Search And Rescue Dogs: Training Methods [Hardcover]

American Rescue Dog Association (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1991

Appropriate for anyone with any breed, this guide emphasizes handler and unit training and conditioning for dogs, and covers searches (water and ground) and tracking and terrain analysis.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

It's unlikely that many dog owners will have the dedication, resources and stamina to enter search-and-rescue work. On the other hand, the techniques and the case studies here are so interesting that a read will prove rewarding to ordinary trainers and fanciers alike. Discussion begins with a brief history of the American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA), founded in 1972, which provides its services nationally, free of charge--``Can you leave work for two or three days at a time, perhaps several times a month? Can you afford to pay all your own expenses?'' The ARDA's methods, based on dogs' sensitivity to airborne scents (as opposed to traditional tracking) and training methods, are examined in detail, and guidelines are suggested for forming search-and-rescue units. Standards are high for both handlers and animals. Dogs should be double-coated; agile; highly intelligent and trainable; demonstrate scenting ability; be deeply bonded with a handler; and lacking an instinct for hunting--a German shepherd is ideal. Handlers must be strong, stoic, quick-witted and knowledgeable in areas ranging from first aid to lost-person behavior. Dog-world devotees will find this as gripping as any thriller. Photographs not seen by PW.

Copyright 1991 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (July 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876057334
• ISBN-13: 978-0876057339
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #766,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Why I rated this book with 4 stars..., August 2, 2001

By 

"cheetah_x" (Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Search And Rescue Dogs: Training Methods (Hardcover)

If you're looking for more serious information and training for SAR dogs these is a GREAT book. It's clear, well written with serious information on what a SAR dog AND handler must be like. It takes you from step 1 (choosing a puppy) to having a full operational SAR dog (radio communication, handler's, training step by step, etc).

So, why 4 stars and not 5? This book isn't very open to different techniques, methods, dogs or info from around the world. For wood search it's very good. If you want info on avalanche or disaster search it's not very complete.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super Book!!, March 6, 2001

By 

Ashley Clifford (Crescent City, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Search And Rescue Dogs: Training Methods (Hardcover)

I am quite involved in K-9 SAR and I really found this book helpful. I think on the training part of the dog it really zips through it faster than it should unlike Susan Bulanda's book "Ready, the training of the search and rescue dog". I still thin all parts are very well done. If you are getting into SAR or already involved you should consider this book as a part of your search dog library.

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative, a good bginning resource., June 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Search And Rescue Dogs: Training Methods (Hardcover)

This book was very informative resource. It provide a starting point but should be used in conjunction with practical help from others already involved. The book is well written and easy to read. Worth money and time to read.