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Dogs have some amazing abilities, not just as our companions, but as working dogs that help save lives. Such as search and rescue dogs (SAR), with intensive training, they are tasked in extreme circumstances to do unimaginable. Working alongside a trained K-9 handler, they work together as a team, against insurmountable obstacles to find, rescue, and save people from tragedy around the globe. Do you have the desire and skills to train for search and rescue? Does your best friend have the ability to become a search and rescue dog? We sat down with Trupanion claims manager adjudicator, Aaryn Peterson, a SAR K-9 handler and trainer of five years to discuss the world of search and rescue dogs, her retired SAR pup Aspen, and how to get involved in the search and rescue field. 

Search and rescue dogs are working dogs that are used in the field to track and find people in extreme circumstances. Also, they work as a team, alongside their K-9 handler. These pups are highly skilled in a specific set of disciplines to help in their mission. In addition, they’re just one albeit important part of a search and rescue tool kit.

The beginning of a search and rescue dog’s story can start from an unlikely circumstance. Aaryn Peterson’s story is no exception. “I just moved to a new town with my husband and Aspen, and I didn’t know very many people yet. Naturally, one day the then-leader of the search dog team in my area showed up at the veterinary hospital where I worked at the time. Later, the topic came up, and before I knew it, I had been invited to visit training, and pretend to be a “lost” person. Naturally, from there, I was hooked and began getting all the training I needed to order to start as a general SAR volunteer, and as a K-9 handler,” states Peterson. 

An essential component of search and rescue dog training is first and foremost working as a team. “If you already have a dog you’d like to train, it is always a good idea to have a solid foundation of obedience and a relationship of trust that you can build upon” points out Peterson. 

• Find a search and rescue team to learn from 
• Teach your dog to be confident in many different situations 
• You, the handler, decides the work hours 
• Make sure it is a good fit for you and your dog 

Additionally, it’s important to know the different types of disciplines in the search and rescue field. If you’r deciding if search and rescue is a potential fit for you and your canine, consider the following. 

Airscent working dogs use their nose to track the air and are more likely to be off-leash when area searching. In addition, this is typically done in a wilderness setting. Also, airscent searches are influenced by:

• Weather 
• Time of day
• Terrain 
• Vegetation 

Avalanche search and rescue dogs are the most known discipline of the search and rescue dog’s hierarchy. Also, they are similar to airscent dogs that they work off-leash and grid up the avalanche on their mission. Further, they typically have the most sponsors and are often employed by ski-resorts.

A tracking/trailing working dog is trained to focus on the individual scent on the ground when on a mission. Additionally, it takes a longer time to search and follows the direction that the person travels in. For instance, tracking/trailing working dogs are used a lot in law enforcement as police dogs. 

Disaster search and rescue working dogs are sent into an area after a natural disaster has taken place. Naturally, their job is to locate the scent to start the rescue efforts. In addition, these canines are typically off-leash, and the handlers follow into the situation with the dog. Likewise, this can be a treacherous environment for the canine, as such the surroundings might be unstable. 

A human remains detection (HRD) canine identifies different types of deceased odors in an environment. Further, these working dogs are often used in water to indicate the deceased. For instance, while on their mission a positive search an HRD canine might indicate: 

• Dog points in wind
• Jumps in water 
• Laps in circles 
• Divers will go in to further investigate

Preparation is a key indicator of success for K-9’s and their handler’s. Likewise, each team member has their own skill-set that they must acquire before becoming a part of the team. 

Peterson weighs in on what makes for a successful K-9 team-mate. Consider the following: 

• Breed 
• Physical Ability 
• Desire to work 
• Drive 
• Ability to learn and respond 
• Courage 
• Tenacity 

In addition, the dog’s breed might not always play a factor in their ability to be a successful team-mate. For instance,” a smaller dog, such as a cocker spaniel or beagle, can fit in small spaces and can be less alarming to kids, “states Peterson. Definitely, something to consider when choosing your K-9 team-mate. 

If you are pursuing becoming a K-9 handler, dive into volunteering and become familiar with search and rescue programs near you. Also, you will need to attain certifications and acquire any/all gear needed to negotiate the outdoor elements common in your region and the types of rescues you will perform. For instance, consider emergency tools such as maps, compass, and GPS to add to your search and rescue kit. In addition, once you are certified, have your kit and car ready to go, so you can accept a mission as soon as you get the call. 

• Educate yourself on search and rescue 
• Cultivate necessary skills and start training 
• Start volunteering 
• Prepare yourself (physically, emotionally, and mentally) 
• Find a search and rescue team 
• Acquire a mentor/trainer in search and rescue 
• Evaluate your dog 
• Build a solid foundation for your dog

“Aspen and I have always done “teamwork” activities together, like sheep herding when she was younger, and have always been adventuring in the mountains. Also, I’ve always had a passion for volunteering and giving back. So, when I had a chance to take the teamwork relationship Aspen and I had built over the years to the next level, and do some real good for people in the process, there was no decision to make. Naturally, it was the obvious next step for us,” says Peterson. 

Consider teamwork activities as a way to strengthen your bond and test your canine’s abilities. 

If you choose to get involved with search and rescue dogs team, take into consideration the time commitment it could have on your schedule. For instance, a call could come in for a mission in the middle of the night. Also, be mindful of the impact it can have on your dog. Granted, your pup will let you know when they are ready to retire. Certainly, if you have the drive and determination, have an interest and passion to learn the craft, and have a strong bond with your canine, a search and rescue team might be a wonderful fit. In essence, search and rescue is a further way to bond, learn, and grow with your canine teammate. 

• National SearchDog Alliance
• National Association for Search and Rescue 
• FEMA
• Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal Detector

Highlight- during their search and rescue career, Peterson and Aspen, logged over 2500+ mission training hours from 2012-2018, with over 400+ hours per year. We thank this team for invaluable rescues and appreciate the dedication, hard work, and determination that was shown on and off the field.

 Always teach your children to take care of their pets from the moment you get a dog or a cat in your care.- However make sure you don't let your children by themselves without proper supervision. To be a responsible dog owner every day, you should prioritize some key aspects of caring for your pet. Here are some highlights:

1. Veterinary Care – Making sure your pet has a reliable vet is one of the best things you can do to be a responsible dog owner. When possible, choose a vet that you trust and visit their practice consistently so they can provide continuity of care. Your vet will recommend a schedule of vaccinations and help you make the best decisions for the needs of your individual pet.
2. Microchipping – Having a microchip in place is one of the best things you can do to help recover a lost pet. Making sure your contact information is accurate in the registry is crucial when it comes to having your dog returned to you when they are lost, so check to be sure your registration is up-to-date. First, you’ll need your pet’s microchip number. If you can’t find it, the veterinary office who administered the chip should have a record of it. Then you can create an account with the chip manufacturer, or update your existing account. If your pet isn’t already chipped, consider scheduling this simple procedure as soon as possible.
3. Training – A responsible dog training program is much more than learning basic commands like “sit” or “stay.” Effective training will help you build a positive relationship with your dog, increase your dog’s ability to socialize with both people and other dogs, create habits that avoid problem behaviors, and establish a common language to increase trust. Plus, a well-trained dog who consistently responds to your commands will be safer when stressful or dangerous situations arise!
4. Socialization – Just like people, some dogs are naturally more social than others. But no matter your dog’s personality, helping establish a solid foundation of socialization is essential. The process is typically easier for puppies, but dogs of any age can learn new socialization skills to help lessen anxiety in new situations, increase the fun factor when it’s time to play, and give them confidence in themselves.