O.R.D.A.K-9 F.A.Q'S

O.R.D.A. K-9 SEARCH TEAM

Definitions of SAR Dogs

Search Dog - A non-specific term referring to a canine trained for any type of searching based upon visual, olfactory, or auditory clues.

Air-Scent/Trailing Dog - A canine with the ability and training to locate the presence of a human in a particular area. This is the standard for dogs used in wilderness search for lost persons.

Tracking Dog - A canine with the specific ability and training to track and locate a specific human on the basis of scent.

Cadaver Dog - A narrow term, used in a search-and-rescue context, to indicate a canine primarily trained as a tracking or air-scent dog that has also received cross training in the location of human remains.

K-9 Search Dog F.A.Q's.

Q: Do these dogs require a piece of clothing to find someone?

A: Air scent search dogs are trained to detect the presence of any human scent so they do not require a scent article. They are known as non-scent-discriminating dogs. The human body sheds more than 40,000 skins cells (called rafts) per minute. These cells are what a air scenting search dog looks for when it is on a search. As the air current moves it takes the cells and blows them through out the search area in the direction of the wind current. A air scenting dog will find the "Scent cone" (a triangle) and work in a zig-zag motion, until it reaches the source.

Q: Do these dogs use a long leash like bloodhounds do?

A: No, they are allowed to work off lead and stay in the general vicinity of the handler. Once they locate a human scent, they will go to the source of the scent and either perform a bark alert to bring the handler in or return to the handler for a recall/refind and lead him/ her back to the victim, depending on how the dog is trained. A trailing and tracking dog will use a long leash usually 30 foot long, this allows the dog to follow step by step the track or trail left by the lost person taking the dog and handler right to him or her.

Q: What type of training does the handler need to have?

A: The handler must be trained in land navigation, map and compass orienteering, and basic first aid/cpr, radio procedures, crime scene preservation and incident command procedures as well as being able to "read" and care for his/her dog.

Q: How would I get a dog team if I needed it?

A: Dog Teams respond to requests by local, state or federal authorities. If you have an emergency, contact your local police or sheriff's department.

Q: When can they work?

A: SAR dogs can work anytime, day or night, rain or shine, but prefer not to work during the heat of mid-day because the scent often rises straight up and is very difficult to detect and because the dogs work better in cooler temperatures.

Q: How long can they work?

A: SAR dog teams usually can work 4-6 hour searches with a couple hours of rest in between, but can work longer hours if it is deemed necessary.

Q: Do SAR dogs work at night?

A: Yes, The air currents are usually more favorable at night, the temperature is usually better for the dogs and, since they use their noses not their eyes, they can search effectively when other visual resources are hampered.

Q: Do other people in the area affect them?

A: Other people who have been in the area and have left will have little effect on the dog's effectiveness (e.g. Previous search teams). Although this is true, we request that the area be cleared for 15 minutes prior to the SAR dog being started on the search. This assures that no time is wasted locating someone who is not lost and might be in need of medical attention.

Q: Can these dogs work "in water"?

A: A SAR dog will work from a boat to locate a body underwater. A submerged body gives off oils and gases that float to the surface (Similar to air scenting and the scent cone). The dog can detect them and will locate where they are surfacing. With knowledge of the water currents, the location of the body can be determined and divers can be used to locate the body saving time and money.

Q: What kind of dogs can be used for SAR?

A: Any breed of dog can be used but a dog the is well socialized, friendly, obedient and has a high play drive will work well as a Search Dog.

"so that others may live"