Search and Rescue Classes for Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're considering enrolling your dog in search and rescue classes, it's essential to understand the basics. Search and rescue classes for dogs typically last between 6-12 months, depending on the program and the dog's age and experience.

The classes cover various skills, including air scent, water search, and building search. These skills are crucial for dogs to locate missing people in different environments.

Search and rescue dogs work in teams with their handlers, who provide guidance and support during searches. The handler-dog team must have a strong bond and work together seamlessly.

Training is intensive and physically demanding for both dogs and their handlers.

Our training programs are designed to equip you and your dog with the skills needed to be a productive Search and Rescue team. At Highland Canine Training, LLC, we understand that the majority of Search and Rescue handlers and teams operate on a volunteer basis, so we offer affordable dogs and training to meet their needs.

We offer a comprehensive handler course as part of our Search and Rescue training programs. Our instructors are volunteer Search and Rescue K-9 handlers and certified SARTECHs by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). They provide hands-on training in some of the most rigorous environments on the east coast.

Our Tracking and Trailing handler course typically lasts for two weeks and provides training on equipment types and proper use, proper handling skills, and basic and advanced scent theory. You'll also learn how to read and understand tracking and trailing dogs.

Our Wilderness Search and Rescue Dog handler courses offer instruction in basic and advanced scent theory, K-9 variables, proper handling techniques, and proper search patterns and methodology. These courses provide hands-on training in some of the most rugged environments on the east coast.

We also offer in-service training, problem solving, American Red Cross Pet CPR and First Aid certification, Search and Rescue seminars, and a comprehensive handler course for dogs that are already trained in Search and Rescue. This is a great option if you already have a SAR K-9 and want to improve their skills.

At Highland Canine Training, LLC, we have a fully functional rubble pile, a regulation FEMA agility course, and a pond for cadaver training. We also have thousands of acres of wilderness and access to several different rubble piles within minutes of our facility. This provides the perfect environment for our dogs to learn and practice their skills.

For more insights, see: How to Teach a Dog to Search by Scent

Our training locations are as diverse as the environments our Search and Rescue dogs are trained in. We offer training in some of the most rigorous environments on the east coast.

Our instructors are experienced volunteer Search and Rescue K-9 handlers and certified SARTECHs by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), who can provide training in a variety of locations. Some of our SAR trainers across the country also offer foundational Search and Rescue group training classes.

Urban training locations are ideal for Search and Rescue teams that need to prepare for disaster scenarios. Our Urban Search and Rescue Dog handler courses are designed to provide practical, hands-on training in search methods and strategies.

We offer skill-specific training for FEMA or Urban Disaster dog-handler teams, including skills such as building a solid bark alert and navigating complex obstacles. This training is essential for teams that need to operate in urban environments.

Curious to learn more? Check out: How to Become a Search and Rescue Dog Handler

Our instructors are volunteer Search and Rescue K-9 handlers and certified SARTECHs by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), ensuring that you receive expert guidance and training. They have experience training dogs in rigorous environments and have worked with teams during natural disasters.

Our Urban Disaster training includes skills such as stability work, directionals training, and environmental confidence building, all of which are crucial for teams operating in disaster scenarios. We also offer FEMA-specific obedience skills and more.

In addition to our courses, we also offer in-service training, problem-solving, and American Red Cross Pet CPR and First Aid certification for teams that already have a SAR K-9. This training is designed to help teams refine their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and protocols.

A fresh viewpoint: Search and Rescue Dogs 9/11

Our wilderness training programs prepare dogs to locate individuals in rugged terrain that's difficult for human searchers to navigate. We train dogs to work off-lead as air-scenting dogs to find lost or missing individuals quickly and reliably.

Wilderness search dogs are trained in agility as well as on and off lead obedience for complete control. In our programs, you'll learn basic and advanced scent theory, K-9 variables, and proper handling techniques.

In our Beginner live find area search program, your dog will be able to successfully locate one stationary subject within a 20-acre area. This is a great starting point for new handlers and dogs.

Our Intermediate live find area search program takes it to the next level, teaching your dog to locate two stationary subjects within a 40-60 search area. This includes navigating difficult areas and obstacles.

If you're looking to prepare your dog-handler team for certification, our Advanced live find area search program is the way to go. This program introduces short distance scent discriminating area searches and covers any specialized skills your team may need.

We offer hands-on training in rugged environments, providing a realistic and challenging experience for your dog. Our Wilderness Search and Rescue Dog handler courses are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field.

Our training levels are designed to meet the needs of search and rescue teams and individuals. We offer comprehensive handler courses that come with our Search and Rescue training programs.

Our training methods are progressive and taught by active search and rescue dog handlers who have experience in some of the most rigorous environments on the east coast. We also offer in-service training, problem solving, and American Red Cross Pet CPR and First Aid certification for teams and individuals who already have a SAR K-9.

Our Tracking and Trailing handler course is a two-week program that provides training on equipment types and proper use, proper handling skills, and basic and advanced scent theory.

Deb has certified her own K9s in IPWDA Crime Scene, Water and 160 Live Find.

She has also assisted in helping many handlers and K9s in achieving SAR certifications.

In 2013, CAST was the first team in the US to bring the International Rescue Dog (IRO) certifications to the US.

Her K9 Eisen was both IPWDA certified HRD Crime Scene and Water, and IRO Level B certified Live Find.

Deb is currently working with IPWDA certified K9 Saleen.

She also has a young Dutchie, Chance, in the pipeline.

Additional reading: K9 Unit Training

At the intermediate level, you'll learn specific techniques and strategies used by professional responders to increase results and reduce misses.

Our instructors, volunteer Search and Rescue K-9 handlers and certified SARTECHs, will guide you through this course.

You'll gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge to improve your search and rescue skills.

Highland Canine Training, LLC offers comprehensive handler courses with all of their search and rescue training programs, including the intermediate course.

This course is perfect for those who have some experience in search and rescue and want to take their skills to the next level.

Our search and rescue courses and certification programs are designed to meet the needs of most SAR teams, which often operate on a volunteer basis.

By taking the intermediate course, you'll be well-prepared to tackle more complex search and rescue missions.

Our Search and Rescue dog training methods are progressive and taught by active search and rescue dog handlers. They have been trained in some of the most rigorous environments on the east coast.

At Highland Canine Training, LLC, we offer affordable dogs and training to meet the needs of most SAR teams, which is essential for volunteer-based teams. Our instructors are volunteer Search and Rescue K-9 handlers and certified SARTECHs by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR).

Our comprehensive handler course is included with all of our Search and Rescue training programs. This course is designed to provide each team with the necessary tools and knowledge to be a productive Search and Rescue team.

In-service training is available for teams who already have a SAR K-9. This training can help improve problem-solving skills and provide American Red Cross Pet CPR and First Aid certification.

Our Search and Rescue dog training methods are progressive and taught by active search and rescue dog handlers. We offer affordable dogs and training to meet the needs of most SAR teams, making it possible for volunteer teams to operate effectively.

Our instructors are volunteer Search and Rescue K-9 handlers and certified SARTECHs by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). They provide comprehensive handler courses with each Search and Rescue training program.

The training is rigorous, with dogs trained in some of the most challenging environments on the east coast. Some have even proven themselves during natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina.

If you already own a dog you're considering for Search and Rescue training, we can evaluate your dog for $100. We'll give you advice and training options to help you decide if your dog is a good fit.

Wilderness SAR dogs are trained to locate individuals in rugged terrain, often working off lead as air-scenting dogs. They're typically trained in agility and on and off lead obedience for complete control.

Our Wilderness Search and Rescue Dog handler courses cover basic and advanced scent theory, K-9 variables, and proper handling techniques.