This is the new K9 Standards. Please address any feedback to Syd Phillips syd_phillips@hotmail.com) and the K9 committee.
CHAPTER 20
SEARCH DOGS
Search Dogs can be a valuable aid on a search. Every person who touches the ground leaves a mark of his passing. Experience has shown that trained search dog teams can establish the direction of travel, find clues/ missing person, or provide the search manager with a Probability of Detection (POD) that a clue or missing subject would have been detected by the search dog team if the clue or subject was in the area. Search Dog Teams are often asked to work outside of their local jurisdiction and often work independently of other SAR resources. Noting this and that under the Washington State WACs it is every SAR team members responsibility to meet the requirements of WAC 118.04.120 (3), it is vital that Search Dog teams be knowledgeable in map and compass, the ICS system (a test is now required), search techniques, and helicopter operations.
SEARCH DOG TEAM - the handler and the dog
"Handlers need to develop a keen sense of the outdoors....They must pay close attention to vegetation, weather and wind conditions and know all will affect the performance of both them and their dogs" Search and Rescue Dogs, American Rescue Dog Association.
Air Scent Dog/ Area Search Dog
"This dog is used to search a specific area. It is not expected that an area search dog will require a scent article prior to searching but a scent article may be used at the discretion of the handler. The air scent or area search dog will generally work off lead and search for clues such as human scent in an area; the ultimate clue being the lost person. The dog will have a distinct alert readable by the handler and the dog will do a refind, or provide other means of signaling the handler, until the handler and subject are together" NASAR
Scent Discriminating/ Trailing Dog
"This type of dog is generally used to identify one particular individual's scent from any other person. This dog is generally worked on lead, requires a scent article to begin searching, will follow the trail of the selected individual, and will identify the subject at the end unless the individual has left the area in a vehicle" NASAR
THE SEARCH
As in "Chapter 10: Search Techniques", dogs can be a very effective part of the search effort. They are always matched with their handler. Dogs can work as either trailers where they follow an individuals ground scent or as air scenters where they follow airborne scent. Dog teams should be able to work around other search teams as necessary. Don't hesitate to search an area because a dog team is on the way if there is going to be any significant delay. If evidence or personal items of the subject are used as scent articles do not touch them to avoid scent contamination. Respect the dog team as just another part of the search team like yourself.
PROTOCOL AND PROCEDURES
Search Dog Team Guidelines: Search Dog teams eligible to respond must have demonstrated that they meet the minimum level of proficiency detailed in the SARVAC Guidelines. The team must be evaluated in the team's primary skill (air scent or trailing) and any other specialty skill (i.e. cadaver, water, avalanche, etc.). These guidelines are under review and a revised set of guidelines are anticipated to be released in 2000; the State K9 SARVAC Committee has completed their work and sent in a proposed k9 revision to be included in the guideline revision. Annual certification is required for a field ready search dog team. The proposed minimum level of proficiency is detailed below.
Air Scent Dog Team Standards and Performance Criteria: a search dog team that covers a search area and attempts to detect the object of a search from scent particles carried through the air. This team usually works without an originating scent source (a scent article or a starting track). The dog team must be able to successfully locate two or more persons in an area at least forty acres in size within three hours.
1. The team must search and locate two or more subjects in a forty acre area within 3 hours.
2. The dog must have "alert" behavior recognized by the handler.
3. The handler will provide a report on the coverage of the assigned area.
Tracking/Trailing Dog Team Standards and Performance Criteria: the dog team is required to demonstrate their ability to follow an aged, realistic trail to locate and identify a subject. The trail shall be not less than 18 nor more than 30 hours old, be not less than one mile nor more than 1 1/2 miles long, and include a minimum of 6 turns. The trail shall include a variety of surfaces including pavement, grass, foot trails, and/or woods. If the evaluation area is not subject to foot traffic, two deliberate fresh cross trails will be set just prior to the beginning of the evaluation.
1. Two or more subjects shall set the trail.
2. The handler will be provided with bagged scent material from one subject, who shall remain unknown to the handler.
3. Handler must articulate the dog's indication of the proper subject prior to the start.
4. Handler must be able to map the route of travel and provide an assessment of the work of the dog.
5. Dog must identify the proper subject at the end of the trail.
Evaluation Criteria
The certification tests will be set up in such a way that an objective, quantifiable standard will be used to judge whether the applicant met the test requirements. Personal opinion as to whether the applicant or dog has performed adequately will not be a factor in a pass or fail determination.
1. The K-9 Committee Chair will be responsible for setting up and observing certification tests, and will be prepared to offer certification tests on a quarterly basis.
2. Search dog handlers who desire to take the certification test need to notify the K-9 chair 30 days in advance of the next quarter testing period.
Responsibilities
1. All members must meet Search and Rescue requirements for working in the field. SAFETY FIRST. Have proper equipment; continue further training.
2. Keep in consideration the objective and/or the subject. Take your time, be organized, have a methodical approach.
3. All members must communicate to base any appropriate information. Communicate within the teams; search dog handler minds need to be combined.
If a crime scene is indicated:
· Make detailed notes of apparent evidence and/or footprint indications;
· Make responsible officers aware of footprint evidence or evidence articles;
· Assist officials by keeping close track of the search dog teams route in/out the crime scene.
Equipment
A trained search dog that has passed the SARVAC guidelines.
The dog needs to be in good health, and current on immunizations. Air scent search dogs, since they are used off-leash, must have demonstrated non-aggression to other dogs and humans prior to taking the 40 acre test referenced above. All search dog teams must meet the Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue requirements for working in the field (see Chapter 17 on equipment), as well as Washington State WACs.
In addition, the search dog team handler is responsible for obtaining and bringing to the mission any additional equipment to support himself and the dog for the duration of the mission (this may include a harness if it is used for tracking dogs or bringsel or toy if it is used with an air scent dog). The search dog handler needs to carry sufficient water and food to meet the dog's needs in the field as well as the handler's. Note: the first aid kit can be used for first aid for a search dog as person (source: NASAR).
First Search Dog Team on the Scene
1. Present yourself to whomever is in charge properly, as a Search Dog Handler. Listen carefully to any description of the scene.
2. Tell command you are there to aid and help, as search dog team coordinator. Use diplomacy, and be courteous.
3. Protect the scene, vehicle - trailhead - camp area - playground - PLS (place the subject was last seen) for tracking/trailing dog teams.
Organize the Search Dog Team Effort
1. Tracking/trailing dog teams have a short meeting and formulate a plan. What is the objective of the mission (typically to obtain a direction of travel)? Each team member agrees to perform an assignment. Assignments performed according to experience and ability. The Incident Commander will coordinate.
2. Air scent dog teams have a short meeting and formulate a plan. What is the objective of the mission (typically containment and intersection)? Each team member agrees to perform an assignment. Assignments performed according to experience and ability. The Incident Commander will coordinate.
3. Encourage and work cooperatively with each other and the other volunteers on the mission. Search Dog Handlers are part of the larger Snohomish County search and rescue team.
Further References:
Canine SARTECH Certification Standards, National Ass. for Search And Rescue (NASAR)
On the Trail! A Practical Guide to the Working Bloodhound & Other Search & Rescue Dogs, J. Tweedie
Ready! The Training of the Search and Rescue Dog, Susan Bulanda
SAR Dog Unit Guidelines, NASAR
Scent and the Scenting Dog, W.G. Syrotuck
Search is an Emergency, The Emergency Response Institute, Inc.
Search and Rescue Dogs: Training Methods, American Rescue Dog Association