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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.
Part I: Canine Program Administration
Part II: Prerequisites for Acceptance to the Canine Program
Part III: Canine Program Membership and Requirements
Part IV: Operational Performance Standards
Part V: Evaluation Procedures
Part VI: Appendices
Part I: Canine Program Administration
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.
Part II: Prerequisites for Acceptance to the Canine Program
The canine program identifies handlers and dogs who can participate safely and
productively in canine training by ensuring that all applicants undergo screening and meet
relevant prerequisites.
A. Preliminary Handler Requirements -- Canine Candidate Status
1. The handler must be a full or probationary member of AMRG.
2. The handler will have passed the requirements for Call-Out Qualified (COQ) status.
a. In addition to standard COQ gear, the handler candidate's ready pack shall include:
(1) 48-hour food supply for the dog
(2) Sufficient extra water for the dog
(3) Leash or equivalent
(4) Cyalume sticks, strobe, or other light to be affixed to the dog for night search
(5) Orange safety vest for the dog
(6) Powder bottle or other wind-measuring device
(7) First-aid items suitable for use on the dog as determined by the CTD and unit
medical officer. (Appendix I)
b. The handler candidate will have participated in at least two unit canine training
sessions.
(1) The handler candidate will have met with the canine training director to discuss
the canine program.
(2) If the handler has no canine partner, he will have discussed the issue of selecting
a partner with the canine training director.
c. The handler and dog are admitted to the canine program on a six month probationary
basis.
(1) This probationary status is distinct from AMRG membership probation.
(2) The dog, handler, or both may be terminated from the canine program at any time
during the six month probation period by a majority vote of operational dog handlers.
(3) Termination from the canine program shall not affect membership or training
certification level in AMRG
B. Preliminary Dog Requirements -- Canine Candidate Status
1. The dog is of acceptable age, health, and physical type to be feasible for SAR work,
as determined by the canine training director.
a. Minimum age for evaluation will be eight weeks.
b. Dogs that have achieved "middle age" (according to the norm for each breed
or type) will be deemed beyond the age at which SAR training can be profitably begun;
however, a handler may be permitted to train with an older dog in order to develop skills
useful in the later training of a young animal.
c. The CTD may require a veterinarian's affidavit stating that the dog is in
sufficient physical and mental health to undergo SAR training and is free of parasites and
communicable disease.
d. The CTD may decline to begin training with an animal that appears to be of
unsuitable physical type for wilderness SAR, i.e. one that cannot sustain normal
locomotion, olfaction, and function while performing search tasks in a wilderness
environment.
2. The handler shows proof of inoculation for rabies, distemper, parvovirus,
bordatella, hepatitis, adenovirus and leptospirosis, or shows, in the case of a young
puppy, that the inoculation program is underway
3. The handler shows proof the dog is licensed in accordance with local law.
4. The CTD has evaluated the dog for good manners and socialization towards people and
other animals. The CTD may decline to accept a dog and/or handler for candidacy for any
reason, but specifically will do so whenever:
a. The dog shows any aggression towards a human being;
(1) Aggression towards a human being includes biting, snapping, growling, lunging,
snarling, and threat displays such as stiff-legged stalking, raised hackles and curled
lips.
(2) The CTD may surprise or mildly agitate any dog with questionable demeanor in
order to elicit a response.
b. The dog shows an unacceptable level of aggression towards another dog;
(1) Unacceptable aggression towards a dog includes attacking, snarling and lunging, and
excessive threat displays.
(2) A dog who is initially borderline must be able to show the ability to accept
strange dogs within a few minutes.
(3) The CTD will expose the candidate dog to strange dogs to elicit a response.
c. The dog shows uncontrolled aggression or predatory behavior towards any other
species of animal;
d. The dog is excessively fearful, timid, or shy;
e. The dog is excessively unruly and not under handler control;
f. The handler shows a lack of understanding about the means for controlling and
changing the dog's behavior, or an unwillingness to do so;
g. The handler displays abusive behavior towards the dog at any time;
h. The dog appears to be mentally or emotionally unstable in the CTD's judgment.
i. No dog will be accepted for training who is concurrently training in schutzhund
protection, personal protection, police K-9 or any other biting or agitation work. A dog
who has previously been trained in bite work may be accepted for training pending a
successful decommission from all aspects of bite work, as determined by the CTD.
(1) A police officer with an active-duty patrol K-9 may petition the CTD for exemption
and permission to work the dog on-lead only.
(2) Any active-duty patrol dog must meet all behavior requirements in VI.C.2, and must
demonstrate a reliable aus (“out” or release) with no bite, on verbal
command only, in the context of a modified (on lead) subject safety test.
j. Under no circumstances will a dog be accepted for training who is concurrently
training to detect any non-human target scent, including but not limited to game,
narcotics, explosives, lost pets, currency, estrus cows, termites, gas leaks , etc. A dog
who has previously been trained in detection of non-human scent may be accepted for
training pending a successful decommission from the previous target scent, as determined
by the CTD.
Part III: Canine Program Membership and Requirements
Training requirements are designed to ensure that all AMRG dog teams meet and exceed
the evolving standard of care for canine SAR. Documentation requirements serve an
important pedagogical function, and bolster the handler and the unit in legal and
financial proceedings. The training program ensures that teams will be well prepared to
meet the AMRG performance standards.
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.
B. Candidate Training Requirements and Record-Keeping
1. The candidate dog-handler team shall participate in a minimum of five
unit canine search training sessions per quarter.
a. Handler-candidate participation in a search incident may be considered to be in lieu
of unit training.
(1) Such handler participation does not count towards the eight required quarterly
dog-handler team trainings.
(2) The handler must document task assignments from search incidents and submit
documentation with quarterly training logs.
b. The Canine Training Director may designate interunit training and other events as
unit canine training.
2. Candidate teams shall submit to the CTD training records for a minimum
of eight total canine search training sessions per quarter.
a. These records will be in standard AMRG format, and will be submitted to the CTD no
less frequently than every quarter.
b. The CTD may require candidate teams to alter their reporting to include more detail
or substantiation.
3. Candidates shall also document their training in canine SAR-related disciplines,
such as obedience, agility, and veterinary medicine, and submit records to the CTD no less
frequently than every quarter.
4. The candidate team shall progress in a manner that is deemed satisfactory by the
CTD.
a. The CTD shall consult with each candidate handler no less frequently than quarterly
to evaluate the candidate team's progress.
b. The CTD shall provide each candidate handler with a written progress report and
training goals at each evaluation meeting.
5. Eligibility for Certification Testing
a. Training Duration and Age Requirements
(1) The handler must document training for a minimum period of seven months.
(a) Only team training of dog and handler together will be considered in this seven
month minimum period; training of a dog by another handler or a handler with another dog
will not be considered.
(b) Exceptions may be granted by the CTD in the case of a new partnership between an
already operational dog and an already operational handler.
(c) Training completed and documented with another SAR unit may apply, at the
discretion of the CTD.
(2) The dog will be no less than twelve months old at the time of testing.
(3) The handler will be no less than eighteen years old at the time the team becomes
operational.
b. Prerequisites
(1) Whenever possible, the canine partner has accompanied the handler on the search
tasks of the handler's FTM or FTL test.
(2) The canine partner has accompanied the handler on the bivouac portion of the
FTM/FTL test, or if this was not possible, has participated in a unit bivouac during the
trainee period.
(3) The handler has received training in canine first aid, as designated or approved by
the CTD.
(4) The handler can document at least two training sessions at which the dog detected
and indicated human cadaver material to the handler.
(5) The handler can document at least two training sessions at which the dog detected
and successfully directed the handler to an evasive subject.
6. Maintenance of Operational Status
In order to maintain Level 1 operational status, the team must:
a. Maintain the handler's FTL certification
b. Attend a minimum of four unit canine trainings per quarter
c. Submit quarterly records to the CTD showing a minimum of seven team
canine search trainings per quarter
d. Submit quarterly records to the CTD documenting training in canine SAR-related
disciplines such as obedience, agility, and veterinary medicine.
e. Meet quarterly with the CTD to discuss the team's training status, and take
direction from the CTD to remedy any shortcomings identified
f. Successfully complete a search management course within one year of initial
certification_
Part IV: Operational Performance Standards
Operational standards are a formal ratification of a team's competence as developed
through, and demonstrated in, the training program.
A. Operational Status -- Level 1
In order to attain operational status as a canine team, dog and handler must meet the
following criteria:
1. The handler will have attained the ASRC certification of Field Team Leader. * (Appendix C)
2. The dog will have passed a AMRG Subject Safety Test within three months of testing;
a dog < 15 months old may commence field testing before taking the Subject Safety Test,
but must successfully complete it before age 16 months in order to maintain operational
status. (Appendix D)
3. Written Test (Level 1)
a. The handler shall pass a 100 question written exam specific to canine SAR with a
score of 70 or above.
(1) Each handler written test shall include ten (10) questions in each of the following
categories: animal behavior, command post procedures and communications, navigation,
olfaction, scent behavior, meteorology, veterinary medicine, probability factors in canine
SAR, canine SAR tactics
(a) A test question pool of no fewer than twenty (20) questions in each category will
be developed by the CTD, AMRG Level 2 Handlers, and AMRG FTL and IS personnel in
consultation with canine handlers from other organizations.
(b) The CTD will maintain a recommended reading list for candidate handlers that will
list study aids for the written tests
(b) No handler will receive the same written test twice.
(2) The CTO and the handler will meet before the field tests to review the handler's
written test
(3) A handler of multiple dogs need complete a written test only once every 24 months.
b. A handler who fails to score 70 or above on the written test may not retest for
thirty (30) days.
4. Obedience and Manners Test (Levels 1 and 2)
a. The dog shall stay inside the handler's open vehicle (doors open or truck gate down)
for ten minutes without physical restraint while the handler engages in conversation no
less than twenty feet away.
b. The dog shall hold a down-stay outside a building or structure for ten minutes with
one other dog on a stay within five feet of his position while the handler is out of sight
inside.
c. The dog shall down and stay for three minutes at a distance of fifty meters from the
handler; at the end of three minutes, the dog will come to the handler on command
directly, and sit within an arm's length of the handler. Handler may command the dog to
sit.
d. The dog will walk with his handler on a loose lead or off-lead, at handler's
discretion, at heel through a group of at least ten people and two dogs for two minutes on
a pattern directed by the tester.
e. The dog will drop or freeze on the handler's command and/or signal while running
loose at least 30 feet from the handler, and remain in place for 30 seconds.
f. The dog will load quietly into the bed of a pickup truck with his handler and at
least two other people and two other dogs, and ride for five minutes without showing fear
or aggression, or becoming uncontrollable.
g. While off-lead, the dog will be given a marrow bone by a stranger, and will drop it
on his handler's command (the dog may refuse the bone from the stranger).
h. The dog will remain quietly in his car or pickup bed (doors closed, gates up,
windows open all the way) for ten minutes while at least two other dogs are walked within
four feet of the vehicle at least two times each, and at least five people walk within two
feet of the vehicle.
(1) The dog may bark at the other animals briefly, but must not attempt to escape the
vehicle or attack the other animals
(2) The dog must not bark at or threaten any person
i. At the completion of h., the dog will allow another team member to enter his vehicle
and remove equipment.
5. Agility/Directability Tests (Levels 1 and 2)
a. The dog will load into the bed of a pickup truck, gate down, unaided
b. The dog will traverse a pipe or culvert 10 feet long and at least 4” smaller in
diameter than the dog’s height at the shoulder with the handler sending the dog, and
no person at the other end of the pipe.
(1) The dog will stop on the handler’s command while traversing the pipe
(2) The dog will return to the handler through the pipe after exiting and turning
around
c. The dog will demonstrate the ability to climb open stairs and wide-runged ladders
(e.g. playground ladders), with assistance from a spotter permissible.
d. The dog will demonstrate the ability to negotiate unstable surfaces such as brush
piles while continuing to work.
e. The team will demonstrate the ability to cross a four foot fence of woven wire or
chain link, with one additional person assisting.
f. The dog will demonstrate the ability to swim 50 feet in still water and to cross a
river or stream at least 15 feet wide.
g. The dog will demonstrate the ability to load and ride quietly with the handler in a
canoe or rowboat.
6. Airscent Tests (Level 1 only)
a. Hasty Search
(1) The dog and handler will search a travel route or drainage between 1 and 1.5
kilometers long, using tactics designed to yield a POD of approximately 70% for an area
within 50 meters of the trail or drainage.
(2) The subject, if any, will be within 30 meters of the trail or drainage, but no
closer than five meters.
(3) The subject will have accessed his position via the trail or drainage, though not
necessarily using the same route as the team.
(4) The handler may request that the hasty search test be conducted at night
(5) Between 0 and 1 subject(s) will be placed within the search area.
b. Large Area Problem
1) The dog and handler will search an area of 60-67 hectares#
of moderate terrain, using tactics designed to yield a POD of approximately 80% for the
whole area.
(a) "Moderate terrain" may include fields both open and cultivated, dry bog,
open woodland with only moderate undergrowth, and rolling topography.
(b) The search area may include unoccupied buildings and structures; the team is
responsible for searching these when they are accessible.
(c) The search area may include "no-go" zones of inaccessible, hazardous, or
difficult terrain.
(i) No-go zones will not be included in computation of the total area.
(ii) All no-go zones will be marked on the handler's and evaluators' task maps and
explained by the test administrator.
(iii) The team will not be responsible for searching no-go zones.
2. Between 0 and 3 subject(s) will be placed within the search area.
c. Challenging Terrain Problem
(1) The team will be asked to search an area of approximately 17-21 hectares of
difficult and challenging terrain, using tactics designed to yield a POD of approximately
50% for the whole area.
(a) "Difficult terrain" may include steep hillsides, rock fields, swamp or
inundated land, dense brush, brambles or other hostile vegetation.
(b) The search area may include features such as caves, cliffs, and rock grottos; the
team is responsible for searching these when they are accessible.
(c) When the search area includes areas that are not accessible, the handler will be
responsible for reporting their presence and suggesting tactics for access.
(2) Between 0 and 2 subject(s) will be placed within the search area
d. Night Operations
(1) At the handler's request, either the large area or challenging terrain problem may
be conducted in such a way that at least 1/2 the search area is covered during darkness.
(a) Darkness is defined as the time period between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour
before sunrise
(b) The test administrator may stop a task in progress in order to delay completion and
conform to night search criteria.
(2) Alternatively, the team may request a separate night test in which the team
searches 14-17 hectares of moderate terrain in darkness, using tactics designed to yield a
POD of approximately 80% for the entire area.
(3) Between 0 and 2 subject(s) will be placed within the search area.
7. Trailing Tests (Level 1)
<Reserved for future development>
8. Field Test Modifications
a. In case of physical limitations of either handler or dog, handler may request a
modification of testing requirements in order to achieve or maintain limited operational
status.
(1) The CTD, with the approval of the operational handlers and the GTO, may alter or
waive any test or part of a test in order to accommodate a disability or medical
condition, whether permanent or temporary in nature
(2) All limited operational teams will receive written directives outlining the team's
specific operational mandate and limitations.
b. In case of multiple dog / multiple handler membership, handler may petition for a
modification of field testing requirements in order to reduce redundancy in field testing.
(1) The CTD, with the approval of the operational handlers and the GTO, may alter
and/or waive certain tests in order to accommodate member households or handling
arrangements in which full field testing of each dog / handler combination would place an
undue burden on handlers and on testing resources.
(2) Neither a dog nor a handler will be certified operational without completing one
full iteration each of field tests and agility tests in a two year period.
(3) Each dog must fully certify in obedience with each human partner no less often than
every two years.
Part V: Evaluation Procedures
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
All trainee handlers must agree to and sign the following statement upon admission to
the canine program:
I understand that my own conduct and the behavior of my canine partner are solely my
responsibility. I will be mindful of my dog's effect on others at all times, and will
endeavor to ensure that no one is distressed or inconvenienced by his or her disobedience,
rude behavior, aggression or fear. I will immediately rectify behavior shortcomings
identified by the training director through humane training and socialization, and will
seek assistance for any behavior shortcomings that come to my attention in any context. I
will train and reinforce only those behaviors that are compatible with my dog’s
duties as an effective, well-behaved, safe and presentable SAR team member.
I realize that all SAR dogs will be judged by my partner's public behavior, and agree
that any behavior that is not, or does not appear to be, friendly, confident, poised and
obedient will reflect poorly on the unit and the entire SAR community. I agree not to
represent my partner as a "search and rescue dog" until we have completed our
Level 1 operational testing.
I understand that I or my dog may be asked to leave the canine program for any reason
during the six month probationary period. I also understand that I or my dog will
be asked to leave the canine program at any time if my dog shows extreme aggression
towards a human being, or if I fail to take effective steps to correct a pattern of
unacceptable behavior that interferes with the decorum of the unit.
___________________ _____________________________
date handler candidate
______________________________
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.
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