Search & Rescue Dogs

I was trying to say that but didn't know how to put it, so I put 'variables' meaning the amount of people - oops!

Ahhh right, now I get it. So it's just the vacinations - all these big words to understand

I'll check up on emails in a mo, thanks Pete.

As a rule are handlers honest about the their dogs abilities and their limitations if asked, or is this something you learn over time?

Sorry to keep posting messages - I've entered a big and somewhat scary world!

I was reading on the other forum about 'alerts'. Now I'm not a fan of barking dogs and if a dog barks then I am probably feeling somewhat vulnerable in case they bite - but what other options are they?

I was a little confused to what the lady was saying from Finland about 'Sausage Rings'? Her English is great

Didn't want to post on that forum as it was a little outta my league I'm afraid.

Is there any 'alert' where the dog doesn't bark or jump up at you? And waht do LS Dogs teach/recommend as best working practices?

Here you go Mojo, check out these 'Youtube' links.

This one is my dog Sox performing the alert and refind (Cheesey music I'm afraid, was a little drunk when I made the film).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz3KzGwcxos

This one is one of the SARDA Lakes dogs (I think) performing the bark at Misper and handler alert and refind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqs8BTBK0tI

This one is again a SARDA Lakes dog performing the bark alert and refind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzREc2x87WA

Hope these help a little.

Pete.

After losing two extremely fit dogs (mother and son) a few years ago within 5 days of each other at christmas, and nearly losing a third, due to leptosporosis (I think that's how it's spelt), I would stress to all dog owners, that they also get their dogs vaccinated for that as well. It was supposed to have been in with their boosters, it was too late when I found out. Please check, I would hate this to happen to anyone else. My dogs are working gundogs, they go over the same type of ground and terrain as yours, that's where it was picked up.

Very sound advice Joe.

Pete.

The most important part of a dog's training for me is the recall, if you want them back, they should be there, it could save your dog's life, the sit and down command are taught as part of 'housetraining', ie for meals, whilst your watching the tv, etc. After that start to bring in more tasks. Training should be fun, the more fun it is the more the dog will enjoy learning, and they are never to old to learn. The really love it. My little old lady of 14 still loves having tasks set for her. (I hide things in the garden for her).

One method here in Germany is that the dog carries a little something round his neck while searching. As soon as he has found the MISPER, he takes the thing in his mouth and runs back to his handler. He then follows the dog to the MISPER.

Good idea. May help with me staying on my feet, my dog comes back at a very alarming rate and launches himself at me, he seems to know when I'm not on my guard. I get that feeling he finds it great fun. If there is a good rapport between the dog and handler, you have an excellent team, and it can be very satisfying and amusing to watch them work together. A dog will do anything for the right handler.

Hi Gunther,

You are the first person I have heard use the 'bringsle' (as we call it) method of alert........ I was beginning to think it was the grail.

How do you train for it.

Pete.

I am interested in this too!

How do you stop the 'dangling item' from snagging on undergrowth etc?

How do you stop the dog picking up other sticks instead?