Dog Training Process

Training search and rescue dogs is a gradual and careful process because each dog responds differently. All dogs progress at different rates and their reactions to training challenges and rewards will also vary. Use a variety of subjects for mock search exercises and rely on each other for support and advice.

Handlers may use any working breed of dog, such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers. Many like to begin training a dog as young as 10 weeks of age, but older dogs are also considered. Wilderness search dogs can be trained and certified in tracking, trailing, air scent or cadaver. Dogs can locate people because all humans have an individual human scent left behind by the 40,000 skin cells dropped per minute. Air currents carry these cells that dogs can detect with their sensitive nose.

Training search dogs: Training search and rescue dogs is a gradual and careful process because each dog responds differently. All dogs progress at different rates and their reactions to training challenges and rewards will also vary.