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Finding the right dog for SAR work is crucial to your success as a fluent K-9 team, and the success of finding the lost person you set out after each time you are called upon.  Not only should you consider the dog and his abilities, but you should also acknowledge your own lifestyle and what breed of dog will compliment your life.  If you are comfortable or familiar with herding breeds, which are typically very obedient and loyal breeds, you might not be ready to tackle the independent mind of a hound or hunting dog.  "What Dog is Right for Search and Rescue" is a great article that summarizes what to look for and what to think about when you are ready to start this big commitment.

Proper Harness and Leads

Training K-9s for search work deployment requires many resources.  A comfortable and proper fitting harness that allows full movement of your dog's legs will keep your furry friend happy and willing to work.  A good lead or long line that is sturdy but light weight will keep you happy as you're packing it around for miles trying to keep up with your dog.  Biothane is a synthetic material that is becoming more recognized and preferred among many handlers. 

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These are some styles that we have tried and found useful.

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Tracking Software

Documenting your training in detailed logs is essential evidence to your skill level.  Training logs are submitted to the testing committee before any certification test can be taken. Court cases can also call your training logs into evidence if you assist a case that ends up in front of a trial.  Details about your dogs performance each time you are out training, whether it's 30 minutes or 6 hours, need to be documented.

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To help with this task there are free software programs and phone apps available to use.  These are the few that we typically use.

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Sartopo is a free online tool that helps searchers plan and execute their search. Geo-referenced pdf maps can be exported to be used on GPS devices or in the Avenza App.

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Avenza App is a phone app available in both Android and iOS versions. The app provides the ability to track your routes and mark way points.  Your tracks and way points can be exported and plotted in Google Earth or SARTopo. You do need to provide a background map before you can use the app, which can be created from SARTopo.

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Mantrailing App is a phone app available in both Android and iOS versions. It is a handy tool for trailing teams. It will track a runner and a k9 team. Tracks can be exported out to another person, who can then import the file and use it.  This app can also track weather and other useful information that can be used in your training logs. You can also find information from their Facebook page.

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Gaia GPS is a phone app available in both Android and iOS version. It is another tool for search teams.  The app provides the ability to track your routes and mark way points.  Your tracks and way points can be exported and plotted in other mapping programs. You can also find more information from their Facebook page.

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GPS  Dog Collars or Handheld Units

If you're not using a GPS tool from your smart phone, your handheld GPS works just as well to track your movements. Be sure you are familiar with the unit you choose.  Know how to collect tracks and way points and how to export them for your documentation.  If you are working an airscent dog you may also be interested in a GPS collar that allows the handler to see the dog when he has ranged out of sight.

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Garmin Astro is a collar and receiver commonly used with airscent teams.  It allows the handler to watch the movements of their k9 as they range out of sight in search for the subject. 

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Other Helpful tools

Other things to consider for active K9 teams are that are training or are deployed for a mission

  • weather appropriate clothing,

  • field vest or coat,

  • two-way FRS radio,

  • map of the area you are training in,

  • toy reward for toy driven dogs,

  • food reward for food driven dogs,

  • flagging to mark trails

Choosing the Right Dog for You and Search Work

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