The National Search And Rescue Dog Association
Maple Barn, Canterbury Road, Molash, Kent CT4 8HF
Search Dogs
All NSARDA dog handlers train their own pet dog. They are not bought from third-party trainers or acquired from specialist sources. The first-time journey for every dog handler and their dog is a complete learning experience. The dog is learning how to search and the handler is learning how to train a dog and become a dog handler at the same time. Choosing the dog is not easy, whether it be a new puppy from a breeder or rescued from a centre. Then there is no guarantee that either the handler or dog will be able to complete the journey successfully all the way to assessment and qualification. To help this process a potential search dog will only be accepted into the training programme when it has successfully completed an NSARDA Obedience & Acceptance Test. Our search dogs require intelligence, drive and confidence and must not, of course, be aggressive to people. We have to ascertain this potential. The the dog has then to successfully complete a Stock Test to demonstrate and prove the dog can work safely and under full control of the handler in and around stock (e.g. Sheep, Cows, horses etc). Once the dog is formally accepted into the training programme, each will take a certain path with the handler to learn one of our disciplines. These being: Non Scent Specific Air Scent Search Dogs [Air Scenting] Scent Specific Trailing Search Dogs [Trailing] Non Scent Specific Water Search Dogs [Water] Once the training stages are complete the dog and handler will undertake a number of Mock or Pre-Assessments. When they have passed the desired number of these they will then be ready and put forward for assessment. The assessment comprises a number of search taskings over a number of days. It is not based on a single test, but is designed to test and demonstrate the consistent performance and capability of the Search Dog Handler & Dog in different terrains and scenarios, all to National Standards. National Assessors These assessments are extremely demanding and overseen by independent National Assessors The Dog Handler not only has to have to learn and maintain the skills of a Search Team Member but also be a Team Leader as they lead the dog team in the search task.
you can help us in so many ways
How Can I Help ?
We constantly need to train and qualify new search dogs and their handlers.
Find Out MoreAsk Us How ?our dog profiles
Meet the Dogs
We have profiles for our wonderful dogs with interesting information, a story, some image and videos.
Whether they are in training, operational, retired or fallen, they are our absolutely amazing fluffies!
Find Out MoreOur Dogsour member associations
Meet the Members
We have profiles for our Member Associations with details and contact information.
Our Associations are integrated with Lowland & Mountain Rescue Teams.
Find Out MoreOur Member Associationswhat search dogs do
Types of Missing Person Search Dog
We have lots of information to explain the different types of missing person search dogs we train and qualify.
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Your legacy will save Lives
We will send you a guide to explain how to update your Will to support the amazing work of the NSARDA Search Dogs.
Find Out MoreDownloadMissing Person Search Dogs
Every NSARDA Search Dog is a Pet and lives a Pet's Life.
Ours happen to be highly trained and qualified as missing person search dogs.
Regardless of your choice, there is no guarantee that you and the dog you choose will qualify as a search dog team. Finding the perfect combination of dog and handler is difficult. Has the dog got the drive and learning skills ? Does the handler have the willingness to learn, time to spare and money to fund this voluntary passion ? Only a very few do!
There is a great variety of types of search dogs across the organisation. We have many breeds including Belgian Shepherds, Beagles, Collies, German Shepherds, Hovawarts, Labradors, Malinois, Springer Spaniels, Working Cockers and various others. We also have many mixed breeds combining many of the above, often desired to combine the traits of those breeeds.
The key to your dog choice is to have a dog with great health, fitness, intelligence, confidence and very high energy. This is easier to identify in an older dog. It is very hard to identify with a puppy or younger dog. You can start with a suitable puppy or you may rescue a dog, but if you do try and get one no older than 2 years of age ideally. With the NSARDA pathway, it takes an average 2 years to train a dog. If training starts by the time the dog is 1 year old, it could be qualified by the age of 3, then upgraded at the age of 4. The dog can then potentially re-qualify at 7 and potentially 10 years of age. This all assumes health, fitness etc are all still good and the dog is enjoying the job. The older the dog is when training starts reduces the dog's operational life so Member Associations will always consider age when selecting dogs. Due to the sheer amount of work and time it takes to train a dog, Member Associations do have to be extremely selective about the dogs and handlers chosen to take into the formal training programme.
Aside from all of the above it is extremely hard work taking a dog from Zero to Hero, not just for the dog but also the Handler. Read our other pages to see what is required to be a Dog Handler, Dog Support / Navigator, Dogs Bodies.
All NSARDA Dog Handlers deploy through proper and appropriate channels. They are usually either deployed through a Search And Rescue Team, or similar organisation, at the request of the Police, Garda or Coastguard. In some cases deployment may be direct to the Police or similar agencies. Therefore in order for an NSARDA Dog Handler to be deployed with their dog once fully qualified, they must be an active, operational member of a Search And Rescue Team or satisfy any other local agency rules for deployment.
Having successfully completed the Assessment Process, the newly qualified Search Dog Handler and their qualified Missing Person Search Dog will be awarded a Red Tag to show that the dog is qualified, a Dog Handler Badge for the handlers Jacket to show they are qualified, an Orange Search Dog Vest and a signed Certificate. Most importantly they now join the callout list and are available to attend searches for high risk missing persons from then on, whilst they remain qualified and operational. The process does not stop here ! For Air Scent & Trailing, within 24 months the Search Dog and Handler must undertake the same assessment process again in order to upgrade from 'Initial' handler to 'Senior Handler', at which stage they will be required to reassess every 3 Years. For Water Search Dogs it is every 3 Years. Every Search Dog & Handler will train constantly through their career at all training days and be required to demonstrate their skills. A Search Dog & Handler can be made non-operational at any stage and be required to undertake extra training and further assessments in order to return to the callout list.