Joining Dorset Search Dogs
Dog Handlers
It takes approximately 12-18 months of hard training to get a dog and handler qualified to an operational status. This is a very big committment that demands regualar attendance at Dorset Search Dogs training sessions and a lot of training in your own time.
Dorset Search Dogs have now developed a series of training courses which will help guide the enthusiastic handler and young dog through the initial stages of training. The course is designed to use the dogs 'play drive' to build a good foundation for continued search dog training. The course will also help the team select suitable dogs and candidates to continue training with the team.
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.
All new dogs and handlers will be recruited from the courses.
Click here to view more details about the courses
Dogs bodies
Dogs’ Bodies have the most important role in the training process! When training a young dog, the Dogs Body will get the dogs enthusiastic for the game of hide and seek. They will run away from the dogs, squeaking their favourite toy and generally getting them wound up. They will then duck down, just out of sight, then help reward the dog when it comes into them.
At the later stages of training, the Dogs Bodies will bed themselves down somewhere in the middle of nowhere, waiting to be found by the dog. Some of our best dogs bodies are now experts in digging down, climbing trees, using camouflage and staying quiet and undetectable by humans! Some of our shift workers use the longer dogs body searches to catch up on some sleep or read a good book in peace.
Operational Supports
A dog team comprises of a qualified dog, a dog handler and at least one operational support. While the dog handler is watching out for the safety of the dog and the signs and indications that the dog is working a scent, the dog support watches out for the safety of the whole team. They are responsible for the teams’ navigation, the radio communications, assist with first aid and the safe extraction of any missing persons found. The operational support must be confident around dogs as they will be there to generally help look after the dogs and assisting to lift them over fences during searches. Expect calls for assistance any time of the day or night! However, the role is incredibly rewarding.
If you can help. Email us...
Email: info@dorsetsearchdogs.org.uk