GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD Ground Search and Rescue Canine Certification Version 1.0 Page 0/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD FOREWORD The Ground Search and Rescue Canine Certification is a standard that has been developed in an effort to ensure nation wide consistency in Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) canine deployment. This standard is not intended to supersede the individual policies and procedures of local police services or other organizations involved in search and rescue activities. A joint committee comprised of the following members of the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) and/or other Government agencies were involved in the development of this standard: Mark Periard Prince Edward Island / RCMP Rick Bushey Nova Scotia / RCMP Craig Veinot Nova Scotia / NSGSARA Chris Gladney Newfoundland / RCMP Pierre Gardner New Brunswick / RCMP Pierre Jacques Quebec / QPP Guy Lapoint Quebec / AQBRS Glen Turpin Ontario / OVERT Coordinator Cliff Samson Manitoba / OFC Lloyd Goodwill Saskatchewan / SARVAS Leon Fiedler Alberta / RCMP Mary Ann Warden Alberta / SARDAA Ron Field British Columbia / RCMP This document will be reviewed and revised as necessary on an annual basis. Page 1/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD GROUND SEARCH & RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Table of Contents FOREWORD 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION 3 Objectives Definitions GSAR Code of Conduct Aggression Policy Aggression Testing Certification Eligibility Certification Evaluation – Concept Accreditation, Progression, and Recertification SECTION 2 – GSAR Canine CERTIFICATION Ground Rules GSAR Canine Certification Procedures Element Descriptions 1. Obedience 2. Person Search 3. Article Search 4. Agility SECTION 3 – OPTIONAL ELEMENTS Ground Rules Element Description 5. Tracking 6. Bark Indication 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 SECTION 4 – EVALUATION AND GOVERNANCE Certifications Expense of Certifications 13 13 13 ANNEXES AND FORMS 16 Annex A – GSAR Code of Conduct Annex B – Working Group Annex C – SARVAC representatives 16 17 18 Form 1 – GSAR Canine – Certification Scoresheet 19 Page 2/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION PREAMBLE 1.1 The use of search dogs can be a productive component in the search for missing persons. The use of civilian GSAR Canine team can be used to support canine resources of the Agency of Jurisdiction (AOJ). The decision to use civilian GSAR Canine teams is that of the AOJ. To be considered civilian GSAR Canine teams must apply and be approved for use during lost/missing persons incidents. SCOPE 1.2 This standard applies to all civilian GSAR Canine teams with the intent to provide canine search and rescue services during lost/missing person(s) incidents. 1.3 This standard has been adopted and is recognised as being the National Standard for civilian GSAR Canine teams in Canada by SARVAC, NSARDA and the provinces and territories listed in Annex B and C. APPLICATION PROCESS 1.4 All applicants for civilian GSAR Canine teams must be a member in good standing with a local GSAR team in their province or territory. 1.5 An applicant must meet the requirements of their province or territory in addition to the requirements as outlined in this standard. AUTHORITY OF JURISDICTION 1.6 This Standard is not intended to replace any existing policy or procedure that is currently being followed in a province or territory. This standard has been developed as a guideline for the provinces and territories to use for the certification of their civilian GSAR Canine Teams. 1.7 In Canada the Policing Authority of Jurisdiction is responsible for Search and Rescue. It is important that all Civilian GSAR Canine teams understand that their role is to assist with missing person incidents when required. Self deployment by an individual civilian GSAR Canine team or organization may result in loss of certification, loss of deployable status, and / or dismissal from National GSAR Program. 1.8 Civilian GSAR Canine teams must also understand that their role is to augment police and other government agency dog teams that will always have priority in Ground Search and Rescue incidents. 1.9 Civilian GSAR Canine teams should attempt to confirm that the local police or other government agency dog teams have been notified when they are called out for any missing person searches. 1.10 The Authority of jurisdiction within a province such as a municipal police force or National Park have the authority and ability to establish additional criteria for the approval of civilian GSAR Canine teams in their areas. Page 3/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD OBJECTIVES 1.11 The objectives for developing a Ground Search and Rescue Canine Certification are to: a. provide uniform methods to determine the current operational readiness levels of all civilian GSAR Canine teams; b. use the results of the assessment process to identify a GSAR Canine team’s strengths and weaknesses in each of the elements being tested for targeted improvement; c. develop a fair and objective training / evaluation process; d. explicitly define the strict operational standard that must be achieved and maintained by a civilian GSAR Canine team in order to be recognized as certified by the Canadian National SAR dog Program. DEFINITIONS 1.12 GSAR Canine team. A GSAR Canine team is a GSAR Canine and a Canine Handler who operate together. When they certify to the GSAR Canine Certification in accordance with this standard the “team” certification is granted to that unique pairing and is not transferable. A Canine Handler operating with a different canine or vice versa is considered a different GSAR Canine team. A GSAR Canine team also refers to a civilian GSAR Canine team or a volunteer GSAR Canine team which are all terms used in this standard. 1.13 Canine Aggression. Canine aggression is an attempted or actual unprovoked attack on another canine or person. A canine may also be evaluated as aggressive if it exhibits significant warning signs or imminent unprovoked attack (continuous growling, snarling, fear barking etc). 1.14 Authority of Jurisdiction. The authority of jurisdiction is the Police Agency that looks after the area in which the Canine Handler resides or works in. The authority of jurisdiction makes decisions on how and when civilian Canine teams are deployed in their area. 1.15 GSAR Event. A GSAR event refers to any operational deployment of civilian GSAR Canine teams, training exercises or Certifications . GSAR CODE OF CONDUCT 1.16 All participants in the GSAR Canine Certification including evaluators, candidates, observers, and support staff must abide by the GSAR Code of Conduct found in Annex A at the end of this document. 1.17 Violation of the GSAR Code of Conduct may result in loss of certification, loss of evaluator status, loss of deployable status and/or dismissal from the program. AGGRESSION POLICY 1.18 Aggressive behaviour toward people and/or other canines is deemed unacceptable behaviour for a Ground SAR Canine (GSAR Canine). Page 4/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD 1.19 A canine must be able to tolerate other canines off leash but under the control and supervision of the handler without showing aggression. 1.20 A canine must allow another person to move it to a different location in the absence of it’s owner. The canine must not demonstrate aggression. 1.21 Repercussions. In the event a canine demonstrates aggressive behaviour at any GSAR event, the following procedures will be followed: a. Canine Attacks Person. Upon unprovoked attack the canine will be removed from the event and will not be allowed to participate in any future events; b. Canine Attacks Other Canine (Short Term). At an event the evaluator/host shall immediately review the incident and determine if it is an isolated incident or long term problem. If it is an isolated incident they may choose to allow the canine to continue; c. Canine Attacks Other Canine (Long Term). If this is determined to be a standard behaviour the handler will be advised that this canine is unacceptable to the program and will not be allowed to participate in future events. AGGRESSION TESTING 1.22 The following aggression testing may be incorporated into any GSAR certification where the evaluator has any concern over the GSAR Canine team(s) being evaluated: a. Handler ties the canine and leaves unattended. Handler proceeds to a designated area out of the canine’s sight. After a minimum of one minute out of sight a stranger to the canine unties the canine. The handler can then return to the canine; b. A canine search team completes a Figure 8 around two other testing canine search teams (“post team”) on lead, sitting in the heel position and spaced 2.4 metres apart. The testing team shall complete the pattern, on loose lead, passing within 0.5 metres of each of the “post” teams. During this exercise all three canines will be evaluated for aggression. CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY 1.23 To be formally certified, and maintain, a civilian GSAR Canine qualification in accordance with this standard the candidate must: a. be at least 18 years of age; b. be a Canadian citizen; c. be recommended by a Volunteer GSAR team; d. possess a valid first aid qualification; h. record and maintain their own and their canine’s training records; Page 5/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD 1.24 i. be prepared to provide all training records to an evaluator (if requested) prior to certification evaluation; j. be in good physical condition and be able to participate in the physical activity that is required for working a GSAR canine; k. acknowledge a willing commitment to put in the extensive time required to train and maintain a SAR canine (Minimum 16 hrs per month); To be formally certified as a GSAR Canine in accordance with this standard the canine candidate must : a. be a minimum of 12 months of age; b. be of a suitable breed and size; c. be in good physical condition; d. be able to pass the aggression test described in 1.22; e. be under control and direction of their handler at all required times; f. be currently vaccinated and inoculated for the following; g. (1) rabies; (2) distemper; (3) parvovirus; (4) leptospirosis; (5) bordetella; (6) hepatitis; (7) para influenza; (8) lyme disease; and successfully pass the civilian GSAR Canine evaluation conducted by a recognized and accredited evaluator from their region in accordance with this standard. 1.25 Failure of a GSAR Canine to maintain the above defined eligibility requirements may result in the revocation, without prejudice, of their certification. Page 6/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD CERTIFICATION EVALUATION - CONCEPT 1.26 Concept. The Canadian Ground Search and Rescue Canine Certification is the means in which the Canadian National GSAR Program defines and maintains a known and validated level of GSAR canine capability. A representative body of expert GSAR canine specialists, have defined through consensus, the single baseline standard required of themselves and any others who wish to be formally recognized as GSAR Canine teams in or by the Canadian National GSAR Program. 1.27 Recognition. Notwithstanding formal legislation most groups of professionals have formal standards they have each agreed to follow and subsequently recognize in one another. If one wishes to be recognized by one’s peers then they agree to meet the consensus standard and agree to recognize that standard when formally granted to another. In this case, the strength in concept, notwithstanding formal legislation, is that the professionals who have defined and met this standard are usually on the vanguard of canine search operations and therefore have the wherewithal to correctly recognize operational trends, shortfalls, and practices. Subsequently, through their respective teams, these GSAR canine handlers can define and recommend required changes to the standard in order to maintain operational relevance and currency. It is a self fulfilling prophecy of the professional. 1.28 The formal certification of a GSAR Canine team in accordance with this standard is divided into separate parts: a. Mandatory Elements of GSAR Certification; and b. Optional Elements of GSAR Certification. 1.29 Canine certification is comprised of elements. Each element is comprised of sub-components called required skills that are defined within this standard. For a formal certification to be granted the totality of the required skills, as defined within this standard, must be demonstrated to a recognized evaluator. 1.30 The following rules apply to a GSAR Canine Evaluation: a. all canines must be able to pass the aggression test prior to a GSAR Canine evaluation; b. one evaluator will conduct the evaluation; c. evaluations may be administered in a single or multiple day format at the discretion of evaluator; d. the evaluator has the option to administer the mandatory evaluation elements 1 through 4 on a single day. Optional Elements may be administered on a different day but within six months of the original test elements 1 through 4; e. a GSAR Canine Team that has passed elements 1 through 4 within the previous 6 months at a recognized canine evaluation may take elements 5 & 6, if offered, at any subsequent recognized evaluation; f. the team must complete 7 of the 8 obstacles listed in the Agility Elements; Page 7/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD 1.31 g. the team must successfully complete all required skills in elements 1 to 4. A single opportunity to re-attempt the failed skills (in a single element) will be permitted on the same day at the discretion of the evaluator; h. if a team fails 2 elements then they are required to re-attempt all elements 1 to 4. A single opportunity to re-attempt the elements 1 to 4 will be permitted on the same day at the discretion of the evaluator; i. each team shall be Canine evaluation. successfully passed testing. (Note: each attempt); j. at the conclusion of the evaluation process the evaluation and comments will be reviewed with the respective Canine Handler and copies of the completed evaluations will be forwarded to the respective team and the original will be kept by the evaluator; k. copies of the evaluations forwarded to the team should be directed to the Team Manager for review; and l. the Team may help develop a remedial plan to address any cited shortfalls. allowed five attempts at their initial GSAR Upon failure of 5 attempts without having the team shall be prohibited from further day of a two day test counts as a separate The following rules apply to Optional Elements: a. one evaluator will conduct the Level 2 evaluation; b. each team shall be allowed five attempts at their initial evaluation. Upon failure of 5 attempts without having successfully passed the team shall be prohibited from further testing. (Note: Each day of a two day test counts as a separate attempt); c. at the conclusion of the evaluation process the evaluation and comments will be reviewed with the respective Canine Handler and copies of the completed evaluations will be forwarded to the respective team and the original will be kept by the evaluator; d. copies of the evaluations forwarded to the team should be directed to the Team Manager for review; and e. the Team may help develop a remedial plan to address any cited shortfalls. ACCREDITATION, PROGRESSION & RECERTIFICATION 1.32 The GSAR Canine Certification may be conducted at the local, or provincial level by any accredited evaluator. 1.33 Formal Certification. A Certification or Recertification is formally granted when a GSAR Canine Team: a. successfully meets and maintains all of the criteria identified at Paragraphs 1.23 and 1.24; Page 8/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD b. successfully passes a GSAR Canine Certification conducted in accordance with this standard by a recognized evaluator; and c. evaluating agency then reduces to writing, in the form of a certificate and transcript, the effective date of their granting of the certification / recertification. 1.34 Progression. Once a GSAR Canine Team has passed Mandatory Certification Evaluation, but not before, it is eligible to take the Optional Certification Evaluation at the first available opportunity, as long as the Mandatory Certification is still current. 1.35 Mandatory Element Recertification. A GSAR Canine Certification is valid for one year from the date of it’s most recent issuance. If a GSAR certified team does not recertify within three months of the expiry date (i.e. 3 months prior to expiry or the 3 month “grace period” after expiry) they shall be automatically decertified and dropped from the GSAR Canine Certification roster; 1.36 Optional Element Recertification. GSAR Canine Optional Element Certification is valid for one year from the date of it’s most recent issuance. If a certified team does not recertify within three months of the expiry date (i.e. 3 months prior to expiry or the 3 month “grace period” after expiry) they shall be automatically decertified and dropped from the GSAR Canine Certification roster; SECTION 2 – GSAR K9 CERTIFICATION GROUND RULES 2.1 The following rules apply to this area: a. the handler is required to follow all ground rules; b. a toy reward is allowed after each exercise; d. the wearing of collars or search vest during the testing will be at the discretion of the respective evaluator; e. the handler must maintain continual control of the canine; j. physical abuse of the canine is not acceptable at anytime; k. the handler is responsible for the care and safety of the canine at all times; l. aggression by a GSAR Canine will not be tolerated at any time; n. all testing teams will complete all 4 elements unless excused by consensus of the evaluators for reasons of aggression, lack of safety or control, injury, at handler request, or for failing two or more of the first three elements; and o. any accident/injury shall be reported immediately to the safety officer or their designee. Page 9/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD GSAR CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES 2.2 The evaluators shall determine the testing area. 2.3 Rescue and medical capabilities should be readily available. ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONS - 1 (OBEDIENCE) 2.4 Rationale. The GSAR Canine will be able to: Given a practical exercise in odedience perform the following with the SAR Dog on and off leash with voice and/or hand signals: Individually a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. Heel normal speed Heel slow speed Jog at heel Sit at heel Down at Heel Recall – “Come” from a distance of 15 m Down/stay during recall Sit at a distance of 10 meters Down at a distance of 10 meters Finish – Heel Evaluation of prey drive (retrieval) 5 minute long down w/handler out of sight 2.5 Handler Information - Long Down / Wait. The canine may be placed next to the handler’s pack or leash and at least 2 metres away from any other canine. Upon direction from the evaluator, the handler shall give the canine the wait command and the handler will proceed to a designated area out of the canine’s sight. The canine must be under the supervision of a monitor. Time starts when the evaluator states “leave the canine”. The canine may sit, stand, or shift position, but shall not move more than a body length in any direction from where the canine was originally placed until the handler returns to the canine. After 5 minutes the evaluator will direct the handler to return to the canine. Handlers may signal the canines to stay, if needed, while returning. ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONS – 2 (PERSON SEARCH) 2.6 Rationale. The GSAR Canine will be able to: Given a practical situation and working with the dog off leash Search for and locate a concealed person in a rural/wilderness environment. The search will include: a. b. c. d. Quartering – Search pattern and proper use of wind. Bush and open area Approx. 1.0 square KM. Time allotment will be determined by the environment conditions at the time (approximately 20 minutes) Page 10/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONS – 3 (ARTICLE SEARCH) 2.7 Rationale. The GSAR Canine will be able to: Given a practical situation and working the dog off leash, search for and locate four medium sized concealed articles of clothing (not washed) in a suburban environment. The search will include: a. Quartering pattern and proper use of wind. b. 2 articles concealed approx. 24 hrs. prior and 2 articles freshly deposited. c. Approx. 200 M square. d. To be completed in 30 minutes. ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONS – 4 (AGILITY) 2.8 Rationale. The GSAR Canine will be able to: Given a practical situation and working the dog on and off leash will negotiate an agility course consisting of: a. Four hurdles not to exceed one meter in height. b. A culvert, maximum eight meters in length and maximum one meter in diameter, laid horizontally on the ground by going straight through without stopping. c. An A frame scramble ramp, minimum height of 1 ½ meters. d. Raised log/plank not less than two meters long and 20 centimeters wide, no higher than one meter off the ground. e. A platform raised at least one meter off the ground. The handler will move at a comfortable pace with the dog under control at his/her side. SECTION 3 – OPTIONAL ELEMENTS GROUND RULES 3.1 The following rules apply to this area: a. the handler is required to follow all ground rules; b. a toy reward is allowed after each exercise; d. the wearing of collars or search vest during the testing will be at the discretion of the respective evaluator; e. the handler must maintain continual control of the canine; j. physical abuse of the canine is not acceptable at anytime; k. the handler is responsible for the care and safety of the canine at all times; Page 11/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD l. aggression by a GSAR Canine will not be tolerated at any time; m. all testing teams will complete all 4 of the mandatory elements in addition to any of the optional elements that are considered mandatory in their jurisdiction. n. Although Tracking is listed as an Optioal Element in this National Standard, it is strongly recommended to all jurisdictions to adopt tracking as a mandatory element for the following reasons: Tracking is a skill that is not easily accomplished and requires a Canine with a great deal of skill. It is a good way of weeding out dogs that do not have the necessary drives. The skills required by a handler to properly work a tracking dog take a long time to develop. The tracking profile teaches a handler to read their dog and requires them to learn good line handling techniques. At anytime during a missing persons search the ability of a K9 team to track could become an important skill. ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONS – 5 (TRACKING) 3.2 Rationale. The GSAR Canine will be able to: Given a practical situation complete an unknown level I Track that will include the following: a. b. c. d. e. f. Approx. 2 KM unknown and unmarked in a rural environement. 45 minutes old (depending on the weather conditions) Two road crossings Four (4) scent related articles Four right angle turns Ond dead end (not over 15 meters) ELEMENT DESCRIPTION – 6 (BARK INDICATION) 3.3 Rationale. The GSAR Canine will be able to: Given a practicle situation complete a Bark Indication as follows: a. b. c. d. Search will consist of three barrels or three other identical hiding spots. The handler will send his/her dog into the search area. Person hidden for a minimum of 15 minutes. Dog is required to remain focused on location for a minimum of 30 seconds. e. Minimum of six (6) barks. Page 12/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD SECTION 4 – EVALUATION CERTIFICATIONS 4.1 It is imperative that each canine team be certified to the “Canadian GSAR Canine Standard prior to being used operationally and: 4.2 a. Certifications will be conducted by an approved agency / authority for the province in which the Canine team resides. b. Certifications be conducted by a recognised evaluator(s) from the province in which the handler resides. c. Once a team has been certified, that they be retested and certified on an annual basis to ensure that they continue to meet that standard. Failure to meet the Canadian GSAR Canine standard: a. Failure to meet the Canadian National Standard will result in the canine team not being able to be used operationally until they have successfully completed the Certification requirements as outlined in this standard. b. Failure to recertify to the Canadian National Standard will result in the canine team becoming de-certified. The team will no longer be able to be used operationally until they have successfully completed the recertification process, possibly following a period of remedial training. 4.3 Certification of a canine team will expire 15 months after their certification date. Failure to be retested prior to that time will result in the canine team becoming de-certified. 4.4 It is the responsibility of each Search Team / Association to ensure that their canine teams are certified on an annual basis and that those certifications follow the policies that are outlined in this standard. 4.6 All records of certification will be completed by the evaluator and distributed as required by their province: a. A copy will be kept by the evaluator for his/her records should they ever be required to testify in court on his/her evaluation. EXPENSE OF CERTIFICATION 4.22 All expenses incurred as a result of a Certification will be the responsibility of the Host agency. Each host agency should budget on a yearly basis for: a. The cost of having all of the K9 teams in their task force to attend a recognised K-9 rubble site to allow for their annual certification. b. Each Host Agency should budget $2,000.00 per calendar year to allow for the travel of an independent evaluator to conduct or monitor their Certification process. Page 13/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD ANNEX A GSAR CODE OF CONDUCT 1. Any abuse of any canine will not be tolerated for any reason at anytime. 2. Deceit by the handler for any reason will not be tolerated and considered grounds for removal from the program. 3. Verbal or physical abuse of other members will not be tolerated. 4. Proper safety rules will be observed at all times. 5. The care of the GSAR canine will be the responsibility of the respective handler and the handler will keep their canine under control at all times. 6. Use of alcohol or illegal narcotics will not be tolerated under any circumstances. 7. Aggressive behaviour by any canine will not be tolerated. All participants in the Ground Search and Rescue Canine Certification Standard must abide by the GSAR Code of Conduct. Violation(s) of the Code of Conduct at anytime may result in the loss of certification, loss of deployable status, and / or dismissal from National GSAR Program Page 14/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD ANNEX B The following members of the GSAR Canine Standards working group have agreed to the GSAR Canine National Standards contained in this document. GSAR CANINE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION - APPROVAL Working Group Members - Approval Page 15/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. Date GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD ANNEX C The following Provincial Representatives of the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) have agreed to GSAR Canine National Standards contained in this document. GSAR CANINE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION - APPROVAL SARVAC Members - Approval Page 16/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. Prov/Ter Date GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD FORM 1 – GSAR CERTIFICATION SCORESHEET Name - Handler Date(s) Name - Canine Evaluator Canine Team Home Agency Canine Team Province Evaluators Agency 1. Test Location OBEDIENCE C DNC Comments C DNC Comments C DNC Comments Heeling – slow / medium / fast Sit at heel Down at heel Recall Down stay Sit at distance Down at distance Finish Prey Drive test / Retrieval 5 Minute Long down 2. PERSON SEARCH Proper use of wind Proper direction / Search pattern Strong indication by Canine Good read by canine handler Quarry located 3. ARTICLE SEARCH Proper use of wind Proper direction / Search pattern Strong indication by Canine Good read by Canine handler Articles located 4. AGILITY (Complete 5 of 6 including 4 x mandatory)* Obstacles C DNC Heels Between C DNC Comments Hurdles x 4 culvert A frame Raised log or plank Raised platform OPTIONAL ELEMENTS 5. TRACK C DNC Comments C DNC Comments Determines direction of travel and wind Handler skills Intensity of Dog Completes track unassisted Locates articles on track (min. 3) 6. BARK INDICATION Locates quarry Continuous Barking Stays at source Page 17/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Dated TBA. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR) NATIONAL K9 STANDARD Additional evaluator comments may be placed BELOW I have conducted this evaluation to the best of my ability and IAW the Canine Certification Standard Evaluator Signature Time I have been debriefed on this evaluation and informed why I have passed or failed by the evaluator PASS FAIL Handler Signature Date FORM 1 – GSAR CERTIFICATION - Evaluator Comments Reference Page 18/19 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE CANINE CERTIFICATION Comment Dated TBA. Time Date