Standing Order #16 - Search Dogs
Issue Date:
PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines to be used for any person wishing to join PCSAR as a search dog handler and as a mechanism to be used for a training standard leading to the certification of a PCSAR handler and dog team.
Members wishing to be support staff for a PCSAR search dog team shall follow guidelines as established in Standing Order #14 Special Resources.
Those choosing to be search dog handlers and not full PCSAR Team Members will be considered a Special Resource and shall be called upon to assist in any lost person alert if deemed necessary by the Team Leader. (Reference cf. Article 4 of Constitution: Bylaws Part 1 Membership: 1.09.) (Standing Order #14:4.)
SCOPE/POLICY
This policy will apply to all individuals wishing to participate as a member of PCSAR as a search dog handler. Individuals wishing to participate as an active member must follow the same guidelines as any other unit of PCSAR (reference cf. Article 4 of Constitution: Bylaws Part 1 Membership: 1.01-1.08).
Individuals wishing to join PCSAR as a new search dog handler shall complete, at a minimum, the NASAR Fundamentals of Search and Rescue (FUNSAR) course, radio operations, helicopter operations, and be a Special Resource of PCSAR as a search dog navigator/flanker for one year before participating in search missions with their dog. During this time, individuals are encouraged to participate in searches and training as navigators for certified dog handlers and as ground support. They are also encouraged to participate in business meetings and attend other PCSAR functions.
Experienced and/or certified search dog teams will be required to adhere to these requirements on a case-by-case basis. New handlers are encouraged to work with experienced search dog handlers and those affiliated with PCSAR and train his/her dog during this time.
During this year, the new member has the opportunity to understand the commitment, training of himself/herself, and training responsibilities for a dog.
The primary objective of the new member is to make adequate progress toward attaining a Special Resource status with PCSAR. During the one year period, the new member’s responsibilities are:
To attend monthly meetings as well as local training sessions
To be responsible for training themselves and their dog
To be responsible to deal fairly and honestly with their potential team members
To demonstrate adequate progress toward SAR activities
To be willing to commit to the program and educate themselves in all areas
The new member would assist in exercises relating to search dogs and search/navigation. Throughout this time, if the new member continues to demonstrate support, assistance, and interest, the new member’s dog may be allowed to begin to participate during search missions. The dog must meet the following minimum requirements:
Canine is to have a good relationship with handler
Canine is to be in good physical condition
Canine is to be not less than 6 months of age
Any breed of dog capable of meeting the objectives of the Certification Standards is acceptable
Canine is to be current with immunization vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, lepto spirosis, kennel cough, rabies, and canine parvovirus. The handler should possess written proof of these records
All canines identified and used as SAR canines shall be non-aggressive to people and other animals and should be controllable by their handlers. They should successfully complete the AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluation or equivalent and the handler should possess written proof of this accomplishment. (Reference: NASAR Standards)
Handler will maintain search logs for training and field missions to track the dog’s progress and identify strengths and weaknesses Once these are met, the dog/handler team will continue to train and work with PCSAR personnel and members of affiliated organizations. The dog/handler team will be called upon on an as-needed basis to assist with missing person search based on their capabilities.
RESPONSIBILITY
It shall be the responsibility of the Team Leader to see that the Standing Order is implemented and questions about or concerning it are answered.
PROCEDURE
Search dog handlers shall train on a regular basis and participate in events and activities with PCSAR personnel. Search dog handlers shall follow all South Dakota State, or other applicable, requirements for certification for both search dog and handler and are encouraged to certify through other agencies when possible.
Search dog/handler teams shall attempt to obtain certification through a third-party, nationally recognized program within one year of beginning training the canine. Certification programs include, but are not limited to, NAPWDA, NASAR Canine SARTECH, and CPS. Certification can also be obtained through the PCSAR SARDOG Program. Once certified, the handler will receive PCSAR SARDOG attire signifying their accomplishment.
REFERENCE
Article 4 of Constitution: Bylaws Part 1 Membership: 1.01 - 1.09; Standing Order #14:4 PCSAR SARDOG Program Guidelines