DISASTER SEARCH CANINE CERTIFICATION

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GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE (GSAR)
NATIONAL K9 STANDARD
Ground Search
and Rescue
Canine
Certification
Version 1.0
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CANINE CERTIFICATION
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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.
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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
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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.
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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).
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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;
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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.
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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;
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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;
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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.
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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)
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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;
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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