Training a Rescue Dog
Pick the Right Dog
You can train any dog to obey your basic commands, but training a rescue dog takes the kind of breed that is known not only for its intelligence and determination, but also physical strength. German shepherds and Labrador retrievers are the right dogs to train for search and also rescue operations.
Teach Basic Obedience
Train your dog to obey the basic commands of sit, stay, come, fetch and drop. In addition, work with the dog to walk next to you off leash, obeying your voice command rather than the tug of the leash.
Work on the "Find" Command
Enlist the help of a friend to expand your rescue dog training to include the "find" command. Place the dog on the leash, allow your training partner to hold the leash, and then get the dog excited about playing a game. When it is good and ready to play, run a distance of about 10 feet, and drop to the ground. Your training partner should now command the dog to "go find," and let it off the leash. The dog knows where you are and will run straight for you. Repeat this a number of times, so that the animal connects "find" with the activity of looking for something.
Expand on "Find"
Make the process harder as time progresses. Run away until you are out of sight, hide underneath something, or hide behind an obstacle. Do not call out to the animal, but instead always let your training partner issue the "find" command. Once the animal can find you even under these conditions, switch places with your training partner, and have him get the dog excited and run away, while you give the "find" command. Over time, get more training partners involved who will play the role of the person to be found, while you issue the "find" command.
Evaluate Your Dog's Ability to "Find"
The American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA)---a link is placed in the Resources section---offers printable evaluation forms that help you gauge your dog's progress. Print them out and use them periodically to identify areas in need of improvement.
Add the Rescue Aspect to Your Training
Send your training partner to run away and hide underneath a blanket. Accompany your dog while it obeys your "find" command. When it reaches your partner, order the dog to "search," gently pick up its paw and use it to tug on the blanket. Repeat this as often as needed until the dog will start pawing on the blanket without needing help.
Tags: training partner, find command, your training partner, basic commands, hide underneath