Search Dog Training Course
Beginners Course...
Dorset Search Dogs have developed a six week course that will guide a young dog and enthusiastic handler through the basic skills required to become a search dog team.
It normally takes twelve to eighteen months to train a dog and handler to become fully qualified and operational. This six week course is certainly no crammer course to speed up that process but it does offer the dog and potential handler good foundations to build on should they wish to continue with their training. The trainings main aim will be directed towards the dogs 'play drive'. As a result, the course is fairly active and requires a lot of energy and enthusiasm to make the search game enjoyable for the dog.
Why is this course different?
Most search and rescue dog teams ask that any potential handler comes with several years of experience in search and rescue prior to become a dog handler. They would then assist the team, without their own dog, by helping train other dogs and assisting the team operationally. Only then would they be given the opportunity to train their own dog. Dorset Search Dogs have turned this on its head. They will be using this training process as a way of talent spotting gifted dogs, and handlers, that they believe would make a good search dog team.
Which dog makes the best search dog?
Although some breeds excel in the search world there is not one specific breed favoured for search and rescue. The best dogs tend to be those that have a high play drive. A dog that is willing to please and, at the same time, willing to play a game of tug or fetch, almost to the point of infatuation or annoyance to most owners. These tend to be the working or pastoral breeds that have been bred over hundreds of years to have this play drive and stamina. Dorset Search Dogs will teach the potential handler how to channel this energy and turn an enthusiastic pet into a potential life saver.
Tell me more about the course?
The course will be run over six midweek evenings at a cost of £80 per dog, per handler. All breeds and ages of dogs are welcome but a basic level of obedience is important for the training to go well. The course lead instructor has had hundreds of hours experience handling dogs operationally, hundreds more training dogs and a fair few assessing search dogs nationally.
Candidates that are successful in passing the course and wish to continue their training with Dorset Search Dogs to become operational must be dedicated to train their dogs in their own time and attend weekly training sessions. They must be able to walk five miles in two hours and have an ability to remain happy and enthusiastic in all manner of weather conditions at any time, day or night. Do you think you and your dog has what it takes..?
How do Dorset Search Dogs benefit?
Every penny from the course fee and any additional donations given will be used to assist the team. All the trainers are part of Dorset Search Dogs and in their bid to keep raising money for the team, they take no expenses. This course is also a good opportunity for Dorset Search Dogs to assess potential new dogs and volunteers. Although the training course is for all breeds and ages of dog, the stamina and skills required for actual search work may limit some dogs from continuing their training with the team.
How do I sign up?
Check the course times and dates below to see if you can make the training sessions, check that your dog is up for it, then email info@dorsetsearchdogs.org.uk . The course is subject to availability and does require attendance at every session.
Intermediate (Course 1)
This course requires a pass at the Beginners Course
Beginners (course 3)
Limited spaces available