Canine Search Specialist Training

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National Urban Search & Rescue Response System

Canine Search Specialist Training


Unit 6:

Direction and Control

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Unit ObjectiveUpon completion of this unit, you will be able to describe and apply the basic principles of canine directability when working with your canine

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Enabling Objectives Explain the rationale supporting canine

directability Describe the importance of training in small

increments, and the use of good timing and effective reinforcement in teaching and combining the foundational skills

Effectively proof and problem solve directability

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Directability

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Directability Directability is

control at a distance It is an important

aspect of the total search canine

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Directability (continued)

The effective search canine hasSearch drive

Focuses on task

AgilityThe strong search drive overrides agility

concerns

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The effective search canine hasBark Alert

Commits to live victim with a strong, sustained alert

DirectabilityWorks independently, but can be directed

from a distance by handler

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Enables the canine toCover areas that may be unsafe for the

handlerBe directed to areas he may not have

covered or away from areas previously covered

Be directed away from dangerous areas

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Be fair to your canine Map out a game plan Be clear and concise End exercise with dog wanting more

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Teaching canine to respond to one command from the beginning reduces distraction and inattention problems

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Foundational Skills

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Foundational SkillsGo outHupHaltStayRe-direct

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Definitions Targeting—canine, at the handler’s side,

focuses attention in the direction indicated by handler

Go out—canine moves away from handler in direction indicated

Hup—jump on an object at direction of handler Halt—immediate response to handler’s

command from a distance

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Definitions (continued)

Stay—to remain stationary at handler’s command from a distance until next command given

Re-direct—move dog right, left, back or recall Release word—canine is released from any

command and free to enjoy reward Proofing—assuring that canine understands

the exercise by asking the canine to perform under variety of conditions and distractions

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Teaching the Foundational Skills

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Teaching the Foundational Skills Step 1—Teaching

the Foundation Step 2—Combining

Foundation Skills Step 3—Moving in

any Direction Step 4—Advanced

Directability

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Step 1—Teaching the Foundation“Go Out” Canine will move away from the handler in the

direction indicated Important to train incrementally Canine understands the “go out” command

when he consistently, at your command, moves in the direction you target him with no visible reward

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Go Out

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Step 1 (continued)

“Hup” To jump on an object at

direction of handler Canine understands

“hup” when he will, on one command, hup on object without handler body motion and from any position

Use caution with young dogs

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Step 1 (continued)

“Halt” Immediate response to command from a

distance Canine understands the “sit” or “down”

when he will immediately respond to your command from any distance and no matter what else he is doing

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Halt

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Step 1 (continued)

“Stay” and “Wait” To remain stationary at the handler's

command from a distance until the next command is given

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Wait

0102030405060708090

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

EastWestNorth

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Re-direct Handler gives signal for canine to go

another direction

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Re-direct

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Step 2—Combining Foundation Skills Be consistent in

commands and hand signals

Provide a quick reward

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Step 2 (continued)

Using one object Start with hup, sit, and fast reward Then do hup, sit, stay, and reward Then do go out, hup, sit, stay, and

reward

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Step 2 (continued)

Using two objects Teaching the canine to go back

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Step 2 (continued)

Left and right Teach canine to turn

around and go back before left and right and work it more often

Practice targeting

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Step 2 (continued)

Using three objects “Handler roulette”

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Step 3—Moving In Any DirectionUsing a baseball diamond Begin with a small pattern or a full-size

course Do not always do a full course Sometimes reward and release after one

base

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Step 4—Advanced DirectabilityAdvanced directability means being able to move the canine in any direction, anywhere

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Step 4 (continued)

Proofing

Assuring that the canine understands the exercise by asking the canine to perform the task under a variety of conditions and among distractions

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Step 4 (continued)

Proofing (continued)

Must be included in training process Intensified as canine progresses Must be fair

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Step 4 (continued)

Proofing Principles Using different types of objects Using unstable (but safe) objects Changing locations Sending canine farther than regulation course Adding distractions (toys, animals, food) Practicing directability

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Troubleshooting Needs multiple commands Anticipates directions Drifts toward handler Distracted on object Difficulty with going from pitcher's

mound to second base

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Field Demonstration

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Time for a video!“Directability”

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Unit Summary and Evaluation

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Unit Summary Explain the rationale supporting canine

directability Describe the importance of training in small

increments, and the use of good timing and effective reinforcement in teaching and combining the foundational skills

Effectively proof and problem solve directability

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Unit EvaluationPlease fill out the evaluation on this unit

Canine Search Specialist Training

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