How does a search dog work ... ?

All humans, alive or dead constantly emit microscopic particles bearing human scent. Millions of these are airborne and are carried by the wind for considerable distances.

Air-scenting search dogs are trained to scan the air currents for human scent, any human scent. The dog locates the source of the scent and indicates the "find" to the handler. Air-scent search dogs do not use scent articles and can be deployed immediately in hasty searches, running paths, and trails, or days or in conditions that a track/trail dog can not pick up the scent.

Track/trailing search dog is trained to pursue specific individuals by following the scent left from the particles that have drifted from the body to the ground and surrounding vegetation. Track/Trailing dogs are particularly effective when they have an item of the missing person to be used for scent identification. It can be an uncontaminated article of clothing, or an object such as a car seat. The dogs can pursue the trail and indicate the direction of travel.

We at Rampart Search and Rescue use track/trailing & air scent search dogs, we also have a cadaver search dog in training.

Cadaver search dogs can locate human remains in water or buried under ground or rubble. A cadaver dog can locate human remains that are a few hours old to several years old. More on our Cadaver dogs (click here)

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How do search teams deploy ... ?

A track/trailing search our K-9 team is assigned a segment of the search area, which they must cover very systematically. Handlers work their dogs into the wind and traverse the sector in a manner to afford the dog the best scenting coverage. Handlers are skilled in terrain orientation and will map the area they have covered. Several dog teams may work simultaneously to provide fast, thorough, initial coverage of the highest probability areas. By systematic assignments, the entire search area can be covered.
 
 Upon completing their assignments, the handler will report to the incident commander and map out the area covered, their POD (Probability of Detection), and clues found. K-9 unit provides support personnel who will coordinate between the requesting agency and the dog teams, operate radio communications and document the search team progress. They also carry GPS equipment and they will download their readings at the end of each pattern at the Command Post (CP).

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Handler Requirements ... ?

The dog is not the only member of a team with specialized training. Handlers are skilled at interpreting how their dogs behavior might be affected by wind conditions, ground currents, temperatures and weather. They are proficient in terrain evaluation, map/compass navigation, search theory, lost person behavior, GPS equipment handling, CPR, first aid, radio communication, National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) SAR Tech level II and wilderness survival. Of course, the handler must enjoy working with dogs and being outdoors in all kinds of weather. In addition they must be physically fit and able to respond to emergencies.
 
 It normally takes a year of intensive training before a dog/handler team is search ready. Teams undergo a series of evaluations in search proficiency and obedience before becoming operational.

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How can I help support your search dogs ... ?

Rampart Search and Rescue, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. There is no charge for our services. We depend entirely on donations for financial support. Members supply most of their personal equipment. Your donation will be used to purchase communication & safety equipment as well as continuing educational training and materials. Donations are tax deductible and can be made payable to:
 
 Rampart Search and Rescue
 P.O. Box 33336
 Northglenn, Colorado 80233-0336
 
We welcome new members who are interested in training themselves and their dogs to be productive search teams. Currently we have no openings for the K9 team. However we need and welcome people to volunteer to be "victims" to hide so we can train our dogs and keep them mission ready. We sometimes call these helpers in this role "Dog Bait".

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When is K9 training, can I help ... ?

Yes we are always looking for new scents for our dogs to look for. Please feel free to contact us at our main phone number listed on the contact page.

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