The unsung hero of many disasters, search and rescue dogs and their handlers are looking for victims if they lost, were injured or died. We are all familiar with photos of SAR (search and rescue) dogs working with the sight of a collapsed building or heading into the desert to do work, only they can do it. We, as humans, have difficulty understanding the dog’s ability to sense the tiny molecules that make up the smells. It is estimated that the smell of some dogs is thousands of times better than that of any human. What is even more surprising is that the dog can distinguish monsters in the environment to the extent that they can indicate the direction of the victim or the route they traveled. Well trained search and rescue dogs do all this and more.
SAR or search and rescue dogs fall into two categories. Airborne dogs are used to cover large areas and are mostly looking for anyone under it. People shed skin cells that fall to the ground and transported in the air. These airborne cells are those dogs that smell air in the air. Dogs work on a leash, and they are allowed to be placed under the wind of the area that was chosen for the search. Airborne dogs feel good in areas where the ground has been contaminated by the smell of other people, including family members. Removing the area of all people for a short time will clear the air and allow the dog to work in the air to find the victim. The dog will first work back and forth on the cone of the curse created by the victim, until it becomes narrow to the place of the victim. Airborne painting dogs can also be used to search for victims of drowning by placing the dog on the boat again downwind. The man who drowned continues to emit odors in terms of gas molecules and cells that rise to the surface of the water and are carried by the wind. The operator of the boat is closely watching the dog for indicating the direction. Many good search and rescue dogs with an air odor literally point the way with their faces. As soon as the point of origin of the aroma molecules is reached, the dog will indicate by barking. If space is often transmitted, the dog will move to the back of the boat to remain inside the Shenta cone. Similarly, airborne aromatic dogs are used to search for corpses or even bodies buried in small graves. Again this work can only be done by a SAR dog.
Trailer dogs use aroma molecules left on the ground. They are able to distinguish old cells from newer ones, thereby allowing them to know in which direction the victim traveled. Trailing dogs need a piece of cloth from the victim or some other personal effect. Once this is achieved, the dog will place it on the lead and deliver it to the zone in which the search engines believe that the victim had once been. As soon as the tracking dog gets on the trail of smell, they quickly begin to follow the path to the victim. Trailing and tracking search and rescue dogs are best used to search for lost victims.
Training a search and rescue dog requires at least one year. This usually starts with basic obedience training, and at the same time, the dog is tested for dexterity and endurance. This is followed by training on socialization, so that the dog is comfortable for people, strange surrounding and other animals. This is important, because during any search and rescue mission there are many distractions that can interfere with the SAR dog. The final stage of training is called the stage of search and display. It begins with the handler placing the search vest and harnessing the dog. This tells the dog it's time to go to work. The toy is first dropped and removed to interest the dog. Each time a dog retrieves a toy, it is taken away from the dog until it barks, which is called an indication. Praise and play for every successful exercise. Then the toy is hidden and used to play hide and seek. This causes the dog to use its nose to find a hidden toy, and once found that the toy is removed until the indicator bark appears. Again, this is followed by praise and games. The dog loves this time of play and does not mind working. Training takes place at least twice a day for about 45 minutes. When training is completed, the vest is removed so that the dog knows that the work is over. The next step in training requires the help of another trainer or assistant. The helper is introduced to the dog and begins to play with her using the toy for hide and seek. After socialization is complete, the toy is hidden by an ally, and again the dog must use the nose to find the toy. Then the toy and the helper begin to hide together. After this stage is completed, the dog is asked to find an assistant when he does not have a toy. When the dog finds an assistant, and a good sign is made, then the handler uses the toy to praise and play with the dog. Sometimes more people are entered into the search script until the dog is easily shown to anyone. When this stage is reached, the search and rescue dog has completed basic training. Continuing reinforcement training will be required as long as the dog remains a qualified search and rescue dog.
Almost any breed of dog that stands at least 15 inches at the shoulder and has an appropriate personality can be trained to be a SAR dog. If the handler and the dog are well connected, then the training will be love for both. As a rule, handlers usually get all their equipment. This is usually done at the training stages and should not be a burden for distribution throughout the year. There are many local and national search dog organizations that we assist you in your search and rescue training and certification of dogs. You and your SAR dog will be one of the most important parts of disaster response teams in countries. Saving lives and providing comfort to families will be your greatest reward. Learning and owning a search and rescue dog will give you a lot of satisfaction.
