SAR

Dog Teams

Types and Functions

Wolf 2025

These are

NOT SAR Dogs!!!

• Community pets
• Hunting dogs
• Service dogs
• Emotional Support dogs
• Law Enforcement Apprehension dogs
• Law Enforcement “sniffer” dogs trained for drugs, weapons, etc
• Uncertified dogs on a SAR team*

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* exceptions can and are made

What breeds can be SAR pups?

• There are a huge variety of breeds, from Corgi to Bloodhound.
• No one breed is “the best”
• Puppies do not need to be a “breed”…they can be a mutt from the shelter.
• Any puppy being considered should be evaluated by a senior handler in the discipline they want to pursue (air-scent, trailing, HRD, etc.)
• Dogs starting young, earlier than 6 months, are easiest.
• This takes YEARS - so don’t be in a hurry. Avoid the weekend seminar that promises certification at the end. Do not purchase a dog "already trained” - a huge part of the SAR Dog Team is the bond and working relationship between dog and handler. There are no shortcuts.
• The real dog teams know that they are, firstly, members of a SAR team. They learn litter carrying, knots, nav, all the things. Most reputable external certifications will require that you have attained a certain level of competency across the board, and will not permit you to test unless you can prove it (SARTECH 2, for example).

What are the characteristics of a good SAR dog candidate?

• A love of the job!!!
• Curiosity
• Confidence
• Athleticism
• Solid Basic Obedience
• A love of people, especially children
• Good dog social skills
• The commitment and patience of the handler
• A good solid mentor for the team - even for experienced handlers (a second opinion when things go wrong, because they do…)

Where can SAR dogs work?

• Large unpopulated areas - woods, parks, etc
• Farms, fields
• Urban areas
• Houses/Structures both abandoned and occupied
• Areas of forensic interest - to assist in investigations or archeology
• Disaster areas, mass casualties
• Over water
• In caves
• Amusement parks! (One of our favorite training spots)
• Warehouses and other large buildings
• More! Ask your local teams.

Depending upon training and specialities…

Trailing Dogs

• These dog teams require a carefully collected scent sample. Speak with your handler about the process, and do not take short cuts.
• These dogs work on a long line.
• These teams do not work an area, but rather start from a point of last known desired scent, and work where it takes them.
• These are very athletic teams. Assign fit capable flankers.
• These teams are especially effective at the beginning of a search, when scent has not been walked all over, weather has not interfered, etc.

Air-scent dogs

• These teams do NOT need a scent article.
• These dogs work off-leash.
• These dogs will show interest or alert to ANY human they sense. It is therefore important to deploy them with strategy - no other teams in adjacent areas if possible.
• Scent conditions vary during the day, so talk to your dog handlers about the optimal time for them to deploy.
• Teams of 3, handler, dog, and flanker, are standard for a task of 40-60 acres in the Appalachian region.
• These teams may or may not be trained in HRD or large source remains detection.

Specialties

Human Remains Detection

• These dog teams are trained to find forensic sized evidence - small bones, bodily fluids, etc. Speak with the handler to determine if the team is trained to find exactly what you are looking for.
• They are NOT trained to work large areas. This is detail work. Speak with the handler to determine appropriate task size.

Cave Rescue Dogs

• Airscent dogs trained in caves
• Off-leash
• No scent article needed
• VERY difficult scent conditions for the dogs - the currents are WONKY.
• These dogs do not wear vests or collars - too easy to get caught on rock.
• The handlers must be capable and confident in caving skills

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Water Teams

• Dogs trained for detection over water are hard to find, depending upon your area.
• These dogs do not need a scent article.
• The dogs go out with the handler on a boat, and use the air currents to detect the gasses indicating human remains underwater.
• The dogs do NOT leap in to the water to save anyone. They are there for their noses only.