OK, I'm going to rework this post a bit. DFrost, I'm not sure if I gave the impression that we test based upon a timeline. That's not the case. I was just answering Goodogu's question. IF the dog can do the work, and IF the human can do the work, and the training progresses as one would hope, then it will take 1-2 years. However, you are correct that testing is based upon the level at which the dog and handler are performing. In a team environment, which is very different from what Goodogu seems to be doing, the only timelines involved have to do with the system of checks and balances that are in place to insure that only dogs and handlers with the ability to do the work are taking up valuable time and resources to become mission ready.

And about the manhunt thing: in my area, we have hundreds of SAR volunteers. If the subject is a suspect in a crime, or known to be armed and unhappy about something, volunteers are NOT sent out. This falls under Law Enforcement, and if a K9 is deployed, it will be a police K9, NOT a SAR K9. It sounds like things may be different in some places, like where Goodogu or Richard live.

When I agreed that it's "stupid" to want to be involved in the apprehension of criminals/suspects as a VOLUNTEER, I didn't mean to imply that any particular person here is stupid. I'm not about that. It's my opinion that while SAR does have risks (especially if you like to ride in helicopters like I do <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ), tracking fleeing criminals poses a greater level of risk that I am not willing to take; I'm not getting paid enough to take that kind of chance with my life. If someone else wants to put themselves in that situation as a volunteer, then it's not my business to tell them that they shouldn't. Sorry if I overstepped my bounds. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Goodogu

I thought you asked a good question. I wouldn't be concerned about what other people think. YOu asked a question, looking for answers and guidance, there is nothing stupid about that. You would expect on a board such as this to get a wide range of suggestions or comments, some may be helpful, some may not, none-the-less, all should provide an opportunity to learn. One thing I have noticed while reading and posting to this board, however, if you aren't a member of someones mutal admiration society, then some questions, or the advice given is criticized as stupid or inexperienced. Don't let it concern you. Good dog trainers or handlers, listen to all advice, sort through the obvious chaf, try those suggestions, use the ones that work, remember the ones that didn't work on a particular dog, (they may work on the next dog) and move on. I've been a dog trainer/handler for 36 years, and I've yet to see the perfect trainer or dog. WE do what we can with what we have.

DFrost

Goodogu,

In the past, even as civilians, we were often used in the capacity of assisting small PD's with searches. These departments didin't have dogs.

Also there was a situation in the neighborhood here were a house alarm went off (they were out of town). When the PD showed up, they insisted on someone going in before them. Since my wife was out waiting with our neighbor (she had the codes for the alarm). The solution was my wife came home and got our Giant to send in first to look through the house.

Instead of a new post, I just edited the one above.

L Swanston, sorry to be so late in answering your question. I do all airscent training off leash and start the trailing on lead. When they are trailing I want them to learn to work tightly, that's why we start on lead and graduate to working off lead. Usually it doesn't take too long before they understand what I want.

I'd like to do off lead trailing in the future. Sounds like fun! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

L Swantson, Dfrost, Doc, Stubby's, Richard

This is trully a learning experinced, and I'm trying swallow its as fast as I can. I'm of the opinion that whenever you start something new, you will be called clumsy/inadequate/stupid especially on a forum without a background check.

As the F**king New Guy (FNG), it goes with the title, I have emptied my cup, and it over flowing. I got alot of printing to do. I feel that though I got the expected slap in the face, (who do you think you are, thing, stupid). I still got the answers that I wanted from a wealth of knowledge that reading a book just could not give me. Thats growth, no pain no gain and this board gives the pain, Ouch! And the gains. Its not any different then 1st day out in the field, or patrol.

Dfrost
I appreicate your guidence, I can tell you have lead men into situations and brought them back.

I got another question how can you tell when your dogs playing around or off track or actually confused? Is there any signs like, sniffing in circles or looking up at you?

Richard that was so cool, both of you have ice water in your veins. Thanks for explaining that a Man gotta do, what a woMan gotta do. Some have and other don't.

Goodogu

As you work with your dog, you'll learn the behavior the dog has while on track, you will also start to recognize the signs that the dog has lost the track. Often times it's just as you cited. The dog may become confused, it may exhibit an almost frantic look like it is looking for something, which actually it is. Sometmes the dog will turn around and look at you as if to say "now what". As you get more comfortable with your dog, and run tracks that the dog successfully completes in training, you will start to become aware of the signs the dog has lost it. After spending many miles looking at the southend of a northbound tracking dog, it still amazes me at what they can accoplish. Although,now, most of my time is now spent working with detector dogs, tracking will always be my first love. Geez, I need to get a life, LOL.
Good luck in your training adventure.

DFrost

Goodogu,
You have asked some very good questions, and I certainly hope I haven't given the impression that I think you or your questions are dumb. I'm just a beginner myself, and have tried to answer your questions to the best of my knowledge. Your best teacher will be experience. Keep on trackin'! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The first question in this thread was answered, and now we have gotten away from that topic. Plenty of good stuff in here, but lets open new threads with specific questions and discussions. This one is getting long.

BLAMMO. . .