Please Note!
SARDA Only trains recognised rescue team members.
Before SARDA England will accept anyone wishing to train their dog to become a Search Dog, they must have been on the callout list of a recognised Mountain Rescue or Search and Resuce Team for a minimum of one year, have obtained a letter of support from their team and have bodied on National and Local training courses.
This is because SARDA England will only teach them how to train their dog, as they would already have gained the required search and rescue skills within their team.
Members of the public are requested not to apply to train dogs.
Full details available to team members on request.
SARDA Only trains recognised rescue team members.
Before SARDA England will accept anyone wishing to train their dog to become a Search Dog, they must have been on the callout list of a recognised Mountain Rescue or Search and Resuce Team for a minimum of one year, have obtained a letter of support from their team and have bodied on National and Local training courses.
This is because SARDA England will only teach them how to train their dog, as they would already have gained the required search and rescue skills within their team.
Members of the public are requested not to apply to train dogs.
Full details available to team members on request.
All of our training is under taken with praise and rewards for the dog.
Some are happy to work for their squeaky toy while others prefer food !
Some are happy to work for their squeaky toy while others prefer food !
Puppy Class:
Training starts with the Puppy Classes. The Puppy is socialised with other dogs and people. They are then given some basic obedience & stock familiarisation training.
A Registration test is carried out to test the basic obedience of the dog and the handling skills of the trainee handler. A Stock test is also carried out to ascertain that the dog shows no interest in stock that might be grazing on the hill.
Once these test have been passed the trainee and dog move to Stage 1.
Training starts with the Puppy Classes. The Puppy is socialised with other dogs and people. They are then given some basic obedience & stock familiarisation training.
A Registration test is carried out to test the basic obedience of the dog and the handling skills of the trainee handler. A Stock test is also carried out to ascertain that the dog shows no interest in stock that might be grazing on the hill.
Once these test have been passed the trainee and dog move to Stage 1.
Stage 1:
They are taught the 'Find Sequence'. This is when they find the Dogbody and indicate to the handler that they have found.
The dogs indicate they have found by returning to their handler and barking. When this sequence is established they are given an indication test. This test is usually carried out in the dark. On passing the indication test the team move to Stage 2
They are taught the 'Find Sequence'. This is when they find the Dogbody and indicate to the handler that they have found.
The dogs indicate they have found by returning to their handler and barking. When this sequence is established they are given an indication test. This test is usually carried out in the dark. On passing the indication test the team move to Stage 2
Stage 2:
The handler is taught how to search areas with their dog. This involves learning how to read the landscape, wind and other conditions that could effect the scent flow.
The areas start small and gradually get larger. At this stage the handler will always know the location of the Dogbodies so that they can see how their dog reacts to the scent whilst searching. When the training officers are satisfied that the trainee has gained enough knowledge they move to Stage 3.
The handler is taught how to search areas with their dog. This involves learning how to read the landscape, wind and other conditions that could effect the scent flow.
The areas start small and gradually get larger. At this stage the handler will always know the location of the Dogbodies so that they can see how their dog reacts to the scent whilst searching. When the training officers are satisfied that the trainee has gained enough knowledge they move to Stage 3.
Stage 3:
The handler is tasked to search small areas without knowing the location of the Dogbodies.
Again the areas get larger as they progress. When they are competent with searching three hour areas they will be given a pre-assessment test, on successful completion they are ready for their assessment.
The handler is tasked to search small areas without knowing the location of the Dogbodies.
Again the areas get larger as they progress. When they are competent with searching three hour areas they will be given a pre-assessment test, on successful completion they are ready for their assessment.
Training Information
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