Maximum age for dog starting SAR?

[VomBlack]

Is there a general overall age in which most organizations will decide against testing a potential SAR candidate? I understand given the nature of the work and the training involved that you do not want to start too late.

Odin and I are attending a training session this weekend to watch and possibly get him evaluated for further training. Odin is a confident, stable and balanced dog, no human or dog aggression. Exposed to all kinds of environments and situations since he was a puppy, climbing and jumping unusual heights and surfaces.. he's really been a willing and trusting dog to work with. Will search for a lost toy until he finds it, loves fetch and tugs.

He turned 3 in February, and has been in excellent physical shape his entire life. Right now averages around 77 pounds. Would his age be an issue? Either way I'm really interested in learning more about the training and what it all entails.

[dog27]

I don't know about most organizations, but mine prefers to start dogs that are under 2 years of age. Between 2 and 3 could be considered, depending on the individual dog. So yes, Odin's age may be an issue.

Also note that some SAR units do not allow Schutzhund trained dogs so you'll need to check on that if you haven't already.

Enjoy the training!

[Mrs.K]

In Germany a dog shouldn't be older than 3 years of age. Our team prefers under a year for most dogs but no older than two except if they have exceptional drive and they pick it up fast.

[jocoyn]

It depends on the team; we would not have any problems with a 3 year old provided that it had the right drives and temperament. Our goal is for an adult dog to be operational (basic level) after one year of training.

[DinoBlue]

Originally Posted by jocoyn

It depends on the team; we would not have any problems with a 3 year old provided that it had the right drives and temperament.

My team is the same, if the drive and temperament is there it's not a problem, and the same goes if the dogs has a SchH title, not a problem at all as long as the dog is balanced.

[Mrs.K]

Originally Posted by jocoyn

It depends on the team; we would not have any problems with a 3 year old provided that it had the right drives and temperament. Our goal is for an adult dog to be operational (basic level) after one year of training.

Yeah, but it also depends on if it is a new Team, as in inexperienced handler, or an experienced handler with a three year old.

If he handler has to be on the team for a year before he can start training, the dog is four years of age.... so that is stuff, I think, should be taken into consideration.

[jocoyn]

Our expectation is experienced organization, with a documented training progression and checkpoints along the way, new inexperienced handler. Adult dog.

[VomBlack]

Good to know, I figure regardless I'm interested in the process and the learning experience behind it, so we'll give it a shot and do what we can. Thanks guys.

[ladylaw203]

As far as I am concerned,a three year old gsd has just reached full maturity:-) that is plenty young. Drive and temperament is the most important thing along with health and hips. We use three year old dogs in police work.four is usually out cutoff