Registration Deadline: February 1, 2019
Registration: https://searchdogfoundation.org/workshops/
Hours: 16
Handler Participant Registration Fee: $450 per student
Observer: $200 per student
Optional Room & Board Fee: $155 includes 2 night’s stay at SDF’s Handler’s Lodge and meals
We will kick off 2019 with a variety of “Fun Hunts” that will test each Handler’s ability to safely navigate themselves and their canine partners through a variety of disaster scenarios designed by Teresa MacPherson and Deborah Burnett. As Instructors, Teresa and Deborah will observe and critique the teams’ ability to locate live victims for rescue, and apply problem solving techniques. In addition, a portion of the weekend will focus on Advanced Reward Systems, once referred to as “Drive & Decoy” training. Handlers will learn how to develop and channel drive, as well as better motivate a variety of breeds, so as to get the most out of each Search Dog on their task force.
OVERVIEW
The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF), in conjunction with Instructors Teresa MacPherson and Deborah Burnett, are pleased to announce that we are opening the gates of our National Training Center (NTC) for a series of US&R Live Find team training weekends throughout 2019! These training weekends are an opportunity to work with your canine partner in a variety of real-world scenarios on 125 acres. You will receive quality one-on-one instruction delivered by Teresa MacPherson and Deborah Burnett, to include problem-solving and feedback. These two-day training weekends will be largely field-work, concentrating on disaster search that may include foundation training elements and wide area search scenarios, building and rubble search areas.
The description and objectives of each training weekend will vary. Each time, we will be able to accommodate up to sixteen (16) canine teams on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, up to ten (10) Observers may register for the full workshop in a hands-off capacity (no dogs), at a discounted rate. These training weekends are customized for and available to US&R Live Find canine teams only. Various levels of experience will be accommodated.
PREREQUISITES
All dogs must be:
Under control and well-behaved
Healthy
Dog may not be in heat
Non-aggressive
Trained indication on LF
Handlers must be affiliated with a recognized agency.
NOT required – Completion of Type II/FSA or Type I/CE certification(s).