It is the human mind that often interferes with the work of Search and Rescue.There are those who think and then use their thoughts or theories to train with, without having testing or putting their theories to practical application. This can damage a otherwise good K-9 Search and Rescue team. The real world of man tracking is much different from other forms of tracking. In truth there is really no similarities except the dog being used. The terrain weather and natural obstacles must be dealt with in man tracking. If we watch the clock and not the dog we will lose effectiveness. If we put restrictions on this type of training and any new handlers out of ignorance, everyone will lose. Dogs are powerful indicators and we must be skilfull communicators.

Below are photos of a Search and Rescue team group who had come in for training. Some of the members had dogs, some did not.

Here the team gets set up.

The group is lining up to do a search

The searching continues

Well hidden.

Classroom theory time at the end of the day.

©Mike McConnery-/Baden K9 Incorporated, April 28, 2003