With regard to building searches thought you might like some input from the UK. I have been a K9 handler for ten years with the Ministry of Defence Police, if we are searching a building there are two options in how we (I) would do it. If the quarry was not deemed to be dangerous a challenge is issued and the dog is allowed to search out of site of the handler. Problems with this are the dog pushing through a door and not being able to get back through it and the quarry being concealled in a room off another room or corridor which the dog does not have access to which means the handler has to move foward to progress the search.
Once the dog has found the quarry it will give voice with the handler joining the dog to make the arrest etc..
The second method of search would be used for a suspected firearms incident. The dog (fierarms support) works with a tactics team and a room to room search is carried out with the dog being sent foward passed the firearms officers (FO's) to clear each room, then back to handler before the FO's check the room. The FO's then move foward to the next room door and the process is repeated until the dog makes contact at which point it will give voice to be quickly recalled to handler, leaving th FO's to get on with the job. It is vitally important that the dog must be able to work very quietly during the search. If the quarry was to show agression towards the dog it is expected to engage in bite.
This is my first time on the board and I have really enjoyed reading it so far.

I agree with that on leash building searchs is a tactical mistake. Check out Leerburg's building searchs, dogs need to be trained and ready for this very dangerous task. Also you as an officer need to be trained how to search a building. With and without a K9, we as polie officers tend to rush into police work and this is one that needs alot of training and planning.