Training Human Remains Detection Dog by Christy Judah and Tracy Sargent
February 2015
How to Train a Human Remains Detection Dog is the most comprehensive digest of information to assist the search and rescue dog handler to train and conduct searches for human remains. It takes the handler from the initial decision-making process to becoming an HRD dog handler to advanced level training techniques involved in searching common as well as unusual cases.
For nearly 50 years of combined experience, Judah and Sargent share their training techniques which have produced many finds, as well as hundreds of pictures of search and rescue dogs from across the United States. Each unit teaches the handler to read their dog and follow a step-by-step process to train a reliable and credible HRD dog. The curriculum is based on real-world experience and literally hundreds of searches.
This text is designed as a teaching/training curriculum and is not intended to be light reading for the average reader. It is intended to provide an honest and open display of information and techniques which have served the authors well throughout their years of search and rescue service to others. This book is certainly a must-have for all SAR dog handlers.
February 2015
How to Train a Human Remains Detection Dog is the most comprehensive digest of information to assist the search and rescue dog handler to train and conduct searches for human remains. It takes the handler from the initial decision-making process to becoming an HRD dog handler to advanced level training techniques involved in searching common as well as unusual cases.
For nearly 50 years of combined experience, Judah and Sargent share their training techniques which have produced many finds, as well as hundreds of pictures of search and rescue dogs from across the United States. Each unit teaches the handler to read their dog and follow a step-by-step process to train a reliable and credible HRD dog. The curriculum is based on real-world experience and literally hundreds of searches.
This text is designed as a teaching/training curriculum and is not intended to be light reading for the average reader. It is intended to provide an honest and open display of information and techniques which have served the authors well throughout their years of search and rescue service to others. This book is certainly a must-have for all SAR dog handlers.
Training a Search and Rescue Dog for Wilderness Air Scent - Released September 2014
Training a Search and Rescue Dog is a simple, easy to understand step-by-step instructional manual to teach dogs to find live people. It provides a planned curriculum to incorporate a re-find in a wilderness air scent training program first, and then goes on to allow the handler to add a human remains detection component should they desire to cross-train their dog. The program allows for individual differences in dog training methods and reward systems allowing the handler and trainer to custom design the program which best suits their breed, environment, and needs.
Also included are related forms such as search training logs, search reports, donation forms, and how to collect an uncontaminated scent article.
These lessons are designed for the dog that has already had some general training in basic obedience, agility, and socialization. For dogs without these basic skills, the author has written a book titled, Building a Basic Foundation for Search and Rescue Dog Training. Training a Search and Rescue Dog is an excellent follow up and training regime following the Basics book which lays the appropriate groundwork in order to train a fully functional, certified, and able working dog.
Training a Search and Rescue Dog is a simple, easy to understand step-by-step instructional manual to teach dogs to find live people. It provides a planned curriculum to incorporate a re-find in a wilderness air scent training program first, and then goes on to allow the handler to add a human remains detection component should they desire to cross-train their dog. The program allows for individual differences in dog training methods and reward systems allowing the handler and trainer to custom design the program which best suits their breed, environment, and needs.
Also included are related forms such as search training logs, search reports, donation forms, and how to collect an uncontaminated scent article.
These lessons are designed for the dog that has already had some general training in basic obedience, agility, and socialization. For dogs without these basic skills, the author has written a book titled, Building a Basic Foundation for Search and Rescue Dog Training. Training a Search and Rescue Dog is an excellent follow up and training regime following the Basics book which lays the appropriate groundwork in order to train a fully functional, certified, and able working dog.
A Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs
This tribute provides a glimpse into the unique bond between search and rescue dogs and their handlers. Nearly 100 handlers shared their deepest thoughts ranging from the elation of a successful search to the deepest depression after losing a partner. These anthologies were compiled so that we shall always remember them...the amazing SAR dogs, their handlers and trainers.
Handlers from across the USA have come together to preserve the memories of their canine partners over the course of the last fifty years and hundreds of search missions. Examples of canine bravery, handler frustration, extreme courage, loyalty, and love for their canines are shared as the handlers from California, Washington, Ohio, Illinois, Wyoming, New York, Florida, Texas, Vermont, North Carolina and many points between share their experiences. These heart-warming memories foster a deep appreciation for the skills and services provided by search and rescue personnel. Thank you to all.
Building a Basic Foundation for Search & Rescue Dog Training
This basic training book provides an overview of the processes used to train SAR dogs through hundreds of tips for the novice and experienced dog handler. The instructional guide describes how to lay a solid foundation for any type of SAR dog training. It takes potential handlers through a Canine Handler Test, explanations of the various SAR dog disciplines, and how to prepare physically, mentally and intellectually for SAR operations.
In addition it discusses how to transport, document training and searches, provides certification information and forms, discusses alerts, scent theory, ethics, professionalism, and actual SAR missions from across the United States. Over 50 photos of real working dogs area included. This best practices edition is a must have for any serious SAR dog handler.
Building a Search & Rescue Team from the Ground Up
Finally there is a manual to describe the procedures and basic steps to start a search and rescue team. It explains how to create a 501 © 3 tax exempt organization, and includes examples of Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, canine standards, and general team operating procedures. It contains a comprehensive listing of SAR organizations which offer national search and canine certifications. It describes classes required by the Department of Homeland Security and provides information on how to find these classes. This book guides the new and the experienced team as they design, review or update their team policies and procedures to meet industry standard. It includes examples of actual documents used by successful teams and describes recruitment and applicant interview techniques, as well as, new member protocols. It lists examples of fundraising activities, and describes membership responsibilities, including mentorship. In addition, it outlines ethical practices for SAR teams (including protocols for videos, photographs, and training requirements) and describes how to manage and maintain team and individual documentation. It includes a primer for media contact and public relations, and gives a broad overview of how successful teams operate in the community and in the field. It includes suggested and required equipment, a reading resource list, and summaries of common search and rescue classes. It provides a comprehensive overview of how to start and manage a reputable and successful team stressing training and ethics. This administrative manual is valuable and applicable to all team members, especially team leaders. A must have on the SAR bookshelf!
Buzzards and Butterflies: Human Remains Detection Dogs
Search and Rescue dogs continue to amaze us with their abilities and talents as they locate lost or missing persons. Buzzards and Butterflies is a primer for the canine handler working a Human Remains Detection dog on land or water.
This is the text to learn training and search strategies that work for other HRD handlers. Included is information on ground penetrating radar, behavior of dogs, reading dog behaviors, burial and embalming customs, how soil affects decomposition, how to prepare training samples in concrete, crime preservation techniques, evaluating dog teams, industry standards for HRD dogs, and many search stories and tips from HRD handlers across the U. S.
This is the text to learn training and search strategies that work for other HRD handlers. Included is information on ground penetrating radar, behavior of dogs, reading dog behaviors, burial and embalming customs, how soil affects decomposition, how to prepare training samples in concrete, crime preservation techniques, evaluating dog teams, industry standards for HRD dogs, and many search stories and tips from HRD handlers across the U. S.
Search & Rescue Log and Journal
This log provides an efficient and complete method to record training, certifications, search missions, SAR contacts, personal information, and other related data. It provides a one-stop-log and journal to keep relevant information needed for reference in the future. Finally, a comprehensive way to keep records. A must have for all search and rescue personnel.
Search & Rescue K9 Log and Journal
Finally there is a SAR Canine Training Log and Journal to organize search and rescue dog documentation. The SAR Dog Log and Journal allows the handler to easily record training sessions, environment, climate, type of problem or scenario, and results of each session on custom designed forms. This unique format manages a full years worth of weekly training, including over 50 blank training logs in one bound book.
The Training Log and Journal is a simple and organized method to establish and track training goals, scenario-based training, and the outcome. Now handlers can easily document certifications, seminars, workshops and specialty events. It also provides space to document general obedience and agility training.
In addition, handlers can now record brief SAR mission summaries, contacts, and general information. The formats are applicable for Air Scent, Human Remains Detection (both land and water), and Trailing dogs. A must have for all SAR dog handlers.
The Training Log and Journal is a simple and organized method to establish and track training goals, scenario-based training, and the outcome. Now handlers can easily document certifications, seminars, workshops and specialty events. It also provides space to document general obedience and agility training.
In addition, handlers can now record brief SAR mission summaries, contacts, and general information. The formats are applicable for Air Scent, Human Remains Detection (both land and water), and Trailing dogs. A must have for all SAR dog handlers.
Water Search: Using SAR Dogs to Find Drowned Victims
Water Search provides the reader with an intricate overview of the training required to prepare search and rescue dogs to find the location of drowned victims. Readers will be amazed at how these highly trained canines alert to their handlers when they detect the scent of a drowned victim. This book describes the specialized world of SAR dogs, water training and search techniques, and provides a glimpse into the world of victim recovery using dogs. A must read for all SAR dog handlers planning to work in a water environment.
From the physical experience of drowning, including information from victims who experienced it and were resuscitated, to using high tech sonar equipment to locate drowned victims, the reader will experience and learn how to work a search and rescue dog in this genre. It includes training & search techniques, equipment (boats, etc.), safety precautions, search reports, and industry protocols in working a water search. These handlers and their dogs bring home the missing drowned person. Some call them Drowning Dogs. Others call them Cadaver Dogs. All call them heroes.
"The strength of Christy Judah's book is the unique level of technical details about the mechanics of water searching. The information about special equipment and how to use it is priceless. While the book does not focus on the actual dog training, it provides all of the information necessary to train a dog successfully. It is a must have for everyone involved in any level of search and rescue." Susan Bulanda, M. A. Certified Animal Behavior Consultant, Adjunct Professor, SAR dog trainer and handler.
From the physical experience of drowning, including information from victims who experienced it and were resuscitated, to using high tech sonar equipment to locate drowned victims, the reader will experience and learn how to work a search and rescue dog in this genre. It includes training & search techniques, equipment (boats, etc.), safety precautions, search reports, and industry protocols in working a water search. These handlers and their dogs bring home the missing drowned person. Some call them Drowning Dogs. Others call them Cadaver Dogs. All call them heroes.
"The strength of Christy Judah's book is the unique level of technical details about the mechanics of water searching. The information about special equipment and how to use it is priceless. While the book does not focus on the actual dog training, it provides all of the information necessary to train a dog successfully. It is a must have for everyone involved in any level of search and rescue." Susan Bulanda, M. A. Certified Animal Behavior Consultant, Adjunct Professor, SAR dog trainer and handler.