Basics of search and rescue dog training

The most important aspect of search and rescue dog training is the ability of the dog to respond to commands promptly and without any second of hesitation. Along with police dogs, rescue dogs are among the best-trained canines. Serving a purpose greater than themselves they save human lives. Rescue dogs are trained to perfection, since the impact of an unsuccessful rescue dog training method could prove to be disastrous, both for the dog and for those he is trying to save. Special dog training units that pick and help train rescue dogs have strict rules concerning the dog's training. Below is one of the typical programs the dog and handler must complete, both alone and when joined by other teams:

• Heel, jog at heel, sit and down at heel.
• Stay, master out of sight for 5 minutes.
• Recall from a distance of 15 meters.
• Stay or down on recall.
• Sit at a distance of 10 meters.
• Down at a distance of 10 meters.
• Finish at heel position.