I'm not sure if this is the best forum for this question, but I think it's most along the lines of what I am trying to find out. I am new to the SAR field, but been training detection dogs since 2001. I have a dog that I believe is ready to be operational, but have been having some difficulty finding a team that suits me well. I have met a good deal of handlers who claim to have numerous recorded finds and an operational, proficient dog. Unfortunately, I often times have doubts about these claims after watching the teams perform. I want to join a team that will not only help me grow as a handler, but also help me build a good reputation in the field. It seems there are a lot of politics and slander involved and it's hard to know what to believe.

Does anyone know of the best way to research someone's credential and search history? I'm sure it's also not news to many of you, but having a valid certification is not always a good indication of ability either. I'm mostly interested in knowing if there is a way to see how many recorded finds a handler or team has had and get insight into their standing in the SAR field. Of course, it's going to come down to not only their reputation, but also my impression of the team and I know having recorded finds is not most important. Any guidance is much appreciated.

Everything you say is true.

I don't know that the actual recorded find statistics are going to help you so much because unlike detection work it is not a daily job so a real busy team may only get called 50-60 times a year - a smaller less established team maybe 8-10 calls a year.

Since you are in Virginia, I know there is some sort of infrastructure there for SAR team oversight / certification that might, perhaps help you with those kind of records.

Other than what you are doing and meeting with them and observing them train, I don't know. You will have to be a good fit with them anyway to work with them. I think after watching them work a few times, you can get an idea of whether or not you think they are headed in the right direction.

Have you met Bill Dotson yet? If not, shoot me a PM with your email and I will send it to him. I have not seen him for a long time but keep in touch with him.

Not sure how much activity he is doing with his team anymore, but he is a wonderful man that is knowledgeable and he knows how to do it correctly.

You can always ask to see training logs and the team scrapbook. If they are making finds, someone is keeping track of it.

Ariel -
I met you earlier this year at the Randy Hare seminar, so I know you have very high standards and are an exceptional dog trainer/handler. Any team should consider you to be a huge asset to their roster.

To answer your questions - I don't think there's a way to quickly verify the information you're looking for. Personally, I would first go by referral and then judge these individuals for yourself. A good referral doesn't always equal a good trainer, but you have enough knowledge to identify that. Then review their standards (for acceptance onto the team as well as certification standards). Remember that there is no perfect team. Each SAR team I've ever trained with has had at least a few folks who were completely inept at training and handling a SAR dog.

I've been doing SAR for a while and have a lot of training experience (both good and bad!) with the folks in Virginia. I can give you my personal "outsider's" opinion of the SAR teams in Virginia via PM if you'd like.