| We've all seen the search-and-rescue dogs on TV | | | | Search-and-rescue dog handlers must really enjoy |
| and in the movies. And we have all been | | | | working with their dogs, and they must enjoy |
| impressed, as we should be, because | | | | being in the outdoors in all kinds of weather - not |
| search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs are amazing and | | | | just beautiful, cloudless, warm days. Handlers |
| they are very, very well-trained working animals. | | | | must be physically fit, and they must be able to |
| Most search-and-rescue dogs are the larger | | | | respond to emergencies. Handlers must also have |
| breeds of dogs, although size is not a requirement. | | | | the intelligence to become proficient in land |
| German shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, | | | | navigation, map and compass, radio |
| Golden Retrievers, giant Schnauzers, and | | | | communications, wilderness survival, and first aid. |
| Labradors are some of the breeds found on SAR | | | | Most search-and-rescue units require advanced |
| unit rosters. Formal training for a dog to be | | | | first aid training, including CPR. |
| certified as a search and rescue dog usually takes | | | | Search and rescue is strictly voluntary. |
| about a year of twice weekly training. Candidates | | | | Search-and-rescue dogs and their handlers do not |
| to become SAR certified must demonstrate | | | | get paid for their services. They are not making a |
| trainability, agility, endurance, and the ability to get | | | | nice fat paycheck for going out into the rain, the |
| along with other dogs and people. | | | | snow, the freezing cold or burning hot weather to |
| A search-and-rescue dog is only half of a | | | | find a lost person. So why do they do it? There |
| two-part team. The dog owner/handler is the | | | | are several reasons they give, but the most |
| other half, and there are requirements for | | | | important one is that handlers and their SAR dogs |
| handlers as well as for the dogs. | | | | are heroes. |