Has anyone trained their own search and rescue dog? Which organization do you go through to get accredited? I have looked at local trainers for this, but the two I found used brutal training methods. I don't know if they use this for search and rescue, but I can't give someone money in good faith knowing that I am supporting this kind of "business". Long story short, I'd like to do most, if not all, of Ace's training myself. Any books, materials, websites anyone could recommend would be great.

I am wanting to train him because there is a shortage in our area for cadaver dogs and Ace has a remarkable nose. When I'm out in the yard with him and I come inside, he'll wander the yard, following my scent in the exact path I walked.

I think that's awesome Camille but would you take him looking for cadavers?:eek: What if you actually found one? I don't think I could do that! I wish I had some good info for you but I don't. Sorry.:(

I think that's awesome Camille but would you take him looking for cadavers?:eek: What if you actually found one? I don't think I could do that! I wish I had some good info for you but I don't. Sorry.:(

I've heard you are only supposed to train for either live or cadaver, not both. I would probably train Ace for either the one most needed in our state, or the one he would be best at. If that was cadaver, we'd do it. I can't imagine how bad it would be to lose a loved one and never get the peace of a burial.

Good for you. I wish you the best of luck and wish that I could offer you a direction to take. My daugher worked as a coroner before moving on to juvenile probation but she has always worked in the 'morbid' filed of the dead. I think it is wonderful to want to train your dog for something so useful and necessary. Imagine having a part in bringing peace and closure to a tragic situation. You go :thumb4: .

I wish I had more info for you as well. A friend that is into search and rescue watched Bella for a week while I was on vacation and took Bella out with her to training several times. She said Bella did great but I never asked more about it. Next time I talk to her I will get more info for you!

sarlab on this board is very active...His name is Dar and he could probably give you some ideas....

Not sure if you are willing to travel but this place is Southern IL does training.

Human Remains Detection (HRD)/Cadaver
This 3-day, 30-hour course examines the skills needed for locating human remains. One-on-one instruction, guidance and demonstration provide the students with individual attention. Foundation training, building the alert, passive vs. active indication, handling of training aids, pseudo scent and crime scene preservation are just some of the topics covered in this course. All skill levels are accepted. This course can be helpful to a dog team just starting that wants to obtain a solid foundation, or to a dog team wishing to refine their skills.
http://www.extremek-9.com/training_services.htm

ETA: They also have a Search and Detection Academy
http://www.extremek-9.com/s&d_academy.htm

Not sure if you are willing to travel but this place is Southern IL does training.

Human Remains Detection (HRD)/Cadaver
This 3-day, 30-hour course examines the skills needed for locating human remains. One-on-one instruction, guidance and demonstration provide the students with individual attention. Foundation training, building the alert, passive vs. active indication, handling of training aids, pseudo scent and crime scene preservation are just some of the topics covered in this course. All skill levels are accepted. This course can be helpful to a dog team just starting that wants to obtain a solid foundation, or to a dog team wishing to refine their skills.
http://www.extremek-9.com/training_services.htm

ETA: They also have a Search and Detection Academy
http://www.extremek-9.com/s&d_academy.htm

That was just what I was looking for. Is this place close to you? I'd like to get an eyewitness opinion on something like this before signing up. I would be livid if I paid money and traveled to get training from someone who pulled their dog up off their feet on a prong collar and held him there (that was the last SAR place I looked at here in town).

That was just what I was looking for. Is this place close to you? I'd like to get an eyewitness opinion on something like this before signing up. I would be livid if I paid money and traveled to get training from someone who pulled their dog up off their feet on a prong collar and held him there (that was the last SAR place I looked at here in town).

It is very close by me. Only about ten mins away. I have been there and the people are really awesome! I took Lily for a "see what were about" type thing for basic obedience. They were not harsh in there methods at all. The do use an e-collar but they use it correctly and don't abuse it. The are very big and teaching people to use it correctly. They use it on such a low setting it was like nothing. It was much less then a prong collar even. Lily who is very submissive and shy of things like that was very happy go lucky and it did not even phase her. I would at least send them an e-mail and get to know them a little better. They really are great. I would have loved to put my dogs in training there but being in school it was a little too expensive! I am still hoping to one day though!!!