Frequently Asked Questions Answers

1. What is Long Island K9 Search and Rescue?

Long Island K9 Search and Rescue(lik9sar) is a volunteer search dog unit and mantracking unit on call 24 hours a day to assist law enforcement and other official agencies.

2. Is this a club?

No, lik9sar is not a dog training club. For SAR dog teams, we are looking for people who have the time, persistence and drive to spend many long hours training to achieve and maintain a mission-ready search dog team.

3. What are the different types of membership?

For handler/dog teams the membership progression is from Support to Training to Operational Team status. Support members are not necessarily dog team handlers, but provide essential functions which help keep the organization running smoothly.

4. Do I have to have a dog to join lik9sar?

No. lik9sar needs volunteer support people to do a whole range of activities including: fund raising, base camp support, public relations, dispatching, assisting teams during SAR missions and many other activities. You do not need to be a dog handler to be an effective member of this organization. Support members are as valuable as dog team members!

5. What kind of dog can I train for SAR work?

Most breeds are capable of doing SAR work.

6. Can I start with a puppy?

Yes, this is preferable. You can start with an older dog also, however its working career will be shorter. All dogs must be proficient in basic obedience prior to starting their training membership period.

7. Where do I get training?

We spend much time training our teams as well as helping newcomers. Training sessions are held st least once a week; usually Saturday or Sunday. We will assist you, but not hold your hand, through the initial learning process. You must demonstrate interest, teamwork, initiative, a willingness to learn and to assist others.

8. What are lik9sar's expectations of me and my dog?

We expect the following from all new dog team members:

• Attend at least one training sessions per week.

• Train in all types of weather.

• Attend outside classes (obedience, agility, first aid & specialty classes).

• Work with other handlers on practice search problems.

• Volunteer to be a subject for lik9sar training and tests.

• Have a positive and constructive attitude.

• Develop/demonstrate adequate physical fitness.

• Be willing to train up to 2 years to achieve mission-ready status.

• Be willing to train independently.

• Purchase necessary personal equipment.

• Work with your dog every day outside of unit training.

• Maintain a written daily training log.

9. Is this time consuming?

Yes! Expect to train 3-4 times per week when starting out. You will need a significant amount of support from your spouse, family and employer. This is a serious commitment of your time and resources . In most cases, teams who train inconsistently do not advance towards mission-ready status.

10. What type of searching are the dogs trained for?

We strongly encourage all members to cross train in several different types of searching.

Most mission-ready teams are certified in several of the following areas: Wilderness, tracking/trailing, cadaver, drowned victim and disaster. Each of the categories has two proficiency levels.

11. Where can I learn more about SAR dog training?

There are many good books on SAR dog training. The following books provide a basic overview of what is required:

Search Dog Training

by: Sandy Bryson

The Boxwood Press

ISBN: 0-910286-94-9 

Ready! A Step by Step Guide for Training the Search & Rescue Dog

by: Susan Bulanda

Doral Publishing

c. 1994

ISBN: 0-944875-41-6

Search and Rescue Dogs: Training Methods

by: American Rescue Dog Association

Maxwell Publishing Company

c. 1991

ISBN: 0-87605-733-4

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