Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta

Standards Manual

Revised December 2009
Contents

Introduction............................................................................. page 4

History ……………………………………………………….page 4

Mission Statement.................................................................. page 4

Goals ..................................................................................... page 4

Philosophy.............................................................................. page 4

Objectives................................................................................ page 4

Candidate Criteria.................................................................... page 5

Breed Selection........................................................................ page 5

Members Obligations.............................................................. page 6

Membership Levels

Categories of Membership...................................................... page 7

Supporting Associates (Regular)

Details of Membership............................................... page 8

Evaluation Criteria....................................................... page 9 ...............................................................................................

Supporting Associate (Support Personnel)

Details of Membership............................................. page 12

Training Criteria........................................................ page 13

Associate

Details of Membership............................................. page 15

Search Profiles Offered.............................................. page 15

General Evaluation Criteria....................................... page 16

i) Wilderness/Urban (Air Scent)........................... page 17

a) Obedience

b) Agility

c) Area Search

d) Building Search

ii) Wilderness/Urban (Tracking)........................... page 20

iii) Disaster Search................................................ page 21

a) Obedience

b) Agility

c )Live person

d) Human Remains Recovery

iv) Human Remains Detection.............................. page 25

Active

Details of Membership............................................. page 27

On-going Evaluations................................................ page 28

i) Wilderness/Urban (Area Search)..................... page 29

ii) Wilderness/Urban (Tracking)........................... page 30

iii) Water.................................................................. page 31

a) Shore

b) Boat

iv) Disaster Search................................................. page 33

a) Live person

b) Human Remains Recovery

v) Human Remains Detection ............................. page 35

ANNEX

Annex A - Course List.......................................................... page 37

Annex B - Equipment list...................................................... page 39

***

Introduction

The purpose of this document is to provide SARDAA Members with information on expectations, and information on the progression of training and testing leading up to a search-ready team.

History

SARDAA was officially formed in November of 1989 when it was registered with the Companies Branch of the government of Alberta under the Societies Act. Charitable Organization status under Revenue Canada was obtained in July of 1991. There were six original members of SARDAA – Kevin George, Barb McLeod, George Hart, Mike Andresen, Michelle Limoges and Bob Wynnyk.

Mission Statement

SARDAA's mission is to provide properly trained, competent search dog/handler teams in the province of Alberta, and Canada.

Handlers will have working knowledge of SAR techniques, SAR management, evidence preservation, courtroom procedures, navigation, survival, first aid, etc. Members of SARDAA are expected to follow guidelines set out for training, participate in team training exercises, demonstrate a team-oriented attitude and train themselves and their dog to the best of their ability, to ensure that the 'potential survivor' has a well trained and highly competent team working towards his/her rescue.

Goals

SARDAA's goal is to provide SAR-dog instruction, training and information so as to develop well-trained dogs and handlers for search and rescue purposes; and, to provide a minimum two dog/handler teams to authorities when requested.

Philosophy

Our philosophy is to assist others, and to preserve life using well-trained dogs. SARDAA members do not freelance; our teams respond to official agencies only.

SAR is not a game! As in any search training, both the dog and handler must train and prepare themselves to avoid becoming a lost person as well. The use of SAR dog teams is of little value if teams are not trained in a professional manner and if they do not understand both their value as well as their limitations. We strive to instill this knowledge in our members.

SARDAA requires that team personnel attending a search or taking part in a public function on behalf of the organization wear the team uniform of a red SARDAA shirt and black pants, or red coveralls.

Objectives

Our objective is to train dog and handler teams in the skills needed for them to work throughout the province of Alberta, and else where, in times of disaster or emergency and to provide professional support to local response teams in order to aid in the work of locating lost or missing persons who are trapped or injured on land or in water.

Not all persons or dogs are suited for SAR work in SARDAA and it is through the course training and team training that we determine if our members can serve the community by being part of the SARDAA team.

SARDAA Training Standards are the minimum level of performance that is required by SARDAA for use in each of our training profiles. It is important to remember that the SAR Dog Team must be prepared to continue to train on an ongoing basis to maintain and develop their skills.

Candidate Criteria

To join SARDAA and begin training, candidates must:

1) be a minimum of 18 (eighteen) years of age.

2) be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant.

3) be in good physical condition.

4) be willing to volunteer his/hers time in aid of the Lost Person.

5) have an appreciation of the outdoors.

6) be willing to commit the time needed to train and work with dogs.

7) be willing to allow their dog to be evaluated for aptitude by senior SARDAA members. This evaluation assesses the dog’s level of sociability and its drives. The objective is to screen applicants with the view of accepting only those dogs who exhibit the aptitudes expected and are well suited to the work. Prior training for the evaluation is not necessary. Evaluations are conducted as needed.

Breed Selection for SAR Use - Pre-Selection Criteria

* The dog must be a minimum of 12 months of age before requesting testing.

* The dog must have all required health vaccinations or titer certificates.

* The dog will be in good physical condition to permit its use in SAR Dog training.

Breed Selection

The dog that is selected for SAR work must have an excellent temperament, and have a strong desire to perform this type of training.

As the risk and stress of SAR work can cause many problems in the dog, the right selection is of the utmost importance.

The best dogs for SAR work have a high retrieve drive and/or prey drive.
The most common breeds that come from the working, herding and sporting groups. Mixed breeds are also known to work well.
The gender of the dog is not of any great importance, whether male or female it is usually left up to the individual handler to make that decision.
The size of the dog is somewhat important, as the dog must be able to over come a wide range of human and natural obstacles with ease. Generally the best size is anywhere from 18" to 27" in height and between 50 and 90 pounds in weight.
The dogs must show no aggression towards people or other dogs.
Dogs with physical or mental disabilities will not make the grade.

The SARDAA Training Director will make the final determination as to the dog's potential.

Member Obligations

SARDAA Members must:

provide their own dog, unless they join as a support person.
cover any expenses incurred to them. SARDAA is a volunteer Association; any money raised goes towards training costs, equipment, running of the organization, and cost that occur while on a search. It is the responsibility of SARDAA Members to pay out of pocket expenses for them and their dog during training exercises.
have their dog enrolled in obedience classes. SARDAA expects all dogs in its program to have successfully completed obedience training. Since SARDAA training days are mostly spent on search training, SARDAA encourages handlers to take obedience classes from a reputable Instructor.
attend training sessions. It is the dog handler’s obligation to work their dog in-between these sessions. SARDAA training sessions run every Sunday through out the winter. SARDAA also on occasion holds two-day or longer training sessions. SARDAA does not usually schedule training on weekdays and holiday. It is essential that handlers work their dogs in-between those times of regular training sessions to give the dogs the foundation and reinforcement needed.
ensure they are getting the information given out by SARDAA. If a member is not coming to regular training or attending meetings, it is up to that member to ensure they are kept abreast of SARDAA happenings.
keep up to date training log books on their training. Log sheets are provided by SARDAA. It is important to keep up to date training logs on the members and dogs lessons. This information is valuable when training to keep an eye on where mistakes may of been made in training and when to move forward. They may also some day be requested in a court of law, if the handler is requested to give testimony on their and their dogs reputation.
ensure they are properly outfitted for working outdoors in Alberta. Working in all types of weather conditions better prepares the handler / dog for the possibility of having to search in bad conditions. It is up to each member to be prepared for the likelihood of training or searching in the elements.
provide any necessary gear for training. All dog handlers will need to provide leashes, collars, tracking harnesses (optional) etc. for their dog partner. As well any equipment needed for training of handlers or support personnel; i.e., compass, light sources etc.

No dog/handler team will attend a formal search unless specifically called out by SARDAA.

Your willingness and ability to follow instructions and to commit your efforts to SARDAA will help us determine if you have the qualities that we expect in all our members. We work for the victim; ego and personal objectives have no place in search and rescue generally, nor in our organization specifically.

Categories of Membership

Friends of SARDAA
Supporting Associate (Regular)
Supporting Associate (Support Personnel)
Associate
Active
Life

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT MEMBERSHIP IN OTHER SAR DOG ORGANIZATIONS MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH SARDAA MEMBERSHIP BEYOND THE SARDAA SUPPORTING ASSOCIATE LEVEL. QUESTIONS IN THIS REGARD MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE PRESIDENT.

Supporting Associate Member (Regular)

Details of Membership

1) All dog handlers must initially start at this level of membership and must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

2) SARDAA uses a specific screening process for all new dog handlers (Friends of SARDAA do not fall under this requirement.) The following five requirements must be met:

1) Complete SARDAA application form and submit to SARDAA secretary with fee.

2) Successfully complete a drive evaluation of their dog (applies to Supporting Associate members joining with a dog.)

3) Authorize a criminal background check (provided by Edmonton Police Service) with satisfactory results.

4) Submit three references, along with contact information (references not to include family members.

5) Participate in an interview with members of SARDAA Executive.

A preceptor will be assigned from the Active team members and the applicant will be on a six-month period at which time his/her membership will be reviewed and voted upon by the membership.

3) Supporting Associate Members are encouraged to attend regular training sessions with or without their dogs. Supporting Associate Members must recognize that the main objective at these training sessions is to train dogs handled by Associate and Active Members. Time and circumstances permitting, dogs handled by Supporting Associate Members may participate in some training exercises. Active members will provide training suggestions to Supporting Associate members upon request.

4) It is required that after a minimum of six month period of training, and dogs are a minimum one year of age, to request a Supporting Associate Evaluation (see page 9).

5) Supporting Associates must submit a letter of request to the President and Training Director one month prior of requesting the evaluation. See attached application form.

6) Before the Supporting Associate Dog / Handler move up to Associate membership they must have passed the evaluation, and be recommended by the Training Director and Co-Trainer.

7) Each Supporting Associate is required to obtain the following courses before moving up to the Associate membership level.

* Heartsaver or basic CPR

* Standard First Aid Training

* SAR Fundamentals

* Map and compass

Supporting Associate - Evaluation Criteria

The purpose of this outline is to describe the minimum performance standards for dogs and handlers who wish to advance to the Associate Member level of SARDAA.

Supporting Associates are required to apply for this evaluation within 6 months of acquiring their membership in the Association. Dog /Handler teams who do not satisfactorily complete the evaluation on two occasions will not normally be permitted to attempt the evaluation again.

Obedience

The dog on leash will be asked to demonstrate an obedience pattern, which will include the following exercises, not in any particular order -

heeling on lead - the team will be asked to demonstrate a pattern showing a normal, fast and slow walk, commanding the dog to sit as required when halted.
sit / stay and down / stay - the dog will be placed in either position and left on lead; the handler will walk thirty paces from the dog and remain away from the dog for one minute.
recall - the dog will be placed in either the sit or down position and left; the handler will walk thirty paces away from the dog and call the dog to 'come'; the dog will return to the handler and sit in front or at the handlers side.
retrieve - the dog shall retrieve an object thrown by its handler. This object may be of handler’s choice and must be thrown approximately 20 ft. The dog must bring the object back to its handler.

The dog / handler team will be tested to determine the level of control the handler has of the dog and also whether there is a bond and working cooperation existing between them.

Transportation

The dog / handler team will be evaluated on how they respond to being transported in a vehicle (truck, van) with other dog / handler teams and evaluator.

the team to be tested will be placed in an vehicle with at least three other dog / handler teams and evaluator present.
the dogs will ride, on leash with their handlers and the exercise will include changes of positions for the dog / handler teams in the vehicle.
the dog shall show no aggression or fear at any time during this exercise.
at the conclusion of this transportation exercise, a person other than the dog's handler will lift the dog from the vehicle and walk the dog away at heel position.

The Evaluator will be observing the Dog / Handler teams to see if there is any aggression towards the other teams in the vehicle or fear of being in a confined space. During their career, teams may be loaded into small spaces, back of tracks, helicopters or small aircraft to be transported to search locations. It is essential to determine beforehand how the dog reacts to the situation. They will also see how well the dog handles being lifted by a person other than its handlers and led away. There may be occasion when the dog's handler is injured or otherwise occupied, in which case the dog may have to taken from the handler and put somewhere safe. The dog must show acceptance to being taken from its handler.

Agility

The Agility evaluation consists of the dog, upon direction and off leash, with complete control by the handler, negotiating high jumps, crawling through a tunnel approximately 10 feet in length, negotiating a catwalk with which is three feet off the ground, also climbing up and over a four foot high, angled wall.

The dog / handler team should move at a comfortable pace, with the dog under control.

Jump 3 high jumps not to exceed the dog’s height at its withers.
Crawl through a tunnel approximately 10 feet in length.
Climb an 'A' frame (angled wall) raised to a minimum of 4 feet.
Walk over a cat walk (plank) minimum of 3 feet above the ground, not exceeding 10 feet in length.

The agility exercises are evaluated on the, control demonstrated by the handler over the dog, also by the dog's ability to take direction through the various obstacles. Dogs must show flexibility and jumping ease to the evaluator. If the dog refuses obstacles more than twice a determination will be made as to the cause; i.e., lack of control of the dog by its handler, lack of the physical ability to work in this field, etc. Agility is important since it is this ability that will take the dog and handler through tough terrain or allow them to negotiate a disaster site.

Article Search

Revised November 2009 –

Using appropriate search strategy, the dog / handler team will demonstrate the dog’s ability to locate and alert on three small-to-medium sized articles placed at random on the ground. (See below for examples of types of articles)

This test is rated Pass or Fail.

Evaluation Location: Field of mixed grasses.
Evaluation Area size: Approximately 100 x 100 sq ft. The corner boundaries of the area must be flagged.

Articles: 3 articles ranging in size from small to medium that may be of such materials as cloth, metal, plastic, wood or leather; the articles shall be randomly placed.

The articles will be placed by the SARDAA Evaluator or his / her designate a minimum of 30 and not more than 60 minutes prior to the beginning of the test.
Time Limit: 20 minutes.
Evaluator: One Evaluator is required who shall be a SARDAA trainer/co-trainer or an SARDAA Active member.

Evaluators will be aware of the location of the test articles.
Evaluators may follow dog/handler team through the search area.

The Evaluator will be assessing the dog’s ability to source out the articles under a controlled situation, and give its trained alert.

The evaluator will also assess the handler’s ability to read the dog, and how the handler conducts the search of the area.

Handlers:

Before the test begins, the handler will inform the evaluator of how the dog will alert to the articles (i.e., down, sit, stand over them, and/or bark).
The team may start from any side of the area.
Handlers may enter the search area.
The handler may give as many verbal commands and as much encouragement to the dog as he/she deems necessary.
The handler is not permitted to cue the dog’s alert.
When the dog has located each article, the handler will inform the Evaluator. The items will be picked up by the handler as they are located by the dog.
The handler may restart the dog as often as required within the 20 minute time period.
Handlers should demonstrate that they have an understanding of search strategy by using the wind to their advantage, and by properly clearing the designated search area.

Dog:

· The dog must show its independent trained alert on the articles located.

· The dog must locate and alert on 2 out of 3 articles to receive a passing grade.

· The dog is required to work the majority of the time approximately 20 feet away from the handler.

· Any dog who consistently refuses to obey its handler's commands; or who leaves the test zone for more than two minutes and cannot be readily redirected by its handler; or ignores placed articles; or does not perform the described alert will be failed.

Supporting Associate Member (Support Personnel)

Details of Membership (this membership category applies to those who wish to participate fully but without a dog).

1) All new candidates start at this level

2) Application must be approved by the membership.

3) Once their application is received and approved, new members receive a letter confirming their membership along with a tax-deductible receipt for their fees, a membership card, SARDAA red T-shirt, SARDAA decal and the quarterly newsletter

Scent Dog News and a SARDAA Training Standards manual.

4) Supporting Associate Support Personnel are encouraged to attend training regularly and act as tracklayers and hiders for the SAR dogs/handlers in the program.

5) It is recommended Supporting Associate Support Personnel keep up to date training log books. Log Sheets provided by SARDAA.

These log books must be submitted to the Training Coordinator prior to moving up to the Active Level.

6) Supporting Associate Support Personnel may after a minimum six month period submit a letter of request to the President and Training Coordinator to move up to Active level to act as back up for the SAR dogs/handlers.

7) Before a Supporting Associate Support Personnel may move up to the Active Team, they first must obtained the mandatory courses for the profiles they wish to work in. See Annex A

8) A Supporting Associate Support Personnel must receive a favorable majority vote (2/3 percent or more) by the current Active Team, before being accepted at the Active membership level.

9) Supporting Associate Support Personnel may after being accepted to the Active Level of membership take SARDAA funded courses.

Criteria

Supporting Associate Support Personnel offer important assistants to the SAR dog handlers. In training they will be asked to perform the following duties:

· act as backup for the wilderness/urban dog team to help navigate, man track, man the radio and in case of emergencies, aid in performing first aid.

· asked to operate the boat during water searches when they will need to understand how water search dog teams work from a boat utilizing a GPS and compasses to navigate zones in grid patterns.

· mark areas of indication by the dog during disaster search exercises

· provide transportation to and from the sites, assist rescue teams, collect and preserve belongings of victims

Support Personnel can expect to be utilized as navigational backup, boat operator, radio personnel, hider, tracklayers and as another set of eyes for the dog and handler. They are regarded as part of the SARDAA Team and will at times be heavily relied upon. It is important that Support Personnel train with the dog/handler teams to have an understanding how the SAR Dog resource works in each profile.

It will be up to the Supporting Associate Support Personnel to train to their potential for any profile they wish to search in. Even though there is no formal evaluation in place at this time, they will be observed by experienced Team members to see that they are gaining knowledge and are participating well with the group.

Each Supporting Associate Support Personnel is required to obtain the courses as required in each of the profile/s they wish to search in before moving up to Active Membership level. (see Annex A)

Support Personnel Training Criteria

1. Support personnel remain at Supporting Associate level until they are accepted for Active Support level.

2. Training:

2.1 All mandatory courses required for Active members as described in the Standards and Standard Operating Procedure manual.

2.2 Supporting Associate Support Personnel must demonstrate during normal team training that they are comfortable working with all of the team dogs.

2.3 Active Support Personnel are expected to keep current first aid qualification to at least the St. John's Ambulance Standard level (with CPR level A).

2.4 There are no qualifying tests for Active Support Personnel, but the SARDAA executive may request that any Active Support member demonstrate any of the skills described above on two weeks notice.

2.5 Maintain log training sheets, provided by SARDAA.

1. Wilderness/urban and Human Remains profiles:

A. Navigation – demonstrated ability by night and day to:

§ to plan a route from the map and follow it using compass, and by using GPS receiver, including the ability to modify the route according to actual conditions

§ use maps, satellite and/or air photos, identify major landmarks, rough or impassible terrain, and natural boundaries in and around a search area

§ using map and compass, determine own location to within 200 metres given visible landmarks and distance traveled, and communicate that location in a six figure grid number or by latitude and longitude

§ maintain an awareness of location and areas searched using floor plans, subdivision plans, industrial site plans or other map substitutes

B. Wilderness survival skills -- demonstrate by day and night the ability to:

§ dress according to the weather and anticipated ground conditions,

§ using weather forecasts and observed signs, anticipate changes in weather conditions

§ travel while navigating for the search team through forest, mix vegetation and urban areas

C. Communications -- demonstrate the ability to communicate during training.

§ Obtain the Canadian Restricted Radio-telephone Operator's License (Land & Air).

§ Write search records acceptable to the Training Coordinator.

3. Water search profile:

§ All training and requirements for the Human Remains profile plus Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate.

4. Disaster profile:

§ All training and requirements for the wilderness / urban profile plus the SARDAA Disaster Search Theory and Safety and Awareness Training Level 1 courses.

Associate Membership

Details of Membership

1) Dog / Handler team must have passed the Supporting Associate Evaluation.

2) It is recommended that the dog be a minimum of one year of age

3) Must have completed and maintained current CPR / Standard First Aid, SAR Fundamentals, Map and Compass.

4) Associate Members may attend regular SARDAA practices and are also entitled to attend any courses conducted and funded by the organization

5) May attend any SARDAA promotional events (tradeshows, Preventive SAR education) with their dog.

6) Associate members will receive a dog vest, cost shared with SARDAA (50/50).

7) Must maintain training log on SARDAA forms, or equivalent.

8) Associate members must attend and document 20 training sessions with other SARDAA team members during the course of a year. This attendance level must be sustained each year.

9) Associate members must attend two, all-day sessions per year if they are offered.

10) It is suggested that Associate members from locations outside the Edmonton surrounding area, attend regular scheduled practice sessions in Edmonton at least once a month if possible.

11) Associate members must submit a written request one month in advance for testing. Applications must be submitted to the President and Training Director (See application form)

12) Complete the courses listed on the SARDAA Course list.

13) Associate members must notify the training director, or a member of the executive, if they are unable to attend a training session in advance of the session.

14) An Associate member must receive favorable majority vote (2/3 percent or more) by the current Active team to be accepted at the Active membership level.

Search Profiles offered -

i) Wilderness/Urban (Air Scent)

(a) Obedience

(b) Agility

(d) Building Search

ii) Wilderness/Urban (Tracking)

iii) Disaster Search

(a) Obedience

(b) Agility

(d) Human Remains detection

iv) Human Remains Detection

General Evaluation Criteria

The purpose of this outline is to describe the minimum performance standards for dogs and handlers who wish to advance to the Active Member level of SARDAA.

Not all dogs and handlers are suitable for all profiles; each individual team may choose which profile is best for them (see list below).

Associate members are encouraged to attempt an evaluation within 24 months of acquiring their membership into SARDAA. Dog / handler teams who do not satisfactorily complete the chosen evaluation on two occasions will not be permitted to attempt the evaluation again without further review by the Training Director and Co-Trainer.

Associate members will produce their training logs on evaluation day illustrating previous training under a variety of conditions. These logs should reflect training for the profile in which they plan to be evaluated.

i) Wilderness/Urban (Air Scent) - Introduction

The use of dogs to locate persons who are lost or missing in rural and urban areas is of great value. Dogs used in wilderness/urban searches are normally trained in one or both training profiles of Air scent & Tracking. As in any search training, both the dog and handler must train and prepare themselves to avoid becoming a lost person as well.

Wilderness search is very tiring and both dog and handler must be in good physical and mentally shape to permit them to work over long periods and over very rough terrain. Each handler must know his/hers dog's indications and alerts and must be able to read them in a wide range of variable scent circumstances.

Urban search, with a wide range of terrain from river valleys to city streets and buildings, it is not without its challenges. Dogs and handlers have to deal with a multitude of distractions and potential dangers such as persons, loose dogs or vehicles in the search area.

During Air Scenting, the dog is trained to locate any human scent that is carried on the wind currents. The dog works off lead and with guidance from its handler, quarters the search zone. While air scenting in wilderness searches, the dog is to locate only human scent, whether it is from the actual lost person or an article with human scent on it. Distractions may originate from other searchers being in the area, or animals. During urban searches, air scenting becomes more difficult; there is human scent just about everywhere, garbage, persons on the streets and in parks. There are also other distractions such as animal wild/domestic.

Tracking - the dog is in harness and on line, and will follow a ground scent left by a person. A good (Place Last Seen) PLS of the lost person is needed for the tracking dog to be able to pick up the scent it is to follow. If trained in scent discrimination, a scent article from the subject may be used for the tracking dog to be able to distinguish the lost person's track scent from all others. Weather can greatly affect track scent. Wind can dissipate the scent available, as can heat, cold and moisture. The type of terrain can also affect the life span of a track, rocky or paved areas will hold little scent. Bush or field type areas have a better chance of having the track scent last longer and provide chance for the tracking dog to pick up and maintain the track.

(a) Obedience

Off leash, the dog/handler will be asked to demonstrate an obedience pattern, which will include the following exercises, not in any particular order -

the dog will heel at a walk, run, slow and drop in motion with dog returning to heel position on command by handler.
the dog will perform sit & down signals from approx. 30 feet away. Both voice and hand signals will be permitted.
the dog will be placed in a sit position with handler approx, 30 feet away will perform a drop on recall.
the dog will retrieve an article of handlers choice, which has been thrown over a high jump, placed at the height of the dogs withers, and return over the jump with the article back to its handler. One or two extra commands from the handler will not be penalized. This criteria removed July 2007.
upon command, the dog will jump into an open truck box; the handler will leave the dog and go out of sight for five minutes.

The evaluators will be looking for the control of the dog by the handler while it is off leash and dog’s attentiveness to its handler and quickness to respond to commands. The retrieve exercise is used to demonstrate the dog’s ability, level of the prey drive and willingness to pursue an object. The out-of-sight stay will demonstrate the dog’s confidence level while away from its handler.

(b) Agility

The dog will perform the following agility exercises off leash and in a controlled manner by its handler

the dog will jump over a high jump (not to exceed the dogs height at the withers) and over two barrel jumps.
the dog will negotiate a catwalk approximately four feet high off the ground, walk the catwalk of a ten foot length, then jump onto a platform stay for a count of 5 then jump onto the ground.
the dog will scale a six foot 'A' frame wall.
The evaluators will be evaluating the dog’s performance of physical ability as well as control of the dog by the handler.

(c) Area Search

Handlers:

Handler must be in full ready SAR gear suitable for the environment.

Handlers must be in good physical condition.

Handlers must identify to evaluators how their dog will alert on both clues and victims.

Handlers must identify to evaluators how they will work each search segment. They must also explain when and why changes may be needed during the evaluation.

Handlers will be briefed on their search segments, just as during a real search. They will be expected to document the briefing as well as their search segments. When clues or victims are found they will radio in locations and document. Handlers will be expected to fill out search reports at the end of their evaluation.

Dogs:

Dogs must have on their search gear suitable for the environment of the test.

Dogs should be in good physical condition.

Dogs will be required to give their trained alert, on both clues and victims as identified by their handler.

Test Area:

The Test Area should consist of approximately 20 acres of a mixture of bush, field and a urban type setting. (buildings, vehicles, people).

Victims:

There may be from 0-2 victims hidden in any one search area at one time.

Victims will be hidden 20 minutes prior to testing.

Each victim will be directed by the evaluator to be in the prone or sitting position. Also directed on whether or not to make verbal or physical contact with the dog.

Clues:

There may be from 1-3 clues hidden in any one search area at one time.

Clues will be of various sizes and materials. Clues will be placed in search areas no less than 24 hours prior to testing. Clues may be placed on the ground or no higher than 2 feet high above ground.

Evaluators:

Two evaluators are required for the test. Both evaluators must be

Active members, Trainer, or Co-trainer of SARDAA.

Evaluators are to follow the dog/handler team on their search evaluation to effectively evaluate the team.

The evaluators are given evaluation cards on which to indicate the dog / handlers performance.

Both evaluators must know ahead of time where clues are hidden also the victims.

Evaluation time:

Since conditions may vary from one search to the next, depending on wind, weather, terrain, the minimum required time for this evaluation is one hour with a maximum of two hours for completion. The dog /handler team may take breaks as required.

Evaluation System:

The Team is evaluated on each aspect on the assessment card (see card).

Assessment categories range from 1-5, with 1 being unacceptable to 5 being excellent. For missed subjects or clues, letters will be used with explanation of what each letter stand for. It may be suggested that if handlers perform poorly by receiving marks of 3 or below for all aspects of the search process, that they be not moved up by the evaluators. Handlers who do not receive sufficient evaluation marks are encouraged to reevaluate at a later date.

(d) Building Search

The dog/handler will search a building approximately 3000 – 8000 sq. ft in size, for two victims, one who is hidden from view at ground level and one who is hidden approximately 6-10 ft. above ground level

Hiders will be hidden 20 minutes prior to testing

The dog will give a trained and recognizable and sustained alert upon locating subjects as indicated by the handler to the evaluator/s prior to testing. The bark/dig alert is the preferred alert for this profile.

The dog should show ease of working in a building and be able to source as close as possible to the hidden subjects. Handlers will clearly outline to the evaluator/s their search strategy. Evaluators will be looking for how well the handler works the search area and how they interpret their dog's actions.

Time Limit – 20 minutes

ii) Wilderness/Urban -Tracking

Tracking (on line)

The dog/handler team will be asked to successfully work a 1-2 km unknown and unmarked track approximately 1-2 hours old (depending on weather conditions). The track will be laid by one person in a wilderness/urban environment. The track will include:

a) three road crossings

b) three scent related articles

c) one dead end (not over 15 meters in length)

d) two cross tracks (human)

e) approximately 20 meters on low scent area (dirt, gravel, pavement)

f) track will run approximately 1/2 in a urban environment and 1/2 in a wilderness environment

g) track layer at end.

The handler will inform to the evaluator/s how the dog will indicate the articles left on the track prior to the testing (retrieve, down, bark). Evaluator/s will be looking at the physical stamina of the dog/team. The Evaluators will be looking for how well the handler works with their dog on the track. (line handling, reading of dog)

iii) Disaster Search - Introduction

There is significant risk involved in Disaster SAR for the handler and their dog. We must ensure that the teams are well trained and have skills to save lives - including their own!

The term "Disaster Dog" refers to dogs trained to locate persons who are trapped under various types of debris that may have been caused by tornados, earthquakes, explosion, bomb, etc. As lives hang in the balance and are measured in minutes - not hours - the use of trained dogs may greatly reduce the loss of lives.

A dog trained in disaster work must have a high degree of control and agility, combined with desire to pursue a scent source under adverse conditions. Since these adverse conditions include working with many other personnel on site and with machines present and operating, the dogs must be trained to stay focused on locating a victim. All dogs trained in disaster work, are trained in air scenting.

There are two types of dogs utilized for disaster work, the Live Person Search Dog and the Human Remains Detection (HRD) Dog.

Since our priority is to find live victims, the Live Person Search Dog is trained to locate only persons who are still breathing. The dogs are taught to ignore personal articles that may be scattered on the rubble, as well as any human remains.

The Recovery dog is a dog that is trained for HRD only or cross trained in the Live Person search profile. Since the cross trained dogs may alert on both type of sources, they must have two identifiable alerts so there will be no mistake as to which victim is being indicated. All dogs that have the human remains detection profile and or training must test in the Disaster Search HRD profile.

For both Live Person Search and HRD dog teams, when one dogs alerts on a victim, a second or third dog team is dispatched to honor the alert.

Since rubble work is considered the most difficult and dangerous area of SAR work, handlers must have a realistic approach for both training and mission response. During all training, the placement of the victim is vital to their safety, as well the safety of the handler and dog. SARDAA's disaster training for handlers is a series of courses to prepare them to make the choice for themselves and their dogs on whether they attempt to work the disaster site, or whether it is to dangerous.

(a) Obedience

Off leash the dog/handler will be asked to demonstrate an obedience pattern, which will include the following exercises, not in any particular order-

using hand signal only, the team will heel at walk, run, slow pace and sit at halts.
the dog will allow a person, other than its handler, to lift it up onto a surface of a table (not more than 3 ft high) or into the back of a truck. The person will stay with the dog. The dog will calmly remain in place until the handler returns. Handlers will remain out of sight for five minutes
with the dog sitting at heel position, the dog will retrieve a object (dumbbell, toy) thrown by its handler (approximately 30 ft away). The dog on command and or signal will promptly go out and pick up object and return to the handler. The dog must bring object directly back to handler.
with the dog sitting at heel position, the dog will be sent away from the handler. The handler will, using command and /or signals, stop the dog while the dog is in motion. The dog may stay in any of the following positions, down, sit or stand. The handler will then give an alternate command and or signal for the dog to come. When the dog is half way back to the handler, the handler will command and or signal the dog to stay. After a completed stay at the midway point, the handler will recall the dog, using command and or signal to a front or heel position. The dog may not move more than one body length of the dogs after the stay command is given each time.

On every disaster site, there will be a multitude of distractions and the dog must respond to handler's commands and or signals immediately, since it could mean life or death to the dog. If the handler is injured, the dog may have to be taken to a safe location by a stranger, it is important that the dog responds on leash to another handler, and that it has the confidence to remain in a secure location until the return of the handler. The retrieve is to ensure that the dog has prey drive and can be trained. The stay in motion demonstrates that the dog can be controlled while performing a task, and then asked to continue. Evaluators will be observing how well the dogs respond to the voice and or signals given during these exercises. The exercises are to be performed without multiple extra commands and/or signals.

(b) Agility

The dog will demonstrate the following agility exercises off leash in a controlled fashion:

negotiate a dark narrow tunnel, approximately 10 ft in length, with at least one turn; one end of the tunnel may be partial covered.
Climb a flat rung ladder, at a approximately 45 degree angle, up to a cat walk, approximately 10 ft in length, jump onto a platform, and perform a stay of five seconds
Negotiate from one barrel top to the next, using five different size barrels and or spools or similar objects.

Since it is hard to replicate an actual disaster sight, these exercises demonstrate the dog’s ability to negotiate an enclosed space, climb and walk on a narrow surface as well as move on wobbly and uneven surfaces. The ongoing method of training on rubble piles with different types of material will prepare the dog in a practical manner for a search of a disaster site.

Evaluators will be looking for the dog to be working in a controlled manner.

(c) Disaster Search -Live Person Search

There shall be two rubble sites for this evaluation -

Each rubble area will be approximately 3,000 sq. ft. Each site will contain contamination with distractions that may include: workers, food, dead animal, clothing articles, and human remains (pseudo scent source).

Site #1) off lead, the dog/handler team will search a rubble site for a hidden person and will perform a bark/dig alert when it locates the spot where the subject is hidden.

Site #2) off lead, the dog/handler team will search a rubble site for two to three hidden persons and perform a bark/dig alert upon locating the subjects.

Persons acting as victims shall be placed 20 minutes prior to testing, in inaccessible locations to the dog and handler team. Hidden subjects will remain buried and silent until instructed other wise by an evaluator.

Each team will be given 20 minutes on each site to locate subjects.

Handlers must inform the Evaluator of their search strategy and of what type of alert the dog will perform. Evaluators will be looking for control, taking direction from the handler, quality of alert from the dog. Excessive attention to, or alert on, the distractions placed in the rubble will result in failure of the test, as will be more than one false alert. Dogs cross trained for HRD are expected to ignore HRD on this occasion; however, if they do performed their trained alert, are then restarted by the handler, and subsequently perform their trained alert on the live victim, no penalty will be imposed. In this case, the dog is in fact demonstrating its training in both live and HRD profiles.

On completion of their search sites, handlers must draw maps indicating the location of the alerts, as well as produce a search report.

(d) Disaster Search -Human Remains Detection (HRD) Recovery

Site #1) off lead the dog/handler team will search a rubble site for two hidden *pseudo scent sources (pseudo scent source will be of cadaver nature) and perform a designated alert as indicated by the handler.

Site #2) off lead the dog /handler team will search a rubble site for a *pseudo scent source (pseudo scent source will be of cadaver nature) and a live hidden subject, the dog will perform the designated alert as indicated by the handler.

There shall be two rubble sites for this evaluation:

Each rubble area will be approximately 1,500 sq. ft. Each site will contain contamination with distractions that may include: workers, food, dead animal, clothing articles. The person acting as a victim shall be placed 20 minutes prior to testing, in inaccessible locations to the dog and handler team. Hidden subject will remain buried and silent until instructed other wise by an evaluator.

Depending on the conditions of the evaluation, the Pseudo scent source will be hidden a minimum of 5 minutes prior to testing.

Each team will be given 20 minutes on each site to locate subject and scent source. Handlers must inform the Evaluator of their search strategy and of what type of alert the dog will perform for a live subject and the pseudo scent source.

Evaluators will be looking for control, taking direction from the handler, and quality of alerts from the dog. Excessive attention to, or alert on, the distractions will result in failure of the test; as will false alerts.

On completion of their search sites, handlers must draw maps indicating the location of the alerts, as well as produce a search report.

*Scent Source Sigma/Aldrich 'cadaver' pseudo scent source.

iv) Human Remains Detection (HRD) Search - Introduction

As in the case of many other SAR disciplines, HRD search dogs provide an additional resource to the search and recovery effort. Dogs can be an effective tool but should not be considered the only tool at the SAR manager's disposal. The teams have located human remains buried, portions of dismembered bodies and skeletal remains missed by grid searchers.

As with other SAR dog profiles, the dog must be under control. It is necessary that dogs working under this profile be highly focused with strong concentration of the task at hand. HRD dogs work in a slow and methodical way, grid searching ever inch of an area to locate the smallest scent source. When a dog alerts on a scent source, a second dog is dispatched to honor the alert. All indications are documented in order to contribute to the overall search effort.

Since actual HRD searches may be of criminal nature and a court appearance could result, all handlers must keep up-to-date log books on their team's training. These logs must be provided prior to testing.

This search dog profile takes a dedicated team since it requires many months of training and proofing to produce a reliable HRD dog.

On-going training is required with formal evaluations occurring throughout each season. The overall aim is to encourage a continuous process throughout the dog/handler's career in human remains detection. This on-going process is designed to develop the team through training and through evaluations, in contrast to a team training for a 'test' that occurs once a year.

Normally, dogs will be evaluated in Wilderness/Urban profiles in addition to HRD; therefore it is deemed unnecessary to evaluate obedience and agility for the HRD profile.

Area Search

Dogs will be required to give their trained alert on scent sources. The handler will state what the dog’s alert is prior to beginning the evaluation.

Evaluation Area:

There will be four areas that may consist of a mixture of bush, field and an urban-type setting. (rubble, buildings, vehicles, people). Each of the evaluation areas should be a minimum of 40 ft. by 40 ft. up to a maximum of 60 ft by 60 ft. In three of the areas a scent source* of cadaver type shall be placed on the ground, buried under debris, or hanging not more than 6 ft. above ground. One area shall be a negative area consisting of no scent sources* or placed distractions.

Scent Sources:

Depending on the conditions of the evaluation,*Sigma/Aldrich 'cadaver' pseudo scent source, may be placed in each area 5-15 minutes prior to testing.

Distractions:

Distractions of animal remains and/or clothing must be placed a minimum of 24 hours prior to testing. Other distractions may be workers and or other dogs working near by. Evaluators will place the sources and distractions out in the evaluation areas.

Evaluators:

Two evaluators are required for the evaluation. Both evaluators must be Active members, Trainer, or Co-trainer of SARDAA. Evaluators are to follow the dog/handler team on their search evaluation to effectively evaluate the team. The Evaluators are given cards on which to indicate the dog / handlers performance.

Evaluation time:

Evaluation System:

The Team is evaluated on each aspect on the assessment card (see card).

Assessment categories range from 1-5 with 1 being unacceptable to 5 that is excellent. For missed subjects or clues, letters will be used with explanation of what each letter stands for. It may be suggested that if handlers perform poorly by receiving marks of 3 or below for all aspects of the search process, that they be not moved up by the evaluators. Handlers that do not receive sufficient evaluation marks are encouraged to reevaluate at a later date.

Active Membership

Details of Membership

1) Admission to this category of membership is by vote of the current Active Members and is contingent upon:

a. the dog/handler team having achieved Associate Membership

b. the dog/handler team having achieved a level of training as prescribed by SARDAA under their Training Standards, and has successfully passed a minimum of one search profile (Wilderness/Disaster/HRD) evaluation as described in the SARDAA Standards under Associate Membership.

c. Support Personnel having completed the mandatory course requirements.

d. members who have proven equivalent training from other outside sources maybe considered for Active membership.

e. having received a favourable majority vote (2/3 or more of the votes cast) by the current Active Membership

2) May attend SARDAA funded courses.

3) Active members are expected to be continuously participating in training of their SAR-Dog; and, to participate in any and all activities of the Association (training sessions, meetings, fund raising activities etc.)

4) May attend any SARDAA promotional events (tradeshows, Preventive SAR education) with their dog.

5) Active members will receive a red SARDAA SAR-dog-handler, or SARDAA support personnel T-shirt, crests, radio.

6) Active members will be expected to be available for searches in the profiles for which they are qualified

7) Active members must keep accurate training logs and resumes.

8) Active dog handlers should expect to be evaluated on an on-going basis in the profile/s they are trained in.

9) Active members must have completed all mandatory courses for the profiles they work in. (see Annex A)

10) Active members must attend and document 20 training sessions with other SARDAA team members during the course of a year in order to remain on the Call-Out list. This attendance level must be sustained from year to year.

11) Active members must attend two, all-day sessions per year if they are offered.

12) Active members normally will be working with dogs that have passed the SARDAA training standards associated with Active Level membership; however, it is recognized that dogs will eventually be retired from active service. Providing an Active Member continues to participate in training sessions regularly, their membership status remains unchanged. Active members normally expect to begin training another dog and special privileges will be given to that handler and their young dog. Any active member may at any time attend training sessions with their young dog. They will be expected to train for and successfully complete the same evaluations as all other young dogs in SARDAA. The objective of this special privilege is to recognize that an Active Member handler has experience with training and working a SAR Dog and therefore they should be permitted the opportunity to accelerate training by bringing their young to training, from the very beginning.

13) It is suggested that Active members from locations outside the Edmonton surrounding area attend regularly scheduled practice sessions in Edmonton when possible.

14) Active members must never participate on a search, unless called out by the SARDAA team.

Ongoing Evaluation

Important Note -

The Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta, according to its Goals and Objectives, is to provide a minimum of two dog/handler teams to authorities when requested. More than two teams are desirable. SARDAA's Mission is to provide properly trained, competent search dog/handler teams in the province of Alberta, and Canada.

So that SARDAA maintains high standards, on-going training and a call-out evaluation ensure that Active members on the Call-Out list maintain their search readiness.

The evaluation process is designed to test the handler on search tactics, clue awareness, understanding of their own and their dog's abilities and performance. The use of SAR dog teams is of little value if the teams don't maintain their training. The objective of this evaluation is to give the handler an indication of where their strengths and weakness lie.

(April 29/07 addition)

Evaluations will be conducted by a SARDAA training coordinator and by a bona fide search manager from Edmonton Police Service, National Parks Service, City of Edmonton or one of the ground search groups in the Edmonton area (Edmonton Regional or Parkland SAR for instance).

In each of our profiles as listed below, evaluations for each dog/handler team will be conducted every other year. Records will be kept by the SARDAA secretary as to which teams require evaluation in any given year.

Search Profiles for On-Going Active Level Evaluation

i) Wilderness/Urban (Area Search)

ii) Wilderness/Urban (Tracking)

iii) Water

(a) Shoreline

(b) Boat

iv) Disaster Search

(a) Live person

(b) Human remains recovery

v) Human Remains Detection

General Criteria for all Active level profiles –

Handlers:

Handlers must be on the Active member list.

Handler must be in full ready SAR gear suitable for the environment of the evaluation.

Handlers must be in good physical condition.

Handlers must identify to Evaluators how their dog will alert on both clues and victims.

Handlers must identify to Evaluators how they will work each search segment. They must also explain when and why changes may be needed during the evaluation.

Dogs:

Dogs must be on the Active members list.

Dogs must have on their search gear suitable for the environment of the evaluation.

Dogs should be in good physical condition

Dogs may be trained for live only; or dogs may be cross-trained for HRD also. If cross trained, dogs must demonstrate different alerts for each scent source.

i) Wilderness/Urban – Area Search

Dogs will be required to give their trained alert, on both clues and victims as identified by their handler.

Evaluation Area:

The evaluation Area should consist of approximately 40 acres of a mixture of bush, field and a urban type setting. (buildings, vehicles, people). The evaluation area may be divided to five different zones with each performance evaluated individually.

Victims:

There may be from 0-3 victims hidden in any one search area at one time.

Victims will be hidden 1/2 hour prior to testing.

Each victim will be directed by the evaluator to be in the prone or sitting position and directed on whether or not to make verbal or physical contact with the dog.

Clues:

There may be from 1-3 clues hidden in any one search area at one time.

Evaluators:

Two evaluators are required for the test. One evaluator must be an Active member, Trainer, or Co-trainer of SARDAA. The second Evaluator may be a recognized SAR Manager or Agency personnel (e.g., police)

*Note - one evaluator must be a non- SARDAA member.

Evaluators are to follow the dog/handler team on their search evaluation to effectively evaluate the team.

The evaluators are given evaluation cards on which to indicate the dog / handlers performance.

Both evaluators must know ahead of time where clues and victims are hidden.

Evaluation time:

Since conditions may vary from one search to the next, depending on wind, weather, terrain, the minimum required time for this evaluation is two hours with a maximum of four hours for completion. The dog/ handler team may take breaks as required.

Evaluation System:

The Team is evaluated on each aspect on the assessment card (see card).

ii) Wilderness/Urban - Tracking

Tracking (on line)

1) The dog/handler team will be asked to successfully work a 2-3 km unknown and unmarked track approximately 2-3 hours old (depending on weather conditions). The track will be laid by one person in a wilderness/urban environment. The track will include:

1. three to five road crossings

2. two scent related articles

3. two dead ends (not over 15 meters in length)

4. approximately 20 meters in a heavily contaminated area (i.e. playground)

5. approximately 20 meters on low scent area (i.e. dirt, gravel, pavement)

6. track will run approximately half in a urban environment and half in a wilderness environment

7. track layer at end.

iii) Water Search - Introduction

Since Human Remains Detection corresponds with water searching, it is recommended that Water Search dogs be trained and evaluated in the HRD element first.

Water search dogs have been utilized to locate drowned persons on water such as lakes, rivers or ponds with good success. The water search dog does not always locate the exact spot of the drowned person; they may give a location of area where the drowned person is.

As in the case of many other SAR disciplines, water search dogs provide an additional resource for the search and recovery effort. The use of water search dogs is not an exact science; rather, after extensive training of the dog/handler team, the handler interprets the information the dog has provided. Dogs can be an effective tool but should not be considered the only tool at the SAR manager's disposal. As with other SAR dog profiles, there is risk involved in the water element. The dog must be under control and calm in a wide range of watercraft. The team must be trained in handling and in boat and water safety.

All handlers must at all times while in the boat wear an approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). The best boats to use for water search are low and wide, allowing for greater stability and for the dog to be able to scent close to the water. The boat operator must be instructed on how to conduct a grid pattern into the wind, giving the best advantage to the dog to pick up scent. Upon the dog alerting on a scent source, a second dog is dispatched to honor the alert. All indications are documented to aid the SAR team’s search strategy.

On-going training is required with formal evaluations occurring throughout each season. The overall aim is to encourage a continuous process throughout the dog/handler's career in water search. This process is designed to develop the team through training and through evaluations.

This is in contrast to a team training for a 'test' that occurs once a year.

(a) Water Search – Shoreline Search

The dog and handler will demonstrate the ability to locate scent source on three occasions (occasion meaning each problem set out in a particular area). Any one of these occasions may be a negative search where there will be no scent source set out in the area. These occasions may take place all in one day or on different days. All will be 'blind' problems.

The search area will be 100 yard (100 meters) along the shore line.
The scent source will be set out at a distance of approximately 15 feet (5 meters) from shore at a depth of 6-12 feet (2-4 meters) and will be positioned up wind from the shore.
Animal distractions may also be present.
The scent source will be set out by boat so as to eliminate any human tracks in the shoreline area.
The scent source will be set out 15 to 30 minutes prior to the dog starting the evaluation.
The dog and handler will not be permitted to observe the placing of the scent source.
The handler will be required to state how the search area will be covered and to describe the dog’s alert/indication of human scent. Indication of residual scent will also be described.
Time available for each test will be 25 minutes.
Two evaluators will conduct the test - comprising a trained, experienced water search dog handler and a SAR manager familiar with the use of canine resources. One evaluator will accompany the handler and the other will observe from a distance.

The team will pass if the dog alerts as predicted by the handler on the scent source if it is present in the search area. As noted above, there may be no scent source in the area, so the team will be required to state that no scent source was present.

Excessive attention to or alert on distractions will result in failure of the test, as will false alerts.

*Scent Source

Sigma/Aldrich 'Pseudo Drowned;' scent source may be used; and when possible, two divers.

(b) Water Search – Boat

The dog handler will demonstrate the ability to locate scent source on three occasions (an occasion meaning each problem set out in a particular area). Any one of these occasions may be a negative search, where there will be no scent source set out in the area. These occasions may take place all in one day or on different days. All will be 'blind' problems.

The search area will be a maximum of 40 acres in size. The scent source will be submerged 10-15 feet and a minimum of 100 feet from shore.
Animal distractions may be present.
The scent source will be set out not less than 20 minutes prior to the dog starting the evaluation.
The dog and handler will not be permitted to observe the placing of the scent source.
The handler will be required to state how the search area will be covered and to describe his/hers dogs alert/indication of human scent. Indication of residual scent will also be described.
Time available for each evaluation will be 25 minutes.
Two evaluators consisting of a trained, experienced water search dog handler and a SAR manager familiar with the use of canine resources. One evaluator will accompany the handler in the boat, and the other evaluator will observe from a distance.

The team will pass if the canine alerts as predicted by the handler on the scent source if it is present in the search area. As noted above, there may be no scent source in the area, so the teams will be required to state that no scent source was present.

Excessive attention to or alert on the animal scent source will result in failure of the test as will false alerts and a dog out of control in the boat.

*Scent Source Sigma/Aldrich 'Pseudo Drowned;' scent source may be used; and when possible, two divers.

iv) Disaster Search

(a) Disaster – Live Person

Evaluation Area:

Each evaluation area should consist of approximately 2,000-3,000 sq ft. of rubble. Each evaluation area may be divided up into four different zones with each zone performance evaluated individually.

Scent Sources:

There may be up to three victims hidden in the search areas at one time.

Victims will be hidden 20 minutes prior to testing. Each victim will be directed by the Evaluator on whether to make contact with the dog/handler team or not.

Distractions:

Placed in the search areas will be contaminates of clothing type articles, food, animal distractions and pseudo scent source-cadaver. There may also be site workers and machinery to create a simulation of a real search. All distractions will be placed 30 minutes to 24 hours prior to testing.

Evaluators:

Two Evaluators are required for the test. One evaluator must be an Active member, Trainer, or Co-trainer of SARDAA. The second Evaluator may be a recognized SAR Manager or Agency personnel (e.g. police).

*Note - one evaluator must be a non- SARDAA member.

Evaluators are to follow the dog/handler team on their search evaluation to effectively evaluate the team. The evaluators are given evaluation cards on which to indicate the dog /handlers performance. Both Evaluators must know ahead of time where victims and distractions are hidden.

Evaluation time:

Since conditions may vary from one search to the next, depending on wind, weather, terrain, the required time for this evaluation in each search zone is 20 minutes The dog / handler team may take breaks as required in-between each search zone.

Evaluation System:

The Team is evaluated on each aspect on the assessment card (see Annex D).

Assessment categories range from 1-5 with 1 being unacceptable to 5 which is excellent. For missed subjects or clues, letters will be used with explanation of what each letter stands for. It may be suggested that if handlers perform poorly by receiving marks of 3 or below for all aspects of the search process that they not be moved up by the evaluators. Handlers who do not receive sufficient evaluation marks are encouraged to reevaluate at a later date.

(b) Disaster – Human Remains Recovery

Evaluation Area:

Each evaluation area should consist of approximately 2,000 sq ft. of rubble. Each test area may be divided up into four different zones with each zone marked individually.

Scent Sources:

There may be up to three HRD scent sources* hidden in the search areas at one time. Depending on the conditions of the evaluation scent sources will be hidden a minimum 5 to 15 minutes prior to testing.

* Sigma/Aldrich 'cadaver' pseudo scent source

Distractions:

Placed in the search areas will be contaminates of clothing type articles, food and animal and a live victim. There may also be site workers and machinery to create the simulation of a real search. All distractions will be placed 30 minutes to 24 hours prior to testing.

Evaluators:

Two evaluators are required for the evaluation One Evaluator must be a Active member, Trainer, or Co-trainer of SARDAA. The second

Evaluator may be a recognized SAR Manager or Agency personnel.

*Note - one evaluator must be a non- SARDAA member.

Evaluators are to follow the dog/handler team on their search evaluation to effectively evaluate the team. The Evaluators are given evaluation cards on which to indicate the dog /handlers performance. Both Evaluators must know ahead of time where scent sources, distractions and victims are hidden

Evaluation time:

Since conditions may vary from one search to the next, depending on wind, weather, terrain, the required time for this evaluation in each search zone is 20 min. The dog / handler team may take breaks as required in-between each search zone.

Evaluation System:

The Team is evaluated on each aspect on the assessment card (see Annex D).

v) Human Remains Detection

HRD - Area Search

Revised November 09

v) Human Remains Detection

Dogs will be required to give their trained alert (primary and secondary), on all scent sources located. The handler will tell the evaluators what the dog’s trained alert is, prior to the beginning of the test.

Handlers are required to submit a detailed search report at the end of the evaluation.

Evaluation Area:

There will be four evaluation areas that may consist of a mixture of bush, field and an urban setting (rubble, buildings, and vehicles). Each of the evaluation areas should be a minimum of 60 ft. by 60 ft. up to a maximum of 100 ft by 100 ft.

In three of the areas two to three scent sources of cadaver type material shall be placed on the ground, open and exposed, or covered by not more than three feet of debris, or hanging not more than six feet off the ground.

One area shall be a negative area consisting of no purposely placed scent sources.

Scent Sources:

Sigma/Aldrich 'cadaver' pseudo scent source or cadaver-type material.

Depending on conditions of the evaluation and type of scent source, scent sources will be placed in each area 30 to 60 minutes prior to testing.

Distractions:
Scent distractions may be placed in any or all of the four areas.

Distractions of animal remains and or clothing must be placed a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes prior to testing. Other distractions may be workers and or other dogs working nearby.

It is to be taken into consideration that the evaluation areas may already hold scent distractions.

Evaluators:

Two evaluators are required for the evaluation.

Associate Level- SARDAA Trainer, Co-Trainer, or designated by the Trainer an Active member qualified in HRD profile.

Active Level - One evaluator must be a non-SARDAA member.

One Evaluator must be a SARDAA Trainer, or designated by the Trainer a Co-trainer, or Active member who is qualified in HRD profile. The second Evaluator may be a recognized SAR Manager or Agency personnel.

Both Evaluators must know ahead of time where scent sources and purposely placed distractions are hidden.

If the scenting conditions at the time of the evaluation deteriorate, it will be at the evaluators’ discretion to make the call of continuing or closing the evaluation and continuing at a later date or when conditions improve.

Evaluation time:

Since conditions may vary from one search to the next, depending on wind, weather or terrain, the minimum required time for this evaluation is one hour with a maximum of two hours for completion. The dog / handler team may take reasonable breaks in between search areas.

Evaluation System:

The Team is evaluated on each aspect on the assessment card. See HRD Marking Card.

Assessment categories range from 1-5 with 1 being unacceptable to 5 being excellent. For missed subjects, clues or other, letters will be used with explanation of what each letter stands for. A combination of letters and numbers may be used.

If the dog team performs poorly by receiving more than 3 marks of 3 or below for any aspects of the search process they will not be passed by the evaluators.

Handlers who do not receive sufficient evaluation marks are encouraged to reevaluate at a later date.

Notes:

The dog must alert on a minimum of ONE scent source per positive search area.

It is deemed a failure for a dog to false alert on any scent distractions.
It is deemed a failure if dog consumes or physically destroys any scent source.

Annex A

Courses

These courses are recommended for Search Dog Handlers and Support Personnel of SARDAA. Some of the courses are mandatory for those members once they become at the Active level. SARDAA encourages members to further their training by taking any courses that would further their SAR careers and aid in the improvement of SARDAA's personnel.

Mandatory Courses*

* Search and Rescue Fundamentals is a course that is designed to prepare all searchers who wish to search in the Province of Alberta.

At this time, this course, now available through SAR Alberta training grant program is provided, free of charge, around the province for any persons belonging to a SAR Alberta search group.

* Heartsaver or Basic CPR is a course that is mandatory for all searchers. It is up to the individual to obtain this course from a reputable certified instructor.

*Standard First Aid is a mandatory course that may be taken along with CPR

*K-9 First Aid is a necessary course to teach dog handlers to be able to aid their canine partners in the field. This course is provided by SARDAA

* Navigation (map and compass, GPS) is necessary for all searchers working in the wilderness / urban / water profiles. This course is ongoing within the SARDAA organization

*Scent theory is a course offered through SARDAA on how scent works and how to better read the dogs. Each profile is subject to different types of scent theory

* Search Theory aids teams in planning their search strategies. It also offers teams help with protocols of search management. This is a course offered by SARDAA

* Courtroom procedure is a course offered through SARDAA. It is important that all searchers know how to handle themselves in a court of law should the need arise

* Evidence preservation as presented by the police through SARDAA to aid the searcher in preventing clues from being lost, contaminated or damaged.

* Radio protocols given by SARDAA and teaches proper radio protocol and operation.

* SARDAA Safety and Awareness Training Level 1 is designed for the disaster searcher. Included in this course are - basic rescue, hazardous material, structural evaluation skills. This course is provided by Fire Etc., Vermilion, AB (mandatory for Disaster Profile only)

* Boat Operators license course given by designated agencies is now mandatory in Alberta for those who wish to operate a boat. (mandatory for Water Profile only)

Optional Courses

* Incident Command System lecture given by ERI Canada, is designed to give the SARDAA teams information on how a search is managed. This course is held by SARDAA with ERI Canada

* Mantracking is a course designed to aid the searchers in identifying clues and footprints of possible lost persons. This course is available through SARDAA

* Critical Incident Stress lecture, a one-day briefing to provide SARDAA teams information on the stress they or a team mate might experience on or after a search

* Alzheimers lecture given by SARDAA with the aid of a guest speaker, helps teams better understand the Alzheimers individual and their possible behavior when they happen to lose their way

Annex B

Equipment List

Basic Turn out Kit (minimum)

1. Coveralls -red

2. Black pants

3. Red SARDAA T-Shirt, or pullover

4. Gear Vest -red

5. Hard Hat-red

6. Leather gloves

7. Boots -ankle or higher, water proof

8. Boots - CSA approved, steel toed for rubble

9. Utility belt

10. Rain gear

11. Winter gear

12. Light Source - flashlight, headlamp

Basic Equipment List (minimum)

1. Canteens or container for carrying water for you and your dog

2. Small first aid kit (human)

3. Small first aid kit (dog)

4. Compass

5. Whistle

6. Survival blanket

7. Writing material (note book , pens)

8. Extra socks

9. Plastic sealable baggies (possible for evidence, or storing gear)

10. Multi-purpose knife

11. Snacks for you and dog

12. Insect repellant

13. Watch

14. Safety goggles

15. Hat

16. Flagging tape

17. Personal identification

18. Nylon rope (multi purpose, 30')

19. Tissue paper

20. Extra gloves

The equipment list is the minimum requirement for going on a search. It is fully understood that all personnel may have personal preferences regarding what they would require in their kit; these are only suggestions. SARDAA Team color is Red, and has been identified over the years as a dog handler’s color. SARDAA requires that team personnel going out on a search or taking part in a public function wear the team uniform of a red SARDAA shirt and black pants, or red coveralls.