MASON-DIXON SEARCH DOGS

Of course.  You can train to become a flanker on searches.  All members are required to meet standards to become a flanker, whether they are training a K9 or not.  Flankers are tasked to walk with K9 handlers on searches to assist with communications, navigation, and safety.  You can also train to become a Base Camp Operator.  The BCO keeps track of all members in the field, while also helping with radio communications.

MDSD does have a minimum percentage of training hours required in order to maintain Active Status within the organization.  However, you can request to join MDSD as a Support Member if you know you won’t be able to maintain the training requirements.  Support Members are not allowed to attend searches or train a K9.  If you are interested in coming out every once in a while to hide for dogs, or if you just want to see if SAR is right for you, we invite you to join us for a few trainings – no strings attached.

Most of our members become Callout Qualified as flankers in approximately 1 ½ years.  We have very high standards, both internal and external, that all members must meet in order to achieve this goal.  Training K9s to Certification can take anywhere from 2-3 years, depending on the handler, the K9, and the amount of time and effort put into training.

Most of the training required of our members is received in-house.  However, we do require some online certifications, as well as CPR and First Aid (minimum).  Navigation and K9 training are done during team trainings, with expertise tested with both internal and external evaluations.  K9 Obedience should be practiced outside of unit trainings, and we encourage all members to attend obedience classes with their dog.  We require all K9s to complete the AKC CGC, but do not accept this certificate prior to the K9 being 1 year of age.  K9s are required to complete additional obedience standards prior to field certification.

This is a tough question to answer, because each member may likely have a different answer.  Here are some of the best reasons to volunteer in SAR:  giving back to your community, being able to provide a very specific type of resource to those in need, being able to work with awesome dogs, spending time outdoors, challenging yourself both physically and mentally, and becoming part of a community of like-minded individuals.  Ultimately, though, the most rewarding part of being a SAR professional is knowing we’ve made a difference in the lives of the missing and their families.

We do not have a breed standard, and currently have the following breeds within the unit: German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Border Collie, GSD / Rottweiler mix, Australian Cattle Dog Mix, Chocolate Lab, Yellow Lab, Dutch Shepherd, and Golden Retriever.  When considering a dog for wilderness SAR, keep in mind the amount and type of terrain they will need to be able to cross.  Working and herding breeds tend to do well, but each individual dog must be assessed for suitability for this type of work.

Most of the skills needed are learned during unit trainings.  Guidance is provided to each new member as they master new skills so that they can meet the requirements for Callout Qualified status.

We do not accept dogs older than 2 years of age into our training program.  The older the dog is, the more we will expect from them during our initial assessment.  We recommend prospective members wait to get a dog for SAR until after they have completed their requirements to become a flanker on searches.  This will allow them to focus on their field skills first, without worrying about training a dog at the same time.  It also gives them the opportunity to discuss with advanced members what qualities they should look for in a good working dog.

Obedience classes are not required prior to beginning a K9s training.  However, we do recommend obedience classes if the handler is not capable of training that on their own.  We do work obedience on occasion during unit trainings, but we do not train it on a regular basis.

When you first join a SAR team, we recommend that you wait to purchase any equipment you think you might need.  We have equipment within MDSD that is loaned out to members for their use while they remain members in good standing.  We also want to make sure you purchase the proper equipment so that you don’t waste your money on something that cannot be used.  The most important things to purchase will be proper seasonal clothing and sturdy boots, a good flashlight, and leather gloves.  The cost of equipment can range in cost from $300 - $1000, depending on what you choose to get.  Again, we suggest you wait until a) you know you will remain committed to SAR and b) you know exactly what kind of equipment to purchase vs what will be assigned to you.

All prospective dogs are assessed prior to acceptance into the training program.  Membership is granted to the individual, not to the K9.  As such, a K9 can be removed from or not accepted to the training program without affecting an individual’s membership.  Dogs are assessed based on age and experience.  We are looking for healthy dogs / puppies that show a propensity for working drives.  These include play, prey, and pack drive.  Dogs should show sufficient stamina to be able to perform work.  They should not show aggression toward humans or other dogs. 

No.  Our dogs’ sole responsibility is locating missing persons.  We do not train or encourage our dogs to locate animals or game.