Accepted 12/6/99

Introduction

The Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group Canine SAR program is intended to select, train, evaluate and maintain dog/handler teams that perform at a rigorous level of competence in wilderness and specialty SAR operations. The program ensures that AMRG operational dog teams will meet or exceed the performance standards promulgated by the Pennsylvania Search and Rescue Council, the Appalachian Search and Rescue Conference, and all other applicable jurisdictional bodies.

Canine program administration is designed to ensure that canine trainees and operational teams are adequately supervised and provided with appropriate training opportunities for canine-specific skills, and that necessary documentation is maintained.

A. Canine Training Director

1. AMRG will elect by vote of the membership a canine training director (CTD) whose duties shall include accepting applications for the canine program, scheduling canine training sessions, overseeing team progress, maintaining training logs and records, and evaluating teams for canine operational status.

2. The canine training director may or may not be the ASRC group training officer.

3. The canine training director will hold the ASRC field certification of Field Team Leader. (Appendix C)

4. The canine training director will be a Level 2 operational handle

B. Canine Training Schedule

1. The CTD will schedule an average of three unit canine training sessions per month.

2. Unit canine training sessions shall not conflict with regularly scheduled monthly unit training sessions.

3. The CTD will publish the canine training schedule quarterly or semi-annually.

C. Sanction

1. Canine handlers and trainees are subject to the same procedures governing searcher and member conduct as all AMRG members.

2. Additionally, canine handlers and trainees may have their status as part of the canine program suspended, revoked, or altered without impinging upon their status as AMRG members.

3. Full or probationary members whose status is altered for cause by the Canine Training Director may appeal to the AMRG membership for a review of the CTD's actions.

4. Probationary members of the canine program removed by majority vote of the operational handlers may not appeal to the AMRG general membership for reinstatement.

5. Failure to complete or document required training on a quarterly basis will result in the team's automatic suspension from operational status and/or ineligibility to test for Level 1 or 2 certification within three weeks of the end of the undocumented quarter.

a. The team will regain eligibility for operational status after completing one quarter of properly documented training

b. The team will be automatically removed from the canine trainee roster after two quarters of no documented training, within three weeks of the end of the second undocumented quarter.

c. Any team removed from the trainee roster must reapply to the canine program in order to resume participation.

A. All canine handlers will be subject to the same general training requirements as non-canine AMRG personnel, in addition to attending and progressing with canine training. (Appendix C)

1. Trainee and operational dogs are encouraged to attend non-canine unit training sessions and testing weekends.

2. Some training, e.g. technical rescue and mantracking, may require that handlers leave their partners at home or restrain them at the training site.

Evaluations are a formal opportunity to proof a team, and to prepare them for the rigors of SAR operations in a collegial, non-threatening learning environment. AMRG's unique double-blind field evaluations advance the objectivity and accuracy of the testing process far beyond the current standard of practice.

A. Obedience and Agility Evaluation

1. Evaluators

a. The Canine Training Director will administer the obedience and agility evaluations for each team.

b. At the CTD's discretion, any other operational dog handler in the unit may serve as evaluator for the obedience and agility requirements, or any portion thereof.

c. No handler will be evaluated by a member of his or her family or household.

2. Test Procedures

a. All elements of the obedience requirements will be successfully completed by the candidate team no more than one month prior to commencing field tests. Agility requirements will be successfully completed by the candidate team no more than two months prior to commencing field tests.

b. Obedience and agility requirements need not be evaluated at once, but may be checked off during several sessions.

B. Search Skills Field Evaluation

1. Evaluators

a. The two field evaluators will be the CTD and/or (a) level 2 handler(s) designated by the CTD and acceptable to the handler candidate.

b. Evaluators from outside the unit may be employed in place of or in addition to unit evaluators if this is acceptable to the handler or required by an applicable supra-unit standard, but there will be no more than three observers accompanying the team on their field tests.

(1) Outside evaluators will possess qualifications equivalent to those of AMRG evaluators, as determined by the majority of operational handlers.

(2) Outside evaluators will receive detailed briefing and copies of the relevant AMRG performance standards, and will be directed to evaluate teams to AMRG requirements.

c. The Canine Training Director, as well as any family members of the CTD, will be evaluated by two Level 2 handlers, two outside evaluators, or one of each, to be selected by a majority of operational handlers and acceptable to the candidate.

d. No handler will be evaluated by a member of his or her family or household.

e. No handler will be required to accept an evaluator whom he believes to be hostile or unqualified.

2. Test Administrator

a. The test administrator will be a Level 2 handler or an AMRG FTL designated by the Canine Training Director

b. The test administrator's responsibilities will include:

(1) Scheduling the field test(s) and coordinating time and directions with the candidate, evaluators, and subjects

(2) Designating a test area that meets all the criteria for the field test, and procuring access to the area

(3) Recruiting and briefing test subjects

(4) Placing and concealing test subjects and otherwise preparing the test area

(5) Preparing appropriate maps of the area, as per the test procedures

(6) Collecting and maintaining all documentation for each test he administers

(7) Resolving discrepancies in evaluator reporting, as per the test procedures

(8) Remaining on scene and acting as "base" during the field test

(9) Maintaining contact with test subjects during the field test, and ensuring their safety

(10) Maintaining the security of the test by ensuring that the number and location of the subjects is undisclosed, that the evaluators do not confer with one another before debriefing, and all debriefings remain private

3. Test Procedures

a. The test administrator will place any subjects and return to base at least 30 minutes prior to the arrival of candidate and evaluators.

(1) The test administrator will provide a true-scale black and white photocopy of the USGS 7.5 minute topographical map of the search area, with legend data and ASRC grid overlay included.

(a) At the request of the candidate handler, the test administrator will include UTM information on the test map

(b) The map will include the most current known declination figure and revision date

(2) The test administrator will define the search area for the testing team by clearly marking the map.

b. Teams will be expected to search their entire areas on each test, except that:

(1) The evaluators may call a halt to a test when the team has failed irreparably

(2) The team may cease searching after locating the maximum number of subjects for each test

(3) No-go zones, as designated by the test administrator, will not be considered part of the test area

c. At least one, but no more than two, of the three (or four) tests will have no subject in the search area

d. At least one of the three (or four) tests will have multiple subjects in the search area.

e. At least one subject in one test will be completely buried or concealed in such a way that the test administrator cannot detect his presence visually from any angle at a distance of fifteen feet.

f. At least one subject in one test will be suspended six feet or more above the ground, either in a tree or on a cliff face, building rafters, etc., in such a way that he is inaccessible to the dog.

g. All subjects will be concealed from easy view, and all subjects will remain quiet and stationary for the duration of the test, until found by the entire team.

h. All test areas will be new to the handler, and not previously used by him during training.

i. The handler will not be permitted to use a leash or restraint of any kind, including electronic, while his dog is working, except that a leash may be used while crossing roads or railroads and during an initial grid along a road or railroad as a boundary, and when confronting a potential hazard.

j. The handler will be permitted to use all standard techniques generally available to SAR dog handlers during missions, except that he may not attempt to elicit information from passers-by or test participants about subject location, landmarks, etc.

k. The evaluators, test subjects, and test administrator may in no way impede or aid the team.

l. The handler will affix a flagging marker provided by the test administrator at the site of each find of a test subject. All flags left by the handler will remain in place until debriefing is complete and the test administrator has resolved any discrepancies.

4. Debriefing

a. The test administrator will debrief the evaluators and handler separately and privately after the completion of the field task.

b. The handler will be debriefed with a standard PSARC debriefing form, and questioned on POD, conditions, area covered, hazards, clues, incidental finds, and areas to re-search.

(1) The handler will submit a task map, marked with the area covered, wind directions, location of clues, and location of any subjects found.

(2) The handler will give an opinion about the likelihood that there are subjects remaining in the search area, and their probable locations.

c. The evaluators will be debriefed with a standard PSARC debriefing form, and questioned on POD, conditions, area covered, hazards, clues, incidental finds, and areas to re-search.

(1) Each evaluator will submit a task map, marked with the area covered, location of clues, and location of any subjects found.

(2) Each evaluator will give an opinion about the likelihood that there are additional subjects present in the search area, and their probable locations.

(3) The test administrator will document all discrepancies between the evaluator(s)’ and handler’s debriefings .

(a) The test administrator will resolve all verifiable discrepancies by reference to his own map, flag lines, clue flags, etc.

(b) Unverifiable discrepancies, and all discrepancies between two evaluators, will be documented by the test administrator.

4) Evaluators will be kept separate before and during debriefing, and may not consult with one another.

5. Evaluation Criteria

a. Handler SAR Competence
Each evaluator will rate the handler on the following skills, using an AMRG field test checklist:

(1) Handler's use of appropriate questions about subject description and behavior, time factors, terrain, hazards, POA, etc.

(2) Handler's ability to choose appropriate tactics for the task, including:

(a) An explanation of how wind, weather, terrain and air movement influence his choice of tactics

(b) The ability to appropriately modify tactics or adjust POD to compensate for changes in the above

(3) Handler's navigation skills, including:

(a) Identifying boundaries and landmarks of search area

(b) Setting and maintaining a search pattern

(c) Identifying the team's location to within 100 meters using ASRC grid coordinates

(d) Informing base of an appropriate route to the team's location at the site of each find

(e) Accurately characterizing the area searched and any relatively higher and lower POD estimates for sub-areas while debriefing

(4) Handler's appropriate use of communications equipment and procedures

(5) Handler's attentiveness to and interpretation of visual and audio clues

(6) Handler's attentiveness to and interpretation of his partner's communications and behavior, including the accurate identification of his partner's alert to scent.

(7) Handler's attentiveness to the safety and well-being of his partner.

(a) No handler will be penalized for refusing or stopping a task that, in his opinion, poses an unacceptable threat to his dog or other team members

(b) Each evaluator is ultimately responsible for stopping a task that poses a threat to the dog or other team members.

(c) A task that is stopped because of a safety compromise before passing criteria can be met will be declared a mis-test

b. Dog SAR Competence
The dog will be evaluated on the following skills:

(1) Ranging and general commitment to search behavior, including willingness to leave travel aids to seek scent

(2) Obedience and responsiveness to handler direction where appropriate

(3) Willingness to follow scent once it is detected, including following it through/over difficult obstacles

(4) Ability to pinpoint the location of the scent source

(5) Completion of the refind for every confirmed dog find of a test subject

c. Team SAR Competence
The team will be evaluated on the following skills:

(1) Their ability to work without the dog seeking or the handler issuing excessive commands and directions

(2) Their ability to problem-solve together to identify the source of scent

(3) Their ability to respond appropriately to one another during the alert-find-refind sequence

6. Failure

a. Failure is automatic when:

(1) The dog shows aggression towards any person during the course of the test, as determined by the evaluators.

(2) The dog chases game or domestic animals and cannot be called off; or the dog "runs away" during the test.

(3) The handler is abusive towards the dog, as determined by the evaluators.

(4) The dog fails to perform, or the handler fails to acknowledge, a refind or signal on a found subject, as determined by the subject himself and reported to the test administrator.

(5) The handler solicits or employs any outside assistance

b. Teams may also fail when:

(1) In the evaluators' opinions, the dog, handler, or team as a whole show a serious deficiency in any of their evaluation criteria

(a) All measurable criteria must be documented by both evaluators, and in the case of discrepancy, reconciled by the test administrator

(b) All unmeasurable criteria must be documented by both evaluators, and in the case of discrepancy, adjudicated by the test administrator

(2) The dog fails to find a subject or subjects whom, in the evaluators' opinions, should have been found within the limits of the target or reported POD

(a) In order for evaluators to withhold certification on these grounds, both evaluators must independently identify the general location of the missed subject or subjects to the satisfaction of the test administrator

(b) Note that a "miss" on a subject is not automatic grounds for failure, if in the opinion of the evaluators, the team was performing competently at the target or reported POD and, in the opinion of the test administrator, the handler gave an accurate debriefing concerning the area in which the subject was placed

c. A team that fails any one field test may retake that test only a minimum of two weeks later

d. A team that fails a retest must wait a minimum of two months, and complete the entire field test.

e. In case of a disagreement between two evaluators, the test administrator shall decide any issue that is verifiable from the debriefing data or administrator’s own information about test setup.

7. Documentation

a. All tests will be completely documented by both evaluators and test administrator on the appropriate AMRG forms (appendices E and F)

b. Evaluators’ and handlers’ task maps, TAFs and debriefing forms, and evaluators’ and test administrators’ report forms will be retained by the CTO and the GTO as part of the team’s permanent training files.

c. All team failures must be documented on the evaluators’ report forms, with a precise description of the deficiency and a reference to the section of the AMRG standard that describes the skill found deficient.

d. The handler shall receive complete copies of all test documentation within one week of the test date.

8. Mis-test

a. The evaluator(s) may declare a mis-test without prejudice to the testing team.

(1) Mis-test should called by the evaluators when a test must be stopped due to the appearance of a hazard, injury to any party to the test, sudden illness, deteriorating weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.

(2) Mis-test should be called by the evaluators whenever an outside party interferes substantially with the conduct of the test, such that an accurate, fair, and consistent test is not possible.

b. The test administrator may declare a mis-test without prejudice to the testing team.

(1) Mis-test should called by the test administrator when a test must be stopped due to the appearance of a hazard, injury to any party to the test, sudden illness, deteriorating weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.

(2) Mis-test should be called by the test administrator whenever an outside party interferes substantially with the conduct of the test, such that an accurate, fair, and consistent test is not possible

(3) The test administrator is specifically responsible for monitoring the status of test subjects and ensuring their safety. test administrator should call a mis-test whenever necessary to ensure the safety of the subjects.

c. In case of a mis-test, the test administrator, evaluators and testing team may reschedule at their convenience, but no more than two months from the original test date.

9. Appeal

Any handler may request that his retest be conducted with different evaluators and/or test administrator; this request should be filed in writing with the CTD within one week of the handler’s receipt of his test documentation.

10. Recertification

a. Operational teams shall recertify biannually. Each team will complete its recertification testing no less than twenty-two (22) or more than twenty-six (26) months after the completion of the previous certification test.

(1) All paperwork documentation, FTM or FTL certification, medical and other required certification, and safety testing must be up to date and filed with the CTD before the team is considered recertified.

(2) The handler will pass the appropriate level written test with a score of 70 or above.

(3) The dog will pass the AMRG subject safety test, as well as the obedience and agility requirements

(4) The recertifying team will complete two of the four field tests used for the initial certification. Tests will be chosen at random by the CTD.

b. Level 1 teams who fail the Level 1 recertification will be reduced to trainee status and removed from the active canine call roster.

c. Level 2 teams who fail the Level 2 recertification may be reduced to Level 1 or to trainee status, depending upon the nature and severity of the shortcomings.

IX. Operational Status -- Level 2

<Reserved for Future Development>

X. Specialty Search

A. Water

B. Disaster

C. Burial/Avalanche

D. Cave

<Reserved for future development>

Appendix A: Decorum and Behavior Agreement
Final Draft Attached

Appendix B: AMRG SAR Dog Behavior Policy (With thanks to Mid-Atlantic DOGS)
Final Draft Attached

Appendix C: ASRC FTM/FTL Standards
To Be Attached; appendix automatically revised as standards are revised

Appendix D: AMRG Subject Safety Test
Working Draft Attached (beta test description)

Appendix E: Evaluator Test Briefing and Report Form
Working Draft Attached (alpha test form)

Appendix F: Test Administrator Briefing and Report Form
Working Draft Attached (incomplete)

Appendix G: Operational Requirement Planning/Tracking Form
To Be Attached

Appendix H: Glossary of Terms
Final Draft Attached

Appendix I: Canine First Aid Equipment Supplement
To Be Attached

Appendix J: Recommended Reading for Dog Handlers
To Be Attached

Appendix K: Guidelines for Equivalency and Recognition of External Testing Procedures
To Be Attached

Appendix L: Initial Program Implementation -- Bootstrap Mechanism
Final Draft Attached

All appendices are subject to ongoing revision by canine program participants.

Appendix A: Decorum and Behavior Agreement

______________________________

witness

Appendix B: AMRG SAR Dog Behavior Policy (With thanks to Mid-Atlantic DOGS)

Search and rescue dogs are expected to be friendly and non-aggressive toward people and other animals. Any deviation from expected friendly behavior is a poor reflection on all of us and volunteer search and rescue dog teams in general.

The best correction in dog training is the anticipated one that is given before or just as the undesired action begins. In training sessions we:

* Introduce our dogs to as many situations as we conceivably can in a controlled environment.

* Expose our dogs to off-leash play at training.

* Have other members handle our dogs during obedience sessions

* Use training sessions as the place to retrain, correct, or discipline dogs with behavior problems.

* Create situations in which a dog that has displayed unwanted social behavior can be corrected so that it learns acceptable social behavior.

* Train our dogs to come immediately when called from a distance when off lead and to down on recall.

Policy

1. Handlers are responsible for the behavior of their dogs at all times.

2. Repeated acts of antisocial behavior by a dog that are not immediately corrected by the handler will not be tolerated.

3. Handlers will use regular training sessions as the opportunity to correct behavior problems.

4. Each of us will notify the handler if we observe inappropriate behavior by a dog in the handler's absence.

5. Each of us will assist a handler in correcting or retraining a dog.

6. Each handler will train and reinforce only those behaviors that are compatible with the safe conduct of lost person search and the promotion of a positive public image of SAR dogs.

7. At non-training sessions, dogs will be kept on a leash, held at a sufficient length so the dog is under control, until the handler is confident that his dog is relaxed and others do not mind dogs off leash.

8. Dogs will be on down stays away from the table when people are eating at unit events; puppies who do not have solid down-stays will be leashed or confined away from the table.

9. Non-SAR dogs (pets of handlers and other unit members) may attend unit events where permitted and appropriate, provided they maintain the same standard of decorum as expected of SAR dogs, and are not represented as SAR dogs to the public or the SAR community.

10. Dogs will not be left unattended at conferences, public demonstrations, inter-unit training or other public events at which the handler is representing AMRG. If a dog cannot accompany his or her handler due to the legitimate demands of a task, another responsible person must keep physical custody of the dog. A dog may be left secured in a room, provided he or she does not create a disturbance. The canine training director will communicate this unit policy to the organizers of conferences and inter-unit events that will be attended by AMRG handlers.

I agree with this behavior policy and will abide by its provisions.

__________________ ___________________________

Date Handler candidate

____________________________

witness

Appendix D: AMRG Subject Safety Test

Version 1.0

All trainee dogs must complete and pass a subject safety test before being deemed operational. Operational dogs must complete and pass a subject safety test each time they recertify, or once every two years, whichever is greater.

The subject safety test is designed as a consistently applied diagnostic tool that can identify potential problem areas in a SAR dog’s response to plausible search stresses and indicate possible training remedies. It may also serve to identify a dog whose temperament is unsuitable for the stresses of lost person search. It is not a certification, and cannot be considered a guarantee that a dog will never actively defend himself when threatened. Formal search scenario safety-testing is a relatively new endeavor in canine SAR (initiated by Search Dogs Northeast in the early 1990’s); the safety-testing program should be considered a work in progress and subject to revision and refinement.

The AMRG safety test, like its SDNE progenitor, is designed to gauge a dog’s level of active defense response when confronted with a human threat, and predatory response when confronted with a human prey object. A dog who shows an unacceptable response is by no means necessarily vicious or unstable, but may require retraining to rechannel his instincts and behaviors in a way that does not pose an unacceptable hazard to search subjects who display provocative behavior.

No dog will be evaluated for subject safety before he reaches twelve months of age. No dog less than twelve months of age will be exposed to an aggressive subject in AMRG training. The CTD and the operational handlers will not permit any dog to be tested who, in their opinion, poses an unacceptable risk to the test subjects.

All safety tests will be videotaped; tapes will be archived by the CTD. Tests will be evaluated by the CTD and the operational handlers, either at the time of testing or by viewing the video record. Videos of questionable tests (in which the CTD determines that the dog’s response is ambiguous or borderline, or there is substantial disagreement about a dog's performance) will be referred to an outside behaviorist for evaluation and comment.

A dog who fails any portion of the safety test may not retest for one month. The handler will be assigned a course of corrective training by the CTD, and is responsible for undertaking such training with the support of the CTD and other canine handlers.

Test 1: Threatening Subject

The dog and handler will commence a small area search task in such a manner that the handler will be at least 100 feet away, and preferably out of sight, when the dog finds the subject.

The subject will be a person unknown to the dog, and plausibly scary and threatening.

When the dog is within five to ten feet of the subject, he or she will threaten the dog by shouting, waving a stick or cane, and advancing no more than three steps towards the dog. The subject will continue threatening until the dog leaves or the test administrator stops the test.

The handler may not call or command the dog. The test administrator will instruct the handler to call the dog in the case of an inappropriate response.

When the dog returns for the refind with the handler, the subject will be friendly towards the dog, and will reward the dog.

The dog will back away or avoid the subject and return immediately to the handler for a refind. The dog will lead the handler back to the subject willingly, without special prompting, and make contact when he sees that the subject is now friendly.

 

The dog may briefly bark at the subject, as long as he leaves for a refind without prompting from the handler.

The dog may attempt to take the subject’s stick.

The dog may try to play with the subject, as long as he leaves for the refind without prompting from the handler.

The dog may run from the subject in any direction, and then return to the handler while avoiding the subject.

The dog may hesitate on the refind and require additional prompting and encouragement from the handler to move towards the subject.

The dog may refuse to contact the subject on the refind.

The dog may not attempt to bite the subject.

The dog may not hold the subject at bay, whether barking or silent, without performing a spontaneous refind.

The dog may not knock the subject down.

The dog may not run away, back to the car, or to a person other than the handler, such that he does not spontaneously return to the handler for a refind.

The dog may not refuse to lead the handler back to the threatening subject.

Test 2: Threatening Subject, with Handler

The handler will walk with the dog off-lead, not at heel, and within ten feet of the handler. No search command will be given.

A plausibly threatening subject (may be the subject from Test 1) will leap from concealment as the team passes, shouting, threatening and waving a stick or cane. The subject may advance no more than three steps towards the handler, but may continue to move and skirt the handler’s position.

The handler may give any commands he deems appropriate to control the dog, but may not physically restrain the dog. The test administrator will instruct the handler to restrain the dog in the case of an inappropriate response.

The test administrator will instruct the subject to stop threatening and become friendly towards the dog and handler when the dog’s response has been ascertained.

The dog will return to the handler’s side spontaneously, or position himself between the handler and the subject without barking or growling. He will accept the subject and make contact when the subject becomes friendly.

The handler may call the dog to come or heel or command him to sit, down, or freeze, and the dog will obey without the handler using physical force.

The dog may position himself between subject and handler and bark or growl, provided he does not attempt to bite the subject and is not refusing any handler commands.

The dog may bark or growl at the subject while obeying the handler.

The dog may bark or growl at the subject while spontaneously returning to heel.

The dog may hide behind the handler.

The dog may run away from the subject, provided he returns to the handler or stops and stays when commanded. The test administrator will instruct the handler to command the dog if he runs away.

The dog may refuse to approach the “friendly” subject, provided he does not continue to growl, bark, or threaten after the subject becomes friendly.

The dog may attempt to take the subject’s stick, provided he is not disobeying any handler commands.

 

The dog may not attempt to bite the subject.

The dog may not knock the subject down.

The dog may not run away, back to the car, or to a person other than the handler while disobeying.

The dog may not disobey the handler’s commands.

Test 3: Prey-like Subject

The dog will be sent on a short area search task, set up so that the handler will be at least 100 feet away, and preferably out of sight, when the dog finds the subject.

The subject will be a small person. A child subject may be used if special precautions are taken to ensure child safety. A child subject is considered the ideal test subject, but may not be available or advised for testing purposes.

When the dog is within five feet of the subject, he or she will jump from position and run away from the dog while screaming and shrieking in a high-pitched voice. The subject will continue to run and scream until the dog has begun to return to the handler.

The handler may not call or command the dog. The test administrator will instruct the handler to call the dog in the case of an inappropriate response.

The subject will be quiet and passive when the team returns for the refind.

The dog will return immediately to the handler without following the subject or attempting to contact him. The dog will refind immediately without special encouragement.

The dog may follow the subject before performing the refind, but must return to the handler spontaneously while the subject is still moving and vocalizing.

The dog may accidentally bump or knock the subject, but must not pounce if the subject falls.

The dog may try to play with the subject, as long as he leaves for the refind without prompting from the handler.

The dog may body-block the subject, as long as he leaves for the refind without prompting from the handler.

The dog may run from the subject in any direction, and then return to the handler while avoiding the subject.

The dog may hesitate on the refind and require additional prompting and encouragement from the handler to move towards the subject.

The dog may refuse to contact the subject on the refind.

The dog may not attempt to bite the subject.

The dog may not bark at the subject.

The dog may not pounce on or deliberately knock down the subject.

The dog may not run away, back to the car, or to a person other than the handler, such that he does not spontaneously return to the handler for a refind.

The dog may not refuse to lead the handler back to the subject.

 

Appendix E: Evaluator Test Briefing and Report Form: Airscenting Level 1 Test

Appendix E: Evaluator Test Briefing and Report Form: Airscenting Level 1 Test

Draft: Version 1.0

Section I: Test Information

Date: _________________ Test: Hasty Large Area Challenging Terrain Night

Handler: __________________________________________ Dog: _______________________

Evaluator: ________________________________ Test Administrator: ________________________

Location: ______________________________ Time Started: __________ Time Finished: __________

Section II: Skills Checklist

Does the Handler -- Y N Does the Dog -- Y N

Items displayed in bold italics automatically fail the team if the YES box is checked. These items MUST be fully documented in section IV below if YES is checked.

Plain-text items may be grounds for failure if the NO box is checked. You must note deficiencies in section IV for all NO responses. You must fully document all NO responses that constitute grounds for team failure, including reference the appropriate section of the performance standard and relevant times and measurements.

 Section V: Overall Evaluation

Discuss this team’s strengths and weaknesses as displayed on this field test. Use additional paper whenever necessary.

Evaluator Procedures for AMRG Canine Team Field Testing

Please familiarize yourself with the AMRG performance standards (Part IV of the Canine Program Document) and evaluation procedures (Part V).

The test administrator is in charge of ensuring that correct test procedures are followed. Please direct all procedural questions to the TA.

This test is double-blinded for accuracy. Please make no attempt to discover the location and number of test subjects from the TA or any person. Do not arrive at the test site early.

The test administrator will brief both evaluators and handler candidate. Handler’s questions about scenario elements will be addressed to the TA. You may evaluate the appropriateness of handler questions during the briefing. You may ask additional questions that will help you evaluate after the briefing, when the handler has been excused.

You may not aid or impede the team in any way during the field test. Please respect the handler’s wishes regarding your position relative to the team’s. Make notes of your comments during the task.

Familiarize yourself with the evaluator checklist, but do not fill it out during the task or otherwise distract the handler.

Do not consult with other evaluators regarding the team’s performance, either during or after the field test. You will be debriefed separately by the TA.

Mark your map exactly as you would if you were working this task with your own dog. Your task map will become part of the test documentation.

Estimate the team’s actual POD, a baseline POD that you would expect from an operational team working the same area, and the number and location of any subjects whom you believe to be in the area, but who are not found by the team.

Stop the test if at any time you determine that a dangerous condition exists, or the team has failed irreparably on any of the bold italic categories. You may consult with other evaluators in making this call.

AMRG is concerned only with end-point performance of identified SAR skills on field task tests. Address any concerns about a team’s style of working to the canine training director, not to the handler or test administrator.

Appendix F: Test Administrator Briefing and Report Form

Draft: Version 1.0

Date: _________________ Test: Hasty Large Area Challenging Terrain Night

Handler: __________________________________________ Dog: _______________________

Test Administrator: _____________________Evaluators: _______________________________________

Location: ______________________________ Time Started: __________ Time Finished: ____________

* * * * *

Number of Subjects: _______ Grid Coordinates of Subjects: _____________________________________

Suspended Subject? YES / NO

Concealed Subject? YES / NO Time Last Subject Placed: ______________________

Test Administration Checklist:

Are there any discrepancies between the task maps of the handler and an evaluator or evaluators? YES/NO

If YES, can you reconcile the discrepancy with your task map? YES / NO

If YES, can you reconcile the discrepancy by checking flagging markers? YES / NO

Are there any discrepancies between evaluator reports of team performance? YES / NO

If YES, can you resolve discrepancies based on measured criteria? YES / NO

Can you resolve discrepancies based on your own observations or debriefing data? YES / NO

Can you resolve discrepancies based on subject reports? YES / NO

If NO to the above, are discrepancies the crux of a pass / fail decision by evaluator(s)? YES / NO

If YES to the above, declare mis-test below:

Due to unreconcilable discrepancies between test evaluators, this field evaluation is a mis-test.

Test Administrator: _________________________________ Signature: ______________________

Documents to be included in Test Record:

Briefing sheet for team and evaluators

TAF for handler

TAís task map, showing location of subjects as placed

TAís task map, showing location of clues and finds reported by team via radio

Communications log, recording teamís reports of clues, finds, and positions

Handlerís and evaluators' completed debriefing forms and task maps

Appendix H: Glossary of Terms

Draft: Version 1.1

Technical and specialized terminology used in this document is defined below. Some terms may be used differently by other organizations and individuals, or in other contexts.

Alert
A search dog’s characteristic unconscious body language that indicates to the handler that the dog has detected the target scent.

Airscent Search Dog
A dog who seeks the source of airborne human scent and communicates success to his handler. This dog does not ordinarily follow the lost subject’s ground trail, nor does he require a scent article. The airscenting team may conduct area searches or hasty searches, and may use airscenting skills during specialty search.

Area Search
The systematic search of an entire plot of ground by an airscenting dog team.

Aus
“Out”; a bite-trained dog either releases his bite grip on a person, or does not bite, on verbal command only.

Cadaver Search
Search for human remains and parts on or under land, or in structures, visible or concealed.

Cave Search
Search for missing persons in natural caves and artificial mines and tunnels.

Contamination
In reference to a scent article, human scent not belonging to the lost subject that also present on the scent article. In reference to a search area, human scent from non-target persons who have been or are in the search area, or airborne human scent from outside the search area.

Disaster Search
Search for living patients and dead victims at the scene of building collapses, floods, storm damaged regions, earthquake zones, and other events that can entrap human beings in rubble and debris. The dog will indicate finds and/or the presence of the strongest scent by either refind or a signal.

Dog Team
For training and testing purposes, a search dog and his human handler. In operations, a search dog and handler, and all ancillary personnel on a particular task assignment.

Evidence Search

Search for physical objects containing the scent of a lost person, crime victim, or criminal. The dog will indicate objects by refind or signal. The dog may or may not scent discriminate objects from a specific person.

Find
The action of a search dog who has made visual or physical contact with a human subject or physical evidence, or who has localized an inaccessible/non-visible person or object to the extent it is physically possible for him to do so.

Hasty Search

A non-systematic search of a travel aid or other linear feature by an airscenting dog team, or by a human hasty team.

No-Go Zone
An area designated as “off limits” and not part of a search area for reasons of safety, access, legality or search area size.

Operational Dog
A dog who has met and maintained all specified operational criteria, only when partnered with the handler who has completed and maintained the operational criteria with him.

Operational Handler
A dog handler who has met and maintained all specified operational criteria, whether or not he has a currently operational canine partner.

Operational Team
A dog team in which the handler and the dog have met and maintain – as partners -- all specified operational criteria in training, testing, and documentation, and is eligible to field on incidents.

Ranging
An airscent dog’s action in leaving the handler and actively, independently seeking scent in the environment.

Refind
A search dog’s action in returning to his handler and then leading the handler to a found person or potential evidence. The refind may or may not include a specific signal to the handler.

Scent Article

An object containing the lost subject’s personal scent that is provided to a scent discriminating dog in order to inform him of the correct target scent.

Scent Discrimination

The ability of a search dog to distinguish between individual human beings based upon their unique personal body odors.

Schutzhund
A sport in which dogs compete for titles and points in obedience, tracking, and protection (biting a human agitator).

Signal
A stereotyped behavior which a search dog is conditioned to display as an indication of a find.

Specialty Search

Search techniques requiring specialized skill sets derived from airscenting or trailing. Including, but not limited to: water search, evidence search, cadaver search, disaster search, avalanche search, cave search.

Team
One dog and one handler who work together on SAR tasks.

Trailing Dog
A scent-discriminating dog who takes scent from a scent article and follows a specific individual’s ground trail to its terminus.

Trainee Dog
A dog who has been accepted into the canine training program, but has not yet met operational criteria. Or a dog whose handler has not maintained criteria for operational status.

Trainee Handler
A handler who has been accepted into the canine training program, but has not yet met operational criteria. Or a formerly operational handler who has not maintained the criteria for operational status.

Trainee Team
A team composed of a non-operational dog and/or handler who are members of the canine training program.

Unit
An organized group of search and rescue responders to which a dog team belongs, and under the direction and protocols of which the team trains and deploys. In this document, "unit" refers to Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group unless otherwise specified.

Water Search
Search for submerged human remains, either from shore or a boat. The dog will indicate the presence of the strongest scent by either alerts or a signal.

Wilderness Search
All search of wild, wooded, rural or unpopulated areas, including such environments as urban parklands and waste ground.

List of Abbreviations:

AMRG Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group

ASRC Appalachian Search and Rescue Conference

COQ Callout Qualified

CTD Canine Training Director

FTL Field Team Leader

FTM Field Team Member

GTO Group Training Officer

POD Probability of Detection

PSARC Pennsylvania Search and Rescue Council

TA Test Administrator

TAF Task Assignment Form

USGS United States Geological Survey

UTM Universal Transverse Mercator

Appendix L: Initial Program Implementation -- Bootstrap Mechanism
version 1.3

In order to initiate the AMRG canine program in an expeditious manner that is consistent with the rigor of the performance standards and training program, the first two Operational Teams will be designated by an initial mechanism as outlined below.