Two Of The Most Important Search And Rescue Dog Training Techniques

Whether you're planning to have them become a professional search and rescue dog or not, there are certain search and rescue dog training techniques t...


Whether you’re planning to have them become a professional search and rescue dog or not, there are certain search and rescue dog training techniques that you’ll want to teach your dog.  You never know when a skill like this could come in handy.  You never know when it could come in handy and the more skills your dog learns the more obedient they will be.  First it’s important to work on your dog’s personality.

The ideal search and rescue dog is one that is even-tempered, able to stay calm even in stressful situations, obedient and adaptable.  Large breed dogs are always best for search and rescue, because of course a Chihuahua is not going to be exactly helpful when you’re trying to find someone and have them rescued.  There are a few different search and rescue skills that a dog can learn.  They may either focus on a particular area of search and rescue or have several skills.

To become an air scent dog dogs must learn how to track people down just by sniffing the air.  These dogs search for people hidden and trapped under piles of snow as a result of an avalanche.  Avalanche dogs are used in locations like British Columbia and Aspen where avalanches commonly occur and cover people.  The best search and rescue dog training technique to start with is to hold the dog and have someone else stand a few feet away with a treat or toy.

Make sure that the dog’s not struggling or trying to force their way out of your grip and towards the object.  They should fly over, retrieve the object and bring it back to you.  Another helpful search and rescue dog training technique is to take a sock or other undergarment and let the dog smell it.  Another technique that works well is to first have the dog smell a sock or piece of clothing, then take the dog away and hide that object somewhere relatively far away.

You can also make it a bit more challenging and bury the object under a pile of grass or snow and see how long it takes the dog to retrieve it.  It can take a dog two years and even longer to gain the skills of a reliable search and rescue dog.  There are some fantastic dog trainers that specialize in search and rescue.  If you’re having troubles working with your dog on this you can always hire a professional trainer to help out.

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