The Initial Steps
Search dog training starts, first of all, with a dog that has the appropriate physical attributes, and possesses a working dog attitude. Therefore the first step in training a potential search dog needs to be a proper evaluation of the dog. The second half of a Search Dog "team" is the handler, and , as is the case with the dog, there also needs to be an evaluation of the potential handler candidate.
The Dog: The "First Half" Of The Team
Probably the most important issue is that the dog should have an adequate nose, and preferably, the larger the nose (or muzzle, if you will), the better the possibility of using the dog for Search and Rescue.
A dog that has literally no nose, for example, a bulldog; or a dog that is way too small, such as a chihuahua, may just not make a search dog. Physically, the dog should be in good health, and preferably the hips and elbows should have been xrayed and passed at least with a "fair" rating from OFA. The question has often been asked: "Does my dog need to be a purebred?" and the answer really is: "Your dog should be a dog with a good nose and the right attitude."
Besides the "nose capabilities", the capabilities of the dog for "drive" and/or activity level should be part of the equation. A dog that is "laid back" is not always the best, but the working attitude of the dog plays such an important role that it must no be discounted either... a quiet and sensible dog that will go out of its way to perform for its handler may sometimes be a better choice than the "high drive" dog that goes into super drive performance without a balanced attitude.
Furthermore,the dog should be evaluated for "people-oriented" personality traits, an outgoing dog that wants to be with people and has a strong desire to please and a willingness to work is what one should look for. A dog that is timid, not people oriented, or afraid, has "issues" which may, in the end, prevent it from being a candidate for Search Dog training. It may be possible to work with such a dog and "re-train" attitude issues, so this is really secondary to the physical qualities which one must look for.
The Handler: The "Other Half" Of The Team
As a long time trainer for my Search Dog Unit, I have come to realize that this initial evaluation of the dog also needs to include an evaluation of the handler. Physically, the person should be able to maintain long hours of hiking in weather conditions which may be extreme. Chronic conditions which affect stamina should be carefully considered, the handler needs to be in "good physical shape." Also it is preferable to be free from allergic reactions to such things as bee stings or severe pollen allergies, since Search work is almost always an outdoor scenario . At the very least, one should be equipped at all times with the appropriate treatment .
Emotionally, the handler should be committed, flexible, patient, and stable. It is also necessary to be of average intelligence. All too often, an aspiring candidate simply wants to be in a Search and Rescue Unit for reasons of personal fulfillment that don't go along with the mission statement of the unit. The term "ambulance chaser" comes to mind. It is always a danger that the "glory-seeker" attitude may be the underlying reason a person wants to become a Search Dog handler and, although there may be a place for this, it MUST be tempered with a solid, stable personality.
Right Dog + Right Attitude + Right Handler = POSSIBLE Search Dog
It is after the evaluation has been conducted and only then that the actual training should begin.If these two components, the right dog, and the right handler, are combined with the right training, the outcome of a useful, well trained, committed Search Dog team should be the result.
