Why is it important to have AAA/T experience before getting involved in AACR?
AAA/T experience may help to prepare a team for AACR work. The experiences an AAA/T may have while making visits will help “season” the handler and dog. Without this experience, a handler and dog may be overwhelmed in a crisis situation, doing more harm than good. It’s highly recommended that AAA/T teams visit in all kinds of environments BEFORE attending a HOPE AACR screening. Teams that visit calm, predictable environments only may not be prepared for the kinds of environments encountered on call-outs.