Chained search with mimics from the buried person
The objective of this technique is to maintain a high level of motivation and concentration in the dog during the development of consecutive searches. Keep in mind that the motivation of the dog constitutes the internal desire that pushes the dog toward its objective and that when the dog has been trained to have a high level of concentration and attention while in a search, it will make the dog focus primarily on its specific job and it will reduce all the other factors that could interfere with the dog's job such as noises, odors, etc. This technique should be applied in chained search and rescue operations whether they are simulated or real.
Basic steps of chained search with mimics from the buried person: Once the trainer has pointed out that the dog has signaled one of the buried persons, he or she will need to run up to the dog and reward it with a discrete and brief pat. (When a real search and rescue mission occurs, at this point the trainer or guide marks that area of debris with an aerosol spray can if the victim is inaccessible.) The trainer will then need to quickly grab on to the dog's leash, then the trainer will then need to turn around in a quick and energetic way from the signaled point meaning the trainer will have his back to the signaled point. Next the trainer and the dog will need to head towards the next point to continue on with the search. It has been seen that when the trainer turns his or her back from the signaled point, it causes on the dog a deterrent effect and it interrupts the dog's attraction towards the person it has found so that it feels like continuing on to find more victims, this is what is known as the chain effect and where you will be able to obtain the highest reinforcement of the dog's training. On the other hand, the possible sensation of frustration that would require the total absence of support will be positively attenuated by the discrete acts of reinforcement on the part of the trainer, which will avoid a new inhibiting problem from arising. This type of incipient frustration will need to be used to visibly energize the dog to continue on with the search.


