Big Creek Search Dog Team takes pride in providing exemplary services to requesting agencies. In order to maintain our operational readiness, we train to, and beyond, the standards set forth by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR).
Our members train an average of 30-40 hours per month, covering topics such as scent theory, communications, missing persons behavior, area search, trailing, human remains detection, and crime scene preservation, just to name a few.
All BCSDT training is done through positive reinforcement of desired behaviors in order to exploit the strong intrinsic prey/food drive, and harness the spectacular sense of smell dogs possess. The goal of this operant conditioning is for the dogs to always think that searching is a really fun game. This approach helps to produce confident, enthusiastic search dogs. While searching requires energetic dogs (and handlers) they must also be highly socialized to perform well around other dogs, unfamiliar people, and loud machines.
Training
certifications
All BCSDT K9s and their handlers must complete a series of certifications in order to deploy on search missions. Though our organization accepts any nationally recognized certification, we typically certify through NASAR due to their NIMS compliance. Handlers must pass a Fundamentals of Search and Rescue course and obtain their SARTECH II certification, as well as a series of National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses.
BCSDT K9s can certify in one or more specialties such as:
-Woodland Trailing
-Urban Trailing
-Non-Scent-Specific Area Search
-Scent-Specific Area Search
-Human Remains Detection (HRD)
-Water Human Remains Detection (HRD)
To see individual members' certifications, visit our team page.
SUE AND K9 DIVA PRACTICING TRAILING INSIDE THE OLD WILLOUGHBY SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL