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As in all training, there is no
single method to train a dog for search and rescue work. However,
in
order to accomplish the task, the dog must be able to work
independently, must be able to air scent, and must be able to clearly
indicate to his handler the finding of a victim. Accordingly, all
training methods will concentrate on teaching the dog to range, to use
the wind, and to alert. Below, we will illustrate the basic steps
CASDDA uses to achieve this goal. Because training is a complex
matter which not only requires time, patience and attention to details,
but also individualisation, this page is not meant as a teaching guide
but only as an illustration of some of the many steps of the necessary
training. Here, we will show you what must be achieved, not
how it is achieved.
The first thing we do is teach the dog to alert. There are several ways a dog can indicate a victim, such as the re-find method, the passive alert, or the bark alert. Most of our dogs are trained to bark. 
 Once
the dog knows to bark on command, he learns to bark for his toy,
from
close at first and then from far away.
  While learning to use the direction of the wind the dog also learns to look for his toy  Later, the dog will be  sent from further away to search for his toy The dogs are eager to find their toys! 
The dog must then learn to
alert to tell the handler that the toy was
found.
The toy can be hidden:
Inside On Top High Deep    
In
the next stage of training, a "victim" hides with the dog's toy,
Inside
High
Deep
   
Eventually, the "victim" hides without a toy which is carried by the dog handler to be used as a reward after each find.  Rewarding the dog with a good game of tug! |
