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Rescue dogs are normally classified as either being tracking and trailing animals or air scenting animals. Each will have their unique advantages (and specific search and rescue dog training) based on the rescue situation at hand. For instance, a tracking and trailing dog is scent discriminating, meaning they need an article with a specific human scent on it to find a subject. An air scenting dog is non-scent discriminating and will follow any airborne scent that's in the air. When you decide to give a dog search and rescue dog training you first need to identify if they're tracking and trailing (scent discriminating) or air scenting (non-scent discriminating), then move them into the appropriate course of training. A non-scent discriminating dog would be ideal if you know there is people lost, but haven't yet identified them. Scent discriminating dogs are ideal when you know who your victim, suspect, or person of interest is and have an article of their clothing. Rarely will a dog possess both qualities. Ideal candidates for search and rescue dog training will be puppies around 10 weeks old and an owner who has an hour or more per day to devote to the dog's training. Next it will be best to purchase a professional training guide, or enroll in a search and rescue dog training club in your area. Regardless of which route you take the relationship/bond between you and the dog will be essential, as obedience from the animal is equally as important as the dogs actual sense of smell. In most cases, training will start as a playful game where you allow the dog to explore their sense, while you focus on honing their obedience level. During this time you should also be able to determine their skill-set (tracking and trailing or air scenting). Finally, you would move on to advanced techniques discussed in your training guide, or at your training club and hone your animal's skill level. Training your animal to aid law enforcement or find victims of environmental disasters is a great gift to give your fellow man. Search and rescue animals generally lead happy and rewarding lives. Find out more on search and rescue dog training and read many interesting articles on pet health care.
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