Canine And Skills Assessment CASA The CASA is the first of two evaluations offered by SDONA to determine if the team (handler/dog) is capable of operating under actual field conditions. The CASA will be graded on a point system. The point system provides to the handler/trainer those skills which need further training and which skills have been learned. The CASA must be successfully completed in order to apply for the SDONA Operational Readiness Test (ORT). The philosophy of SDONA is : Only well trained, prepared and tested K teams ( handler + K) should be deployed. These teams should also continuously maintain and grow their skills. The underlying principles of this philosophy are: - The dog must search intensely and with endurance for the target scent. - NO DIFFICULTY will distract the dog from searching including rugged terrain, distracting scents, other teams, noise, etc. - The dog must recognize the Target Odor (TO), differentiating it from all other possible odors and must indicate its location to its handler with a clear Trained Final Response (TFR).
SDONA believes that testing should be done in two stages. The first stage is the Canine and Skills Assessment ( CASA) in which all the basic skills, temperament and abilities of the dog are evaluated. SDONA evaluates the performance of the dog and handler to ensure that all skills and abilities are sufficient for the operational testing - Operational Readiness Test (ORT) Summary : 1. CASA testing ensures that the skills needed for the task are trained 2. Handler skills, education and knowledge all skills needed by handlers such as navigation, search strategy, victim characteristics, equipment, etc. 3. Operational Readiness Test (ORT) 36 40 hour test administered over 2 days simulating an actual mission. Terminology: SDONA uses the accepted terminology of the Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal detector Guidelines (SWGDOG), document SC1 www.swgdog.fiu.edu
Ground Rules No training aids (balls, food, toys, etc.), except where specified. A toy reward is allowed on the rubble and the bark alert. No collars or search vest on agility or rubble search exercises. Muzzles are not permitted in any phase of the evaluation process. No short lead, traffic lead, training tab or other weighted object may be attached to the collar at any time. No prong, choke or electronic collars. No practice on any element before the test. The handler must maintain control of the canine. Abuse (e.g., physical, mental, verbal, etc.) of the canine is not acceptable at any time. The handler is responsible for the care and safety of the canine at all times. Safety procedures will be followed. The following safety gear is required for the rubble site: helmet, gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirt, eye protection, safety toe, steel shank safety boots and knee protection. Aggression will not be tolerated at any time. All testing teams may complete all five elements if time allows unless excused by consensus of the evaluators for reasons of aggression, lack of safety or control, injury, at handler request or for failing two or more of the first four elements. All exercises will be explained to each handler by the judges. Each handler shall follow all directions of the judge. All decisions by the judges are final. No exercise is completed until the judge indicates such.
CASA Tests for : Area Search HRD search Disaster Search Cadaster Search Disaster 1 st Responder Search There are 6 Elements comprising the CASA. The CASA is designed to test the suitability (genetic and temperament) of the K, their training and their skills: 1. Temperament assessed the entire test, including when the dog is not working. 2. Trained Final Response (TFR) 3. Agility 4. Directionals 5. Obedience 6. Search
Elements 1 through 5 are identical for all search types except that element 2 (TFR testing) is unique for each search dog specialty. 1. Temperament if the K is determined to be shy, nervous, or aggressive, the judge has the option to stop the testing for that dog at any time during the test and excuse from further testing. 2. Trained Final Response (TFR) dogs must be able to clearly and unmistakedly indicate to the handler that they have located a subject. Acceptable Trained Final Responses: Area Search Refind or stay and bark HRD Passive ( sit or down or stay and bark with NO disturbance of target odor) Disaster Search Stay and bark at subject Cadaster Search Passive ( sit or down or stay and bark with no disturbance of target odor) Disaster First Responder Refind or stay and bark All Trained Final Responses must be independently accomplished by the dog. Any cueing by the handler will constitute a non-passing score. This will include any non-verbal cueing. Second commands will be allowed with loss of points.
Trained Final Response Overview Search Type Area Search Target Odor(s) Live ** Remains * Distance from start to subject/target odor Time to complete exercise Score 30 M 3 Minutes 0-30 M 3 Minutes 0- HRD Disaster Cadaster Remains * Live *** Remains * 30 M 3 Minutes 0-30 M 3 Minutes 0-30 M 3 Minutes 0- Disaster 1 st Responder Live *** 30 M 3 Minutes 0-30 M 3 Minutes 0- Remains * *15 gms 200 gms ** subject lying supine on ground *** subject completely hidden in tube or barrel with cover that has ventilation holes
Scoring for the Trained Final Response Exercise Search Type Area TFR Refind or stay and bark Refind or stay and bark Target Odor Live Remains No find/time out Find but no TFR Find/weak or assisted TFR Sufficient (PASS) Good Very Good 0-1 0-1 Excellent HRD Passive Remains 0-1 * Disaster Stay and Bark Live 0-1 ** Cadaster Passive and/or bark Remains 0-1 *** Disaster 1 st Responder Refind or Stay and Bark Live Remains *excessive disturbance of target odor **finds, barks, but leaves subject *** small amount of scratching acceptable Scoring passing if one TFR or 14 if two TFR s 0-1 0-1 ***
Failure in the TFR exercise results in termination of testing for that team. 3. Agility all search dogs must be able to negotiate varied terrain and conditions. Essential skill for a Search and Rescue dog. 5 of the listed obstacles will be tested at each test. # s 2,3,4 and 5 are mandatory. Judges choice for the other. 1. Teeter Totter dog must automatically stop in middle 2. 6 Foot ladder 3. Moveable surface 2 x12 x board across two 55 gallon drums. Chocked for limited movement 4. 4-6 foot high walk board must demonstrate a stop and a turn ( degree turn) 5. Combined unstable surface ( eg. Old bed springs with sheet of roofing, unstable pallets, etc.) 6. Open grate surface raised 1-2 feet.. 2 foot diameter Tunnel with 0 degree bend Each obstacle will have a start line. The dog must precede the Handler. Each obstacle will be individually performed, no combinations. A second command will be allowed but with a points deduction. Judging will be based on responsiveness to commands, confidence on the obstacle and overall skill.
Scoring agility Each obstacle is scored separately 0-1 refuses obstacle ( get 2 commands but automatic even if successful) - insecure, or tentative, or jumps off obstacle - needs handler help ( verbal) or excessive movement of moveable obstacle, jumps off and needs 2cd try/command - sufficient - good - very good - excellent 35 total points needed to pass Agility 4. Directionals - In order to search areas that the handler may not access or to avoid hazardous areas, the canine must demonstrate the ability to be directed and controlled by the handler. The canine should respond to audible and/or visual signals. Required Skills Goes up on each required elevation at the direction of the handler. Waits on elevation until directed by handler Handler Information The handler will remove the canine s leash before the exercise begins. The handler is responsible for counting the 5 seconds the dog must remain on the target obstacle. The evaluator may intervene to "help" at his discretion. If the dog
is anticipating the "off" command, the evaluator will not intervene. If the element is showing an overall lack of control, the evaluator will not intervene. Directability On the first go out, the canine must go up onto a specified elevation without getting onto any other elevation. The handler may stop the canine and redirect or recall the canine and restart as many times as time allows. If the canine goes up on the incorrect elevation first, the canine must be recalled and restarted. This applies to the first direction only. After beginning the course, if the dog returns to the handler and crosses the start line (or is touched by the handler), he must start over. If the canine goes to the wrong elevation any time after the first go-out, the dog must go back to the last correct elevation and proceed. The team will have three (3) minutes to complete the course. The evaluators will designate which elevation the canine shall be sent to (right, left or center). The handler will direct the canine to a series of elevations. The pattern will include a go-out, a right, left, go-back and recall. The canine must go up onto the elevations and stay there for five seconds. The canine may sit, stand or lie down. The handler may give multiple commands. NOTE: the handler may ask for the option of using the Direction exercise as written in the FCI/IRO rules.. Obedience/ Control Elements of the Exercise A. Off lead heeling At the direction of the Judge At least 2 right turns; at least 2 left turns; at least 2 halts; at least 2 about turns ( degree turns); fast pace for at least 20 paces; slow pace for at least 20 paces The dog will be judged on: Responsiveness to commands, responsiveness to handlers change of direction, and heeling position.
B. Group exercise / Practical contrrol Heel off lead into a 5 person milling group. The Judge will direct the handler and dog to perform a short series of maneuvers around and within the group. The dog will be judged on: Responsiveness to commands, distraction including fear or aggression, and heeling position. C. Recall Handler will leave the dog at a sit or down stay inside a marked circle and walk away from the dog to a marked spot approximately 0 feet away. The handler will call the dog at the direction of the Judge. The dog may come to the front of the handler or to heel. The dog must come close enough for the handler to grasp the dog s collar without the handler making a step. The dog will be judged on: Responsiveness to commands, and position at return to handler D. Figure The canine search team completes a 3-4 Figure s around two testing handlers with their canines (post team) on lead, sitting at their side and spaced about eight feet apart. The testing team shall complete the pattern, which will include a reverse change in direction, on loose lead, passing within two feet of each of the post teams. During the exercise all three dogs will be evaluated for aggression The dog will be judged on: Responsiveness to commands, distraction including fear or aggression, and heeling position. E. Down Stay with distractions - the dog will be placed in a marked circle for each dog. Handlers will escorted out of sight for 5 minutes, Distractions may be other dogs with handlers moving around the area, loud noises, vehicles moving through area, sound effects audio. The handler may leave a
back pack next to the dog. The dog will be off lead. The dog may get up but not leave the marked circle. The dog will loose points for getting up. Scoring : Each exercise of Obedience will be scored on a 0- basis. Failure of 3 elements, results in termination of testing for that team. 0-1 failure to perform even the basic spirit of the exercise 2-3 minimal performance of the basic spirit of the exercise 4-6 Dog needs help or second commands. Not sufficient to spirit of exercise. Sufficient good very good excellent
SEARCH EXERCISE Search Type Search area size Target Odors Search 1 Search 2 Target # Target Time Odor(s) Odors Area Search 20 Acres 20 Acres Live human(s) 1-2 45 minutes Each search Remains 1-2 Remains Detection (HRD) 1 acre 2 acres Remains 1 acre 1 buried 2 acre 1 surface, 1 hanging 1 acre 20 minutes 2 acre 40 minutes Disaster Search 1500 sq. yd. 2000 sq. yd. * 1500 sq.yd. 2000 sq. yd. * Live (s) 1-2 in each search area. Maximum of 4 ** 20 minutes each search area Cadaster (Disaster Cadaver) Search 1500 sq. yd. 2000 sq. yd. * 1500 sq. yd. 2000 sq. yd. * Remains 1-2 in each area. Maximum of 4 ** 20 minutes each search area Disaster First Responder (DFR) 1500 sq. yd. 2000 sq. yd. * 1500 sq. yd. 2000 sq. yd. * Live and Remains 1-2 targets in each area. One area can be Live only but must have at least one Remains target. Maximum 4 Targets ** 30 minutes each search area *one area must be rubble. One area may be a destroyed or partially destroyed building **all target odors must be carefully concealed and not visible not more than 4 feet.
Ø Numbers and types of Targets in each search area will be determined by the roll of a dice. Ø Numbers in each area determined as follows: even number on dice = 1 target odd number on dice = 2 target Ø For areas with either/or Live/ remains a second roll of the dice will determine if the target(s) are Live or remains by: - even number on dice = Live odd number on dice = remains Ø For areas with either/or live/human remains there must be at least 1 live subject and 1 human remains target odor over the 2 search areas. SCORING OF SEARCH EXERCISE: Each TFR will be scored on a 0- scale ( please see TFR exercise above) No misses will be allowed. Freedom of movement / search drive / active hunt 0-1 - would not enter search area - very tentative and unsure in area - tentative, hesitant search but did not cover area(s) distracted - Sufficient- hunt OK but somewhat dependent on handler some distraction - Good good and active searching. Moments of hesitation or not sure, minor distraction - Very Good searches with independence, ranges well, confident, no distraction - excellent superior searcher, thorough, not distracted Search Strategy ( includes briefing questions by handler) 0-1 - no strategy - poor, inefficient strategy - ineffective - sufficient
- Good - Very Good - Excellent CONTROL and DIRECTION The dog must be under control at all times. The dog should be directable in any search environment. 0-1 - no control or directability - poor control minimal directability - not sufficient for task - Sufficient - Good - Very Good - Excellent False Positive automatic failure The Judge is required to explain their judging decisions to the Handler after each exercise.
SDONA CASA SCORE SHEET HANDLER NAME K NAME DOB MICROCHIP/TATOO JUDGE TEST TYPE: AREA HRD DISASTER LIVE DISASTER HRD DISASTER FIRST RESPONDER LOCATION DATE
TFR exercise Score 0-1 No find /time out Target odor 1 Target odor 2 find but no TFR find / assisted TFR Sufficient, weak or slow Good, minor issues Very good excellent Agility scoring 0-1 Refuses obstacle Obstacle 1 Obstacle 2 Obstacle 3 Obstacle 4 Obstacle 5 Jumps off obstacle Handler help(verbal) Hesitation or some unsureness but completes No Little hesitation but completes obstacle Completes with good confidence Fluid, responds immediately to commands
Directionals scoring 0-1 Timed out Does not understand exercise directionals Timed out but went to some target locations Timed outwent to target locations Used most of time - sufficient Time ok Some minor difficulties Time ok Very good performance Fluid, smooth, Well within time allotted OBEDIENCE Scoring 0-1 Failure to perform basic spirit of exercise Heel off lead Group exercise Recall Minimal performance Multiple commands or aggressive Dog needs help multiple commands does not meet spirit of exercise or distracted sufficient Good performance of exercise very good performance of exercise Excellent fluid, responsive confident Figure Down stay with distractions
Search 1 Score 0-1 Would not enter search area Very tentative and unsure tentative, hesitant search but did not cover area(s) distracted Sufficienthunt OK but somewhat dependent on handler some distraction Good good and active searching. Moments of hesitation or not sure, minor distraction Very Good searches with independence, ranges well, confident, no distraction excellent superior searcher, thorough, not distracted Searching intensity Score 0-1 no strategy poor, inefficient strategy ineffective sufficient Good Very good excellent Search Strategy score 0-1 No control or directability Control and direction Minimal control and directability Not sufficient for task Sufficient Good Very good excellent
TFR at subject Search 1 Score 0-1 No find Target 1 Find, left target Find, no TFR Sufficient, but weak or faults Good, some small faults Very good Excellent, Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 False TFR
Search 2 Score 0-1 Would not enter search area Very tentative and unsure tentative, hesitant search but did not cover area(s) distracted Sufficienthunt OK but somewhat dependent on handler some distraction Good good and active searching. Moments of hesitation or not sure, minor distraction Very Good searches with independence, ranges well, confident, no distraction excellent superior searcher, thorough, not distracted Searching intensity Score 0-1 no strategy poor, inefficient strategy ineffective sufficient Good Very good excellent Search Strategy score 0-1 No control or directability control Minimal control and directability Not sufficient for task Sufficient Good Very good excellent
TFR at subject search 2 Score 0-1 No find Target 1 Find, left target Find, no TFR Sufficient, but weak or faults Good, some small faults Very good Excellent, Target 2 Target 3 Target 4 False TFR FOR INFORMATION ONLY: EXERCISE JUDGES SCORE TFR /14* AGILITY 35 DIRECTIONALS OBEDIENCE 35 SEARCH 1 Search intensity Search strategy Control MINIMUM SCORE PASS FAIL JUDGES INITIALS
** Subjects/TFR SEARCH 2 Search intensity Search strategy Control ** Subjects/TFR TOTAL*** * DEPENDS ON 1 OR 2 TARGET S ** DEPENDS ON NUMBER OF TARGETS *** MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 0% OF TOTAL AVAIABLE POINTS for a pass