Sar Dogs

[Ranger__101]

Thinking about Sardogs post and how he's one of the many volunteers who provide search and rescue service I wanted to add something to those in LE, Emergency Management and the Fire service.

Where ever you are get to know who can provide Search and Rescue Dogs in your area. Many people belive that the Law Enforcement k-9's can provide Search and Rescue but they really can't.

Most K-9's are taught to be active alerters and also to hold and detain when they are sent out. There for if a dog is not given the bite and hold command they will still go out and once they've located an individual they'll begin their active alert. It many cases that will then scare the "hell" out of the person who's lost having a very big dog come up to them and bark.

The person may then run and the dog may then decide the person needs to be held because they are running away from the dog.

SAR dogs are taught to be passive alerters. They'll go up to the individual and be very calm and then return to their handlers and lead them to the individual.

If you can in training or drills, try to put something together that will include the SAR dogs from you area. They like to get out and practice just the same as you. They would also like to make contacts with the community so that when something does come up, there called and can help out.

One other place to get contact information on Sar dogs would be your State Duty Officer. They have huge lists of resources and should have some listings for SAR dogs.

[Star]

You're right Ranger, there are two segments in our Academy for dogs. One for the K-9 and one for the SAR dogs. Most people don't know there is a big difference. Most people also don't know that pitbulls make awesome SAR dogs. Their sense of smell almost matches that of a bloodhound.

We have a big Search and Rescue team here with a Native American Tracker who is so impressive. I've been out with them a couple of times and it's amazing what they do.

Good post!

[JS213]

The State's Fire Marshalls Office "should" also have access to various SAR contacts for you to reference, should you need them.