How do they train the dogs for search&rescue?
Search and rescue (SAR) dogs are trained to follow scent trails to find missing people. They work in all types of conditions, including water and snow, to find victims of accidents as well as natural and human-caused disasters.TemperamentSAR dogs must have strength, stamina and endurance; be gentle with people and other dogs; and remain calm around chaos, loud noises and danger. Most are from hunting, herding and working breeds.ReinforcementSuccessful animal training is based on reinforcement. A trainer begins with simple behaviors, such as finding a hidden toy, and reinforces this behavior with praise and treats.ShapingShaping turns an animal’s natural tendencies into specific behaviors. In SAR, the ability to scent track and find individual people is shaped from the dog’s natural tendency to pick up and follow scents.Scent TrainingAfter basic scent training, dogs are trained to follow scent trails over all terrain, through debris and in all weather conditions.Search and RescueSome SA
