Too late to be Search and Rescue dog?

• Too late to be Search and Rescue dog? Bryn Haney Posted : 12/11/2006 9:23:23 PM My husband is a firefighter and he is wanting to train our black lab to be a Search and Rescue dog. Cain is 6 months old. We know that they have to go through basic obedience school and have a few other test they need to pass. My husband knows more about it than I do. But my question is, don't you think he is a little too old to be starting? I heard that they start training Search and Rescue dogs starting at birth. What do ya think? LIKE 5 REPLIES 110 VIEWS LAST POST SPIRITDOGS Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• muckypup Posted : 12/11/2006 9:33:13 PM This might be useful info for youhttp://www.comdens.com/SAR/choosing.html  0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Audrey Low Posted : 12/12/2006 12:25:19 AM My cousin is a firefighter, and he and his colleagues always rescue their k9 partners from shelters (always adults, they never pick puppies). If Cain's got the right stuff for it...besides, 6 months really isn't that young - still just a baby. I know for sure that adults (even abused ones) make very good therapy dogs. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• mrv Posted : 12/12/2006 7:25:51 AM It is far more than a few tests.  It is constant training and tests for certification and recertification.  It is difficult to accomplish without a training group and mentors (you need access to so many different environments and situations to help the dog generalize the skills to any possible event).  Do a web search for organizations in your area or contact some of the national organizations.  The age of your dog should not be problematic.  I personally suggest full medical exam including:  CERF (eyes)  OFA cardio, hips and elbows.  To be a successful SAR dog the animal must be structurally sound.  The problem with young dogs is heart and drive cover up a lot of faults that could be dangerous in a crisis operation.  0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Bryn Haney Posted : 12/12/2006 5:33:29 PM ORIGINAL: muckypup This might be useful info for you [linkhttp://www.comdens.com/SAR/choosing.html ]http://www.comdens.com/SAR/choosing.html [/link] Sorry but the website didnt pop up[] 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• spiritdogs Posted : 12/13/2006 2:13:29 AM I don't know where you are, but the local group here is Search Dogs Northeast.  They might be able to refer you to a group in your area, or give you some info.  (Sioux's "boyfriend" from her first agility class is a SAR dog  there!) 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login