So, You want to be a Search Dog Handler?
Do you ever wonder if you and your dog would make a good search dog team? While being a search dog handler may sound exciting, it is difficult, emotionally, mentally and physically. When I first contemplated entering the search dog world, my trainer, Terry, told me I could not do search work, but she never explained why. I was demoralized! But I kept pestering her for about 6 months, until one day, she said OK, you want to do search work, let’s get training. Confused, I asked Terry what had changed her mind; "Nothing, I was just testing you to make sure you had the commitment and fortitude necessary to be successful."
Here are some factors for you to consider before taking the plunge:
You and your dog must train together as a team from the beginning, and throughout the dog’s life. Unlike drug dogs, someone else cannot train your dog for you.
You must train, train, and train some more!
On average, it takes 2 years to become ready for deployment.
You must train and search in rain, snow, heat and cold, or other weather extremes. Train as you work, work as you train.
You should attend training seminars and be willing to use vacation days to do so.
You must be trained in Basic Search and Rescue, Incident Command, safety classes and more.
You must learn scent theory.
You have to be willing to train and search anytime, night or day.
You must be prepared to work with families in crisis.
You must pass a criminal background check.
You cannot search if you have been drinking or are otherwise impaired.
You must understand the chain of command and work with law enforcement.
You must be prepared for every case to become a criminal matter, and treat the scene of a missing person accordingly.
You must learn how to preserve a crime scene.
You must be prepared to not always be successful and be prepared to find individuals who have died or suffered great pain.
Finally, you must understand that searching for a lost person is dangerous. Thus, the search and rescue motto So Others May Live.
While difficult, this is doable. If you still are interested in becoming a search dog handler, please call me and I would love to talk with you.
