expected and are well suited to the work. Prior training for the evaluation is not necessary. Evaluations are conducted as needed. Dog - Pre-Selection Criteria * The dog must have all required health vaccinations or titer certificates. * The dog will be in good physical condition to permit its use in SAR Dog training. * The dog must successfully pass the pre-evaluation test with a promising grade. Breed Selection The dog that is selected for SAR work must have an excellent temperament, and have a strong desire to perform this type of training. As the risk and stress of SAR work can cause many problems in the dog, the right selection is of the utmost importance. The best dogs for SAR work have a high retrieve drive and/or prey drive. The most common breeds that come from the working, herding and sporting groups. Mixed breeds are also known to work well. The gender of the dog is not of any great importance, whether male or female it is usually left up to the individual handler to make that decision. The size of the dog is somewhat important, as the dog must be able to overcome a wide range of human and natural obstacles with ease. Generally the best size is anywhere from 18" to 27" in height and between 50 and 90 pounds in weight. The dogs must show no aggression towards people or other dogs. Dogs with physical or mental disabilities will not make the grade. Dogs that have done Shutzhund/IPO/French Ring Sport-style bite work, or general protection work will not be accepted. The SARDAA Training Director will make the final determination as to the dog's potential. Your willingness and ability to follow instructions and to commit your efforts to SARDAA will help us determine if you have the qualities that we expect in all our members. We work for the victim; ego and personal objectives have no place in search and rescue generally, nor in our organization specifically. 4 P age
Membership Obligations SARDAA Members must: Provide their own dog, unless they join as a Field Tech. Cover any expenses incurred to them. SARDAA is a volunteer Association; any money raised goes towards training costs, equipment, running of the organization, and cost that occur while on a search. It is the responsibility of SARDAA Members to pay out of pocket expenses for them and their dog during training exercises. Have their dog enrolled in obedience classes. SARDAA expects all dogs in its program to have successfully completed obedience training. Since SARDAA training days are mostly spent on search training, SARDAA encourages handlers to take obedience classes from a reputable instructor. Attend training sessions. It is the dog handler s obligation to work their dog inbetween these sessions. SARDAA training sessions run every Sunday. SARDAA also on occasion holds two-day or longer training sessions. SARDAA does not usually schedule training on weekdays or holidays. It is essential that handlers work their dogs in-between those times of regular training sessions to give the dogs the foundation and reinforcement needed. Attendance for training and any extra time required to learn skills also applies to Field Tech. Ensure they are getting the information given out by SARDAA. If a member is not coming to regular training or attending meetings, it is up to that member to ensure they are kept abreast of SARDAA happenings. keep up to date training log books on their training, referring to dog handlers. Log sheets are provided by SARDAA. It is important to keep up to date training logs on the member s and dog s lessons. This information is valuable when training to keep an eye on where mistakes may have been made in training and when to move forward. They may also some day be requested in a court of law, if the handler is requested to give testimony on their reputation and their dog s reputation. Ensure they are properly outfitted for working outdoors in Alberta. Working in all types of weather conditions better prepares the handler / dog for the possibility of having to search in bad conditions. It is up to each member to be prepared for the likelihood of training or searching in the elements. See Personnel Handbook for a list of recommended clothing and gear. Provide any necessary gear for training. All dog handlers will need to provide leashes, collars, tracking harnesses (optional) etc. for their dog partner. As well, any equipment needed for training of handlers or field tech; i.e., compass, light sources etc. Complete an accepted level of personal training using the Personnel Handbook. Ensure the Personnel Handbook is signed off by a designated trainer. Successfully complete the Field Tech Field Evaluation. No dog/handler team or Field Tech will attend a formal search unless specifically called out by SARDAA. 5 P age
Categories of Membership Supporting Associate (Regular) Supporting Associate (Field Tech) Associate Active Active Administrator Friends of SARDAA Life PLEASE BE AWARE THAT MEMBERSHIP IN OTHER SAR DOG ORGANIZATIONS MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH SARDAA MEMBERSHIP BEYOND THE SARDAA SUPPORTING ASSOCIATE (REGULAR) OR SUPPORTING ASSOCIATE (FIELD TECH) LEVELS. QUESTIONS IN THIS REGARD MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE PRESIDENT. 6 P age
Details of Membership Supporting Associate (Regular) Membership 1) All dog handlers must initially start at this level of membership. 2) SARDAA uses a specific screening process for all new dog handlers. The following five requirements must be met: Complete SARDAA application form and submit to SARDAA secretary with fee. Successfully complete a drive evaluation of their dog Authorize a criminal background check (provided by Edmonton Police Service) with satisfactory results. Submit three references, along with contact information (references not to include family members. Participate in an interview with the SARDAA Executive and membership at a General meeting. 3) Once their application is received and approved, new members receive a letter confirming their membership along with a tax-deductible receipt for their fees, a membership card, SARDAA red T-shirt, SARDAA decal, the SARDAA Training Standards manual, SOPs and the Personnel Handbook. 4) A preceptor will be assigned from the Active team members and the applicant will be on a six-month period at which time his/her membership will be reviewed and voted upon by the active member. 5) Supporting Associate (Regular) members are encouraged to attend regular training sessions and SARDAA organized courses. It may be expected that these members pay deposits on such courses with full reimbursements after they have obtained Associate membership status. 6) Supporting Associate (Regular) members receive a dog in-training- vest. 7) The Supporting Associate (Regular) members are encouraged to start using the Personnel Handbook as a guide to personal training. 8) It is required that after a minimum of six month period of training, and dogs are a minimum one year of age, Supporting Associate (Regular) are expected to submit to a Supporting Associate (Regular) Evaluation. 9) Before the Supporting Associate (Regular) Dog / Handler move up to Associate membership they must have passed the evaluation, and be recommended by the Training Director and Co-Trainer. 10) Each Supporting Associate (Regular) is required to participate in the mandatory training courses as per Personnel Handbook. It is recommended that Supporting Associate (Regular) successfully complete the following courses before moving up to the Associate membership level: Heart-saver or basic CPR Standard First Aid Training SAR Basics They may wish to further their training by taking optional courses (see optional courses). 11) A Supporting Associate (Regular) may, after their six month probation period is up, submit a letter (email accepted) of request to the President and Training Coordinator to act as Field Tech if they meet all the training criteria and mandatory courses. See 7 P age
Supporting Associate (Field Tech) Membership, Supporting Associate (Field Tech) Evaluation Criteria and Personnel Handbook for more details on requirements. Supporting Associate (Regular) - Evaluation Criteria The purpose of this outline is to describe the minimum performance standards for dogs and handlers who wish to advance to the Associate Member level of SARDAA. The Supporting Associate (Regular) is required to submit to this evaluation within 6 months of acquiring their membership in the Association. Dog /Handler teams who do not satisfactorily complete the evaluation on two occasions will not normally be permitted to attempt the evaluation again. Obedience The dog on leash will be asked to demonstrate an obedience pattern, which will include the following exercises, not in any particular order - heeling on lead - the team will be asked to demonstrate a pattern showing a normal, fast and slow walk, commanding the dog to sit as required when halted. sit / stay and down / stay - the dog will be placed in either position and left on lead; the handler will walk thirty paces from the dog and remain away from the dog for one minute. recall - the dog will be placed in either the sit or down position and left; the handler will walk thirty paces away from the dog and call the dog to 'come'; the dog will return to the handler and sit in front or at the handlers side. retrieve - the dog shall retrieve an object thrown by its handler. This object may be of handler s choice and must be thrown approximately 20 ft. The dog must bring the object back to its handler. The dog / handler team will be tested to determine the level of control the handler has of the dog and also whether there is a bond and working cooperation existing between them. Transportation The dog / handler team will be evaluated on how they respond to being transported in a vehicle (truck, van) with other dog / handler teams and evaluator. the team to be tested will be placed in a vehicle with at least two other dog/handler teams (The evaluator may be in one of the other teams) the dogs will ride, on leash with their handlers and the exercise will include changes of positions for the dog / handler teams in the vehicle. the dog shall show no aggression or fear at any time during this exercise. at the conclusion of this transportation exercise, a person other than the dog's handler will lift the dog from the vehicle and walk the dog away at heel position. The Evaluator will be observing the Dog / Handler teams to see if there is any aggression towards the other teams in the vehicle or fear of being in a confined space. During their career, teams may be loaded into small spaces, back of tracks, helicopters or small 8 P age
aircraft to be transported to search locations. It is essential to determine beforehand how the dog reacts to the situation. They will also see how well the dog handles being lifted by a person other than its handlers and led away. There may be occasion when the dog's handler is injured or otherwise occupied, in which case the dog may have to taken from the handler and put somewhere safe. The dog must show acceptance to being taken from its handler. Agility The Agility evaluation consists of the dog, upon direction and off leash, with complete control by the handler, negotiating high jumps, crawling through a tunnel approximately 10 feet in length, negotiating a plank with which is three feet off the ground. The equipment used may be man-made or objects in the environment that may replicate the agility testing criteria. The dog / handler team should move at a comfortable pace, with the dog under control. Jump 3 high jumps not to exceed the dog s height at its withers. Crawl through a tunnel approximately 10 feet in length. Walk over a plank minimum of 3 feet above the ground, not exceeding 10 feet in length. The agility exercises are evaluated on the, control demonstrated by the handler over the dog, also by the dog's ability to take direction through the various obstacles. Dogs must show flexibility and jumping ease to the evaluator. If the dog refuses obstacles more than twice a determination will be made as to the cause; i.e., lack of control of the dog by its handler, lack of the physical ability to work in this field, etc. Agility is important since it is this ability that will take the dog and handler through tough terrain or allow them to negotiate a disaster site. Article Search Using appropriate search strategy, the dog / handler team will demonstrate the dog s ability to locate and alert on three small-to-medium sized articles placed at random on the ground. *In the case of human remains detection dogs in training, they will be required to locate articles that have human remains related scent on them. (See below for examples of types of articles) This test is rated Pass or Fail. Evaluation Location: Field of mixed grasses. Evaluation Area size: Approximately 100 x 100 sq ft. The corner boundaries of the area must be flagged. Articles: 3 articles ranging in size from small to medium that may be of such materials as cloth, metal, plastic, wood or leather; the articles shall be randomly placed. *Human remains articles should be from the above article list but will have human remains related scent on them. The articles will be placed by the SARDAA Evaluator or his / her designate a minimum of 30 and not more than 60 minutes prior to the beginning of the test. Time Limit: 20 minutes. 9 P age
Evaluator: One Evaluator is required who shall be a SARDAA trainer/co-trainer or an SARDAA Active member. Evaluators will be aware of the location of the test articles. Evaluators may follow dog/handler team through the search area. The Evaluator will be assessing the dog s ability to source out the articles under a controlled situation, and give its trained alert. The evaluator will also assess the handler s ability to read the dog, and how the handler conducts the search of the area. A passing grade will be awarded if the following criteria are met satisfactorily - Handlers: Before the test begins, the handler will inform the evaluator of how the dog will alert to the articles (i.e., down, sit, stand over them, and/or bark). The team may start from any side of the area. Handlers may enter the search area. The handler may give as many verbal commands and as much encouragement to the dog as he/she deems necessary. The handler is not permitted to cue the dog s alert. When the dog has located each article, the handler will inform the Evaluator. The items will be picked up by the handler as they are located by the dog. *In the case of an HR test, the evaluator will pick up the sources using approved methods. The handler may restart the dog as often as required within the 20 minute time period. Handlers should demonstrate that they have an understanding of search strategy by using the wind to their advantage, and by properly clearing the designated search area. Dog: The dog must show its independent trained alert on the articles located. The dog must locate and alert on 2 out of 3 articles to receive a passing grade. The dog is required to work the majority of the time approximately 20 feet away from the handler. Any dog who consistently refuses to obey its handler's commands; or who leaves the test zone for more than two minutes and cannot be readily redirected by its handler; or ignores placed articles; or does not perform the described alert will be failed. 10 P age
Supporting Associate (FIELD TECH) Membership Details of Membership (this membership category applies to those who wish to participate fully but without a dog). 1) All new field tech candidates start at this level. 2) SARDAA uses a specific screening process for all new Field Techs. The following four requirements must be met: Complete SARDAA application form and submit to SARDAA secretary with fee. Authorize a criminal background check (provided by Edmonton Police Service) with satisfactory results. Submit three references, along with contact information (references not to include family members. Participate in an interview with the SARDAA Executive and membership at a General meeting. 3) Once their application is received and approved, new members receive a letter confirming their membership along with a tax-deductible receipt for their fees, a membership card, SARDAA red T-shirt, SARDAA decal, the SARDAA Training Standards manual, SOPs and the Personnel Handbook. 4) A preceptor will be assigned from the Active team members and the applicant will be on a six-month period at which time his/her membership will be reviewed and voted upon by the active member. 5) Supporting Associate (Field Tech) may attend SARDAA organized courses. It may be expected that they pay deposits on such courses with full reimbursements after the Supporting Associate (Field Tech) member has been fully accepted into the membership after the six month probation period. 6) Supporting Associate (Field Tech) are encouraged to attend training regularly. They offer important assistants to the SAR dog handlers. In training, they will be asked to perform the following duties, depending on the search profile: (Wilderness/Urban Search Profile ) Act as tracklayers and/or hiders for the SAR dogs/handlers in the program. (Wilderness/Urban Search Profile )Act as a backup for the wilderness/urban dog team to help navigate, man track, search, offer search strategies, operate the radio and in case of emergencies, aid in performing first aid. (Water Search Profile)To operate the boat during water searches when they will need to understand how water search dog teams work from a boat utilizing a GPS and compasses to navigate zones in grid patterns, operate the radio and in case of emergencies, aid in performing first aid. (Disaster Profile or training exercise if appropriate equipment) Mark areas of indication by the dog during disaster search exercises, operate the radio and in case of emergencies, aid in performing first aid. 7) Before a field evaluation, the Supporting Associate (Field Tech) must: Complete their six month probation period. Complete the training criteria as per the Personnel Handbook. Complete mandatory courses as required in each of the profile(s) they wish to search in as per the Personnel Handbook. Have the Personnel Handbook signed off by a qualified trainer. 11 P age
Submit the Personnel Handbook for review to the Training Director. Submit a letter (email accepted) of request to the President and Training Coordinator to complete the Field Tech field evaluation and be considered for Active status. 8) Before a Supporting Associate (Field Tech) may move up to the Active Team, they must: Have completed their six month probation period. Have passed the Field Tech Evaluation. Receive a favorable majority vote (2/3 majority or more) by the current Active Team. It is important that the Supporting Associate (Field Tech) train with the dog/handler teams to have an understanding how the SAR Dog resource works in each profile. It will be up to the Supporting Associate (Field Tech) to train to their potential for any profile they wish to search in. The training for the Supporting Associate (Field Tech) includes courses, understanding the dog handler team, navigation, survival/safety skills, communication and search & rescue basics. See Personnel Handbook for more details, which entail the Wilderness/Urban Search Profile only. They may wish to further their training by taking additional related courses (see optional courses) 12 P age
Supporting Associate (FIELD TECH) - Evaluation Criteria The purpose of this outline is to briefly describe how a field tech person will be evaluated when they wish to advance to the Active Member level of SARDAA. This advancement is anticipated within one and a half years of acquiring their membership into SARDAA. Details of what is expected can be found in the Personnel Handbook. 1) Supporting Associate (Field Tech) must demonstrate during normal team training that they are comfortable working with all of the team dogs and all the members. 2) All mandatory courses must be completed. 3) Their Personnel Handbook must be completed, signed off by a qualified trainer, submitted and accepted by the Training Director. 4) They must pass the Filed Tech field evaluation. Any Supporting Associate (Field Tech) who does not satisfactorily complete the evaluation on two occasions will not be permitted to attempt the evaluation again without further review by the Training Director and other qualified trainers. 5) The Water Search Profile, in addition as mentioned above, includes the Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate and other related courses and/or training offered or recommended by SARDAA as appropriate. 6) The Disaster Profile, in addition as mentioned above, includes the SARDAA Disaster Search Theory course and other related courses and/or training offered or recommended by SARDAA as appropriate. 7) Existing SARDAA members may challenge the Field Tech field evaluation and act as Field Tech if: They are already an Active member and meet the criteria. They meet the criteria but have a dog in training. They no longer have a dog working and meet the criteria. 13 P age
Associate Membership Details of Membership 1) Dog / Handler team must have passed the Supporting Associate (Regular) Evaluation. 2) It is recommended that the dog be a minimum of one year of age. 3) Must have completed and maintained current CPR / Standard First Aid, SAR Basics with Map and Compass and GPS. 4) Associate Members are entitled to attend any courses conducted and funded by the organization. See optional courses. 5) May attend any SARDAA promotional events (tradeshows, Preventive SAR education) with their dog. 6) May Attend SARDAA Funded courses. 7) Must maintain training log on SARDAA forms, or equivalent. 8) Associate members must attend and document 20 training sessions with other SARDAA team members during the course of a year. This attendance level must be sustained each year. 9) Associate members must attend two, all-day sessions per year if they are offered. 10) It is suggested that Associate members from locations outside the Edmonton surrounding area, attend regular scheduled practice sessions in Edmonton at least once a month if possible. 11) An Associate member must submit their Personnel Handbook to the Training Coordinator, have the handbook approved by the Training Coordinator and have passed their Field Tech Evaluation prior to submitting to an internal search profile evaluation. 12) When an Associate member has passed an internal evaluation in any one of the search profiles, has met the course requirements for the affiliated profile they may be voted up to the active membership level for that profile only. 13) An Associate member must receive favorable majority vote (2/3 majority or more) by the current Active team to be accepted at the Active membership level. The Associate member only has to go through this vote once, not for every additional profile they add to their resume. 14) Once at the Active level in any one profile, the dog/handler team must submit to an Active Accreditation evaluation involving an outside agency prior to being placed on the Active call out list for that profile. Individual Search Profiles Wilderness/Urban (Air Scent) (a) Obedience (b) Agility (c) Area Search (d) Building Search Wilderness/Urban (Tracking) a) Same obedience and agility tests as in air scent Disaster Search (a) Obedience (b) Agility (c) Live Person (d) Human Remains Detection Human Remains Detection a) Same obedience and agility tests as in air scent 14 P age
Associate - Evaluation Criteria The purpose of this outline is to describe the minimum performance standards for dogs and handlers who wish to advance to the Active Member level of SARDAA. Associate members are encouraged to attempt an evaluation within 24 months of acquiring their membership into SARDAA. Dog / handler teams who do not satisfactorily complete the chosen evaluation on two occasions will not be permitted to attempt the evaluation again without further review by the Training Director and Co-Trainer. Associate members will produce their training logs on evaluation day illustrating previous training under a variety of conditions. These logs should reflect training for the profile in which they plan to be evaluated. Wilderness/Urban (Air Scent) - Introduction The use of dogs to locate persons who are lost or missing in rural and urban areas is of great value. Dogs used in wilderness/urban searches are normally trained in one or both training profiles of Air scent & Tracking. As in any search training, both the dog and handler must train and prepare themselves to avoid becoming a lost person as well. Wilderness search is very tiring and both dog and handler must be in good physical and mentally shape to permit them to work over long periods and over very rough terrain. Each handler must know his/hers dog's indications and alerts and must be able to read them in a wide range of variable scent circumstances. Urban search, with a wide range of terrain from river valleys to city streets and buildings, it is not without its challenges. Dogs and handlers have to deal with a multitude of distractions and potential dangers such as persons, loose dogs or vehicles in the search area. During Air Scenting, the dog is trained to locate any human scent that is carried on the wind currents. The dog works off lead and with guidance from its handler, quarters the search zone. While air scenting in wilderness searches, the dog is to locate only human scent, whether it is from the actual lost person or an article with human scent on it. Distractions may originate from other searchers being in the area, or animals. During urban searches, air scenting becomes more difficult; there is human scent just about everywhere, garbage, persons on the streets and in parks. There are also other distractions such as animal wild/domestic. Tracking - the dog is in harness and on line, and will follow a ground scent left by a person. A good (Place Last Seen) PLS of the lost person is needed for the tracking dog to be able to pick up the scent it is to follow. If trained in scent discrimination, a scent article from the subject may be used for the tracking dog to be able to distinguish the lost person's track scent from all others. Weather can greatly affect track scent. Wind can dissipate the scent available, as can heat, cold and moisture. The type of terrain can also affect the life span of a track, rocky or paved areas will hold little scent. Bush or field 15 P age
type areas have a better chance of having the track scent last longer and provide chance for the tracking dog to pick up and maintain the track. (a) Obedience Off leash, the dog/handler will be asked to demonstrate an obedience pattern, which will include the following exercises, not in any particular order - the dog will heel at a walk, run, slow and drop in motion with dog returning to heel position on command by handler. the dog will perform sit & down signals from approx. 30 feet away. Both voice and hand signals will be permitted. the dog will be placed in a sit position with handler approximately 30 feet away will perform a drop on recall. upon command, the dog will jump into an open truck box; the handler will leave the dog and go out of sight for five minutes. The evaluators will be looking for the control of the dog by the handler while it is off leash and dog s attentiveness to its handler and quickness to respond to commands. The out-of-sight stay will demonstrate the dog s confidence level while away from its handler. (b) Agility The dog will perform the following agility exercises off leash and in a controlled manner by its handler. The equipment used may be man-made or objects in the environment that may replicate the agility testing criteria. the dog will jump over a high jump (not to exceed the dogs height at the withers) and over two barrel jumps. the dog will negotiate a plank approximately four feet high off the ground, walk the plank of a ten foot length, then jump onto a platform stay for a count of 5 then jump onto the ground. The evaluators will be evaluating the dog s performance of physical ability as well as control of the dog by the handler. (c) Area Search Handlers: Handler must be in full ready SAR gear suitable for the environment. Handlers must be in good physical condition. Handlers must identify to evaluators how their dog will alert on both clues and victims. Handlers must identify to evaluators how they will work each search segment. They must also explain when and why changes may be needed during the evaluation. Handlers will be briefed on their search segments, just as during a real search. They will be expected to document the briefing as well as their search segments. When clues or victims are found they will radio in locations and document. Handlers will be expected to 16 P age
fill out search reports at the end of their evaluation. Dogs: Dogs must have on their search gear suitable for the environment of the test. Dogs should be in good physical condition. Dogs will be required to give their trained alert, on both clues and victims as identified by their handler. Test Area: The Test Area should consist of approximately 20 acres of a mixture of bush, field and an urban type setting. (buildings, vehicles, people). Victims: There may be from 0-2 victims hidden in any one search area at one time. Victims will be hidden 20 minutes prior to testing. Each victim will be directed by the evaluator to be in the prone or sitting position. And whether or not to make verbal or physical contact with the dog. Clues: There may be from 1-3 clues hidden in any one search area at one time. Clues will be of various sizes and materials. Clues will be placed in search areas no less than 24 hours prior to testing. Clues may be placed on the ground or no higher than 2 feet high above ground. Evaluators: Two evaluators are required for the test. Both evaluators must be Active members, Trainer, or Co-trainer of SARDAA. Evaluators are to follow the dog/handler team on their search evaluation to effectively evaluate the team. The evaluators are given evaluation cards on which to indicate the dog / handlers performance. Both evaluators must know ahead of time where clues are hidden also the victims. Evaluation time: Since conditions may vary from one search to the next, depending on wind, weather, terrain, the minimum required time for this evaluation is one hour with a maximum of two hours for completion. The dog /handler team may take breaks as required. Evaluation System: The Team is evaluated on each aspect on the marking card. Assessment categories range from 1-5, with 1 being unacceptable to 5 being excellent. For missed subjects or clues, letters will be used with explanation of what each letter stand for. It may be suggested that if handlers perform poorly by receiving marks of 3 or below for all aspects of the search process, that they be not moved up by the evaluators. Handlers who do not receive sufficient evaluation marks are encouraged to reevaluate at a later date. (d) Building Search 17 P age
The dog/handler will search a building approximately 3000 8000 sq. ft in size, for two victims, one who is hidden from view at ground level and one who is hidden approximately 6-10 ft. above ground level Hiders will be hidden 20 minutes prior to testing The dog will give a trained and recognizable and sustained alert upon locating subjects as indicated by the handler to the evaluator/s prior to testing. The bark alert is the preferred alert for this profile. The dog should show ease of working in a building and be able to source as close as possible to the hidden subjects. Handlers will clearly outline to the evaluator/s their search strategy. Evaluators will be looking for how well the handler works the search area and how they interpret their dog's actions. Time Limit 20 minutes e) Wilderness/Urban Tracking (Optional) Tracking (on line) The dog/handler team will be asked to successfully work a 1-2 km unknown and unmarked track approximately 1-2 hours old (depending on weather conditions). The track will be laid by one person in a wilderness/urban environment. The track will include: a) three road crossings b) three scent related articles c) one dead end (not over 15 meters in length) d) two cross tracks (human) e) approximately 20 meters on low scent area (dirt, gravel, pavement) f) track will run approximately 1/2 in a urban environment and 1/2 in a wilderness environment g) track layer at end. The handler will inform to the evaluator/s how the dog will indicate the articles left on the track prior to the testing (retrieve, down, bark). Evaluator/s will be looking at the physical stamina of the dog/team. The Evaluators will be looking for how well the handler works with their dog on the track. (line handling, reading of dog) 18 P age
Disaster Search - Introduction There is significant risk involved in Disaster SAR for the handler and their dog. We must ensure that the teams are well trained and have skills to save lives - including their own! The term "Disaster Dog" refers to dogs trained to locate persons who are trapped under various types of debris that may have been caused by tornados, earthquakes, explosion, bomb, etc. As lives hang in the balance and are measured in minutes - not hours - the use of trained dogs may greatly reduce the loss of lives. A dog trained in disaster work must have a high degree of control and agility, combined with desire to pursue a scent source under adverse conditions. Since these adverse conditions include working with many other personnel on site and with machines present and operating, the dogs must be trained to stay focused on locating a victim. All dogs trained in disaster work, are trained in air scenting. There are two types of dogs utilized for disaster work, the Live Person Search Dog and the Human Remains Detection (HRD) Dog. Since our priority is to find live victims, the Live Person Search Dog is trained to locate only persons who are still breathing. The dogs are taught to ignore personal articles that may be scattered on the rubble, as well as any human remains. The Recovery dog is a dog that is trained for HRD only or cross trained in the Live Person search profile. Since the cross trained dogs may alert on both types of sources, they must have two identifiable alerts so there will be no mistake as to which victim is being indicated. All dogs that have the human remains detection profile and or training must test in the Disaster Search HRD profile. For both Live Person Search and HRD dog teams, when one dogs alerts on a victim, a second or third dog team is dispatched to honor the alert. Since rubble work is considered the most difficult and dangerous area of SAR work, handlers must have a realistic approach for both training and mission response. During all training, the placement of the victim is vital to their safety, as well the safety of the handler and dog. SARDAA's disaster training for handlers is a series of courses to prepare them to make the choice for themselves and their dogs on whether they attempt to work the disaster site, or whether it is too dangerous. 19 P age
(a) Obedience Off leash the dog/handler will be asked to demonstrate an obedience pattern, which will include the following exercises, not in any particular order- using hand signal only, the team will heel at walk, run, slow pace and sit at halts. the dog will allow a person, other than its handler, to lift it up onto a surface of a table (not more than 3 ft high) or into the back of a truck. The person will stay with the dog. The dog will calmly remain in place until the handler returns. Handlers will remain out of sight for five minutes Emergency Stop - with the dog sitting at heel position, the dog will be sent away from the handler. The handler will, using command and /or signals, stop the dog while the dog is in motion. The dog may stay in any of the following positions, down, sit or stand. The handler will then give an alternate command and or signal for the dog to come. When the dog is half way back to the handler, the handler will command and or signal the dog to stay. After a completed stay at the midway point, the handler will recall the dog, using command and or signal to a front or heel position. The dog may not move more than one body length of the dogs after the stay command is given each time. On every disaster site, there will be a multitude of distractions and the dog must respond to handler's commands and or signals immediately, since it could mean life or death to the dog. If the handler is injured, the dog may have to be taken to a safe location by a stranger, it is important that the dog responds on leash to another handler, and that it has the confidence to remain in a secure location until the return of the handler. The stay in motion demonstrates that the dog can be controlled while performing a task, and then asked to continue. Evaluators will be observing how well the dogs respond to the voice and or signals given during these exercises. The exercises are to be performed without multiple extra commands and/or signals. (b) Agility The equipment used may be man-made or objects in the environment that may replicate the agility testing criteria. The dog will demonstrate the following agility exercises off leash in a controlled fashion: Negotiate a dark narrow tunnel, approximately 10 ft in length, with at least one turn; one end of the tunnel may be partial covered. Climb a flat rung ladder, at a approximately 45 degree angle, up to a plank, approximately 10 ft in length, jump onto a platform, and perform a stay of five seconds Negotiate from one barrel top to the next, using five different size barrels and or spools or similar objects. Since it is hard to replicate an actual disaster sight, these exercises demonstrate the dog s ability to negotiate an enclosed space, climb and walk on a narrow surface as well as move on wobbly and uneven surfaces. The ongoing method of training on rubble piles with different types of material will prepare the dog in a practical manner for a search of a disaster site. 20 P age
Evaluators will be looking for the dog to be working in a controlled manner. (c) Disaster Search -Live Person Search There shall be two rubble sites for this evaluation - Each rubble area will be approximately 3,000 sq. ft. Each site will contain contamination with distractions that may include: workers, food, dead animal, clothing articles, and human remains (pseudo scent source). Site #1) off lead, the dog/handler team will search a rubble site for a hidden person and will perform a bark/dig alert when it locates the spot where the subject is hidden. Site #2) off lead, the dog/handler team will search a rubble site for two to three hidden persons and perform a bark/dig alert upon locating the subjects. Persons acting as victims shall be placed 20 minutes prior to testing, in inaccessible locations to the dog and handler team. Hidden subjects will remain buried and silent until instructed otherwise by an evaluator. Each team will be given 20 minutes on each site to locate subjects. Handlers must inform the Evaluator of their search strategy and of what type of alert the dog will perform. Evaluators will be looking for control, taking direction from the handler, quality of alert from the dog. Excessive attention to, or alert on, the distractions placed in the rubble will result in failure of the test, as will be more than one false alert. Dogs cross trained for HRD are expected to ignore HRD on this occasion; however, if they do performed their trained alert, are then restarted by the handler, and subsequently perform their trained alert on the live victim, no penalty will be imposed. In this case, the dog is in fact demonstrating its training in both live and HRD profiles. On completion of their search sites, handlers must draw maps indicating the location of the alerts, as well as produce a search report. (d) Disaster Search -Human Remains Detection (HRD) Recovery Evaluation Area: There will be four evaluation areas of rubble type terrain. Each of the evaluation areas should be a minimum of 40 ft. by 40 ft. up to a maximum of 60 ft by 60ft. In three of the areas two to three scent sources of cadaver type material shall be placed on the ground, open and exposed, or covered by not more than three feet of debris. One area shall be a negative area consisting of no purposely placed scent sources. Scent Sources: Human remains-type material. 21 P age
There may be up to three HRD scent sources* hidden in the search areas at one time. Depending on conditions of the evaluation and type of scent source, scent sources will be placed in each area 15 to 60 minutes prior to testing. Distractions: Placed in the search areas will be contaminates of clothing type articles, food and animal and a live victim. There may also be site workers and machinery to create the simulation of a real search. All distractions will be placed 15 minutes to 24 hours prior to testing. Evaluators: Two evaluators are required for the evaluation One Evaluator must be an Active member, Trainer, or Co-trainer of SARDAA. Evaluators are to follow the dog/handler team on their search evaluation to effectively evaluate the team. The Evaluators are given evaluation cards on which to indicate the dog /handlers performance. Both Evaluators must know ahead of time where scent sources, distractions and victims are hidden Evaluation time: Since conditions may vary from one search to the next, depending on wind, weather or terrain, the minimum required time for this evaluation is one hour with a maximum of two hours for completion. The dog / handler team may take reasonable breaks in between search areas. Evaluation System: The Team is evaluated on each aspect on the assessment card. See HRD Marking Card. Assessment categories range from 1-5 with 1 being unacceptable to 5 being excellent. For missed subjects, clues or other, letters will be used with explanation of what each letter stands for. A combination of letters and numbers may be used. If the dog team performs poorly by receiving more than 3 marks of 3 or below for any aspects of the search process they will not be passed by the evaluators. Handlers who do not receive sufficient evaluation marks are encouraged to reevaluate at a later date. Notes: The dog must alert on a minimum of ONE scent source per positive search area. It is deemed a failure for a dog to false alert on any scent distractions. It is deemed a failure if dog consumes or physically destroys any scent source. 22 P age
Human Remains Detection (HRD) Search - Introduction As in the case of many other SAR disciplines, HRD search dogs provide an additional resource to the search and recovery effort. Dogs can be an effective tool but should not be considered the only tool at the SAR manager's disposal. The teams have located human remains buried, portions of dismembered bodies and skeletal remains missed by grid searchers. As with other SAR dog profiles, the dog must be under control. It is necessary that dogs working under this profile be highly focused with strong concentration of the task at hand. HRD dogs work in a slow and methodical way, grid searching ever inch of an area to locate the smallest scent source. When a dog alerts on a scent source, a second dog is dispatched to honor the alert. All indications are documented in order to contribute to the overall search effort. Since actual HRD searches may be of criminal nature and a court appearance could result, all handlers must keep up-to-date log books on their team's training. These logs must be provided prior to testing. This search dog profile takes a dedicated team since it requires many months of training and proofing to produce a reliable HRD dog. On-going training is required with formal evaluations occurring throughout each season. The overall aim is to encourage a continuous process throughout the dog/handler's career in human remains detection. This on-going process is designed to develop the team through training and through evaluations, in contrast to a team training for a 'test' that occurs once a year. The HRD dog teams will be evaluated in obedience and agility using the same testing requirements as stated in the Associate level Wilderness/Urban. HRD - Area Search Human Remains Detection Dogs will be required to give their trained alert (primary and secondary), on all scent sources located. The handler will tell the evaluators what the dog s trained alert is, prior to the beginning of the test. Handlers are required to submit a detailed search report at the end of the evaluation. Evaluation Area: There will be four evaluation areas that may consist of a mixture of bush, field and an urban setting (rubble, buildings, and vehicles). Each of the evaluation areas should be a minimum of 40 ft. by 40 ft. up to a maximum of 60 ft by 60 ft. In three of the areas two to three scent sources of cadaver type material shall be placed on the ground, open and exposed, or covered by not more than three feet of debris, or hanging not more than six feet off the ground. One area shall be a negative area consisting of no purposely placed scent sources. Scent Sources: 23 P age