EVIDENCE

Evidence search training use to be so much easier. Before the 1980s K9s were allowed to picked up the articles they found during a search. This motivated their play and prey instinct to find the articles. With the rules of evidence, DNA technology and crime scene management, this is no longer an option.

If ever there was an exercise in which clicker training was most suited for, it would seem to be evidence detection. Food placed under or on the article, usually results in the dog touching it. If the dog response positively to clicker training, it could be a suitable alternative.

Your next option is to place an article on the ground next to an empty campbell's soup can [ similiar diameter can ] which is buried in the ground, the top parallel with the surface. Inside the can will be a treat. When the dog finds the article, the treat will close by, they can get to it until you arrive and give them the reward.

NOTE: I do not teach articles or area search until the dog is working well in tracking BECAUSE....

It is far easier to first train the dog for tracking and then area/article search; then train them for area/articles and then tracking. The nose will go up, easier then it will go down.

 

BUILDING SEARCH

Police K9 does TONS of building searches, open doors, alarms

When I first heard that some SAR K9 units were practicing building search training, I had some reservation. As it turned out, building search training is an excellent tool.

• Directed Search. Should be taught as a separate advanced obedience exercise. This training can now come in use inside the building where the handler directs the dog to check different doors. Inside a building the dog may need to be right next to the door to detect the escaping scent from under or around the door frame if a person is hiding behind it.
• Barking Alerts. The 'victim' can remain behind a door, out of sight the entire time, yet the dog can hear, smell and probably 'feel' that the 'victim' is close but they can't get to them.
• Reading Alerts. The internal air flow is similar and different then an open area search. Walls tend to project scent up and out away from the immediate area of the 'victim'. See HOT WALLS under SCENT. There is also
• Multiple Search Area. With most area searches, once the dog finds the 'victim' you have to move to a totally different area. In building searches, you only need to move a couple rooms down.

If you want to teach a dog to systematically search a building, you must first teach them to do directed search, which is done separately. As mentioned above, once accomplished it can be moved into the building. The first step in buidling search is the doorway. Do not overlook this, otherwise the dog will overlook important initial area in its interest to find the person 'buried' some where inside the building.

From the entrance, you slowly retreat backwards into the depth of the building, other rooms, high points of concealment.