How to Train Rescue Dogs

From the St. Bernard enduring avalanches with a barrel of brandy around his neck to locating a missing child in the woods, humans have been teaching dogs to "save the day." Relying on their sense of smell, rescue dogs are taught to develop the skills necessary for rescuing the lost and injured from wooded areas, lakes, snow-covered mountains, earthquakes and other natural disasters. However, training a rescue dog takes time and patience to ensure the safety of both the rescuer and his victims.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Collar
• Leash
• Obedience training book
• Whistle or training clicker
• Small treats

1. Choose an appropriate breed. The size, level of strength, temperament and natural instincts of a dog breed play an important role in training a rescue dog. Select dogs typically known for their sporting, working and herding background, such as German Shepherds, Bloodhounds, St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers.

2. Enroll your dog in obedience training. Rescue dogs must listen to their handler, follow commands and get along with other humans and animals. Rescue dog training ideally begins around the age of 8 weeks old. Whistles, training clickers, small treats and plenty of praise help to motivate.

3. Exercise your rescue dog. In order to effectively perform their duty, rescue dogs must stay in good shape, displaying high energy and stamina. Prepare a dog in training for lots of running, jumping and climbing. Strengthen his sense of smell by teaching your dog to retrieve objects.

4. Work on signals. Communication between a handler and rescue dog is essential. For example, dogs must learn to use signals when they detect a scent or locate a hidden object. Building trust is also important for a successful handler/rescue dog relationship.

5. Establish familiarity with rescue equipment. When saving lives, rescue dogs cannot show fear or hesitation under pressure. Your dog must accept the sounds and equipment typical of a rescue or emergency situation. Introduce your dog to loud noises at home before an encounter with the sirens and flashing lights of ambulances, police cars and fire alarms.

6. Stage a mock rescue. Your rescue dog may have to stay in a car or van for long periods of time with people and other dogs. Simulate transport to a rescue site. During this time, a dog must stay calm and ignore distractions, such as bumpy roads, loud noises and fast speeds.

7. Introduce advanced obstacles. Create a well-rounded rescue dog by teaching how to keep his balance, explore high places without fear, maneuver around logs or fallen trees and even climb ladders. Familiarize your dog with different elements, such as the woods and various bodies of water.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your rescue dog is comfortable with being carried in the arms of a human--which is vital for the safe transport of an injured hero. Don't forget to introduce snowbound rescue dogs to working with skis, sleds, helicopters and stretchers.
• You must assess your commitment to training a rescue dog before you get started. Some handlers take about 2 years to fully complete training before a dog can participate in a search or rescue. Do not smoke cigarettes during the instruction of a rescue dog, as it interferes with the training process.

Resources

• Rescue Dog Information

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