Life as a search dog handler

So what do Search Dog handlers do?

As a Search & Rescue dog handler, you work with a specially trained dog and have responsibility for its training, care and control. You and your dog will work as a team, finding lost or missing persons or even personal property.

What qualifications and experience will I need?

Entry requirements for each of the NSARDA groups vary slightly from association to association, but in general to become a trainee handler you must have been a full  member of a recognised Mountain Rescue / Search & Rescue Team for 12 months, and be proposed and supported by them. In addition to this aspirant handlers must have spent time bodying – thats hiding from Search Dogs.  (SARDA England has a 6  month Bodying Requirement from all aspirant  handlers)

See the National Search and Rescue Dog Association (NSARDA) website to find out more.

What further training and development can I do?

Once you become an operational  Search & Rescue dog handler your continuation training will vary depending on the training organisation. (See the NSARDA website for information on training for the Search and Rescue services.) In all organisations you would receive ongoing training to make sure that you keep up the necessary standards.

What skills and knowledge will I need?

as well as the pre-requisite mountain/fell experience…

• time – lots of it !
• an understanding family
• experience of caring for dogs
• patience – lots !
• self-confidence
• the ability to work with minimum supervision
• good observational skills
• above all a sense of humor

What are the hours and working conditions?

You’re on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – of course you dont have to attend call outs all the time, but your dog will require your attention until the end of its life.
Working conditions vary from torrential rain and blizzards, to high winds and freezing temperatures,  its mostly weekends, evenings, nights or really early mornings – your pager never goes off when the weather is nice and it does so at the most inopportune moments.

The favourite times are when you have just sat down to eat, got into bed, the bath or shower – or the pub!

What salary and other benefits can I expect?

None! – In fact it costs you money ! The first expense is the dog -  yes, you will have to buy your own dog! although many handlers have had success with rehomed or rescued dogs.

So why do it then ?

The satisfaction and reward comes from knowing that you are helping others as well as being part of something really special – that unique bond, the special partnership that exists between a working dog and its handler.