Hey all,
I am new and join to mainly learn about GSD and SAR.
I will be getting a GSD in a out a year and I am very, very interested in doing SAR work. To be honest, SAR is probably one of the reason I am getting a GSD. Just wanted to do as much research as I could possibly do.
Obviously nothing is guaranteed but is there any way I can increase my dog's chance of getting into SAR? or to pick a puppy that would have a good chance of getting in SAR?
I would really hate to buy a puppy, wait one year and do all the prep work only to find out he's cut not out for SAR work...
Anyways,
Any advice on puppy selection?
And then with the "right" puppy what should I do and what should i avoid doing prior to evaluation?
PS:
I plan on attending National K9 dog training school to become a professional pet dog trainer and will most likely take this GSD with me. Thus, obedience and socialization with other dogs/humans will be very important. However, I was told that too much playing with other dogs can interfere with my dog's future ability to do SAR work because of distraction to play. I was also told too strict of obedience can limit my dog independence which can affect SAR performance as well. Any truth to this?
First contact a local SAR group. Talk to them, observe their dogs, volunteer to help at trainings, and ask them about picking puppies and local breeders that might have some proven SAR dogs in their lines. BTW, GSDs are only one breed that is capable in SAR work. There are plenty of other breeds too.
I think you have to understand that you are key in the SAR success. Are you willing to put in the many many hours of hard, dirty, hot work, training, travel and expense to certify a dog? By talking to your local SAR groups you will get a better idea of what it takes. Don't underestimate how much you have to learn and what you need to train to be a SAR team member.
And yes, too much strict obedience can limit the dogs ability to work. That is why it is really important to be involved with an active SAR team from the beginning if possible.
You really can't get this from the internet. Go out, get dirty and meet the people who will be training you if you decide to go this route.
I agree wholeheartedly that if you want to increase your chance of working in SAR, and of finding the right dog, join a SAR team first. That will ALSO give you leads on dogs from people who are respected for breeding dogs suitable for SAR. And most of these breeders are not going to let a dog go to a "SAR" home unless the new owner is already part of a team. The SAR dog needs a ton of hunt drive which is not necessary for other disciplines....even to some extent detection work depending on the type.
Also agree on the caveat "too much STRICT obedience" can limit. I think, though, with obedience you have to take each dog at what they bring to the table. My current dog is very headstrong and I don't think I could do too much with him. You don't want a dog that is glued to your side though and afraid to make decisions on their own.
I agree wholeheartedly The SAR dog needs a ton of hunt drive which is not necessary for other disciplines....even to some extent detection work depending on the type
That actually brings up another question I have.
Initially I was planning on buying a GSD puppy from a working line with "good enough" drive yet also tempered down a bit to also be easy as a pet.
However, I more I read the forums and look into it, It seem like if I really want to ensure my dog's chance at SAR I better get a really motivated one with "tons of hunt drive" huh?
I'm all in for that if that is what it takes, but I'm just wondering how is it like living with a dog like that? This will be my first working dog so I'm clueless.
My Pit gets 2 30-45 minute walks a day. I am working on her issues so we can start jogging 3-4 miles a day to substitute one of the walks since I do that on my own anyways. But honestly, she's a couch potato, she could stay in for days and be "normal" without exercise.
According to most of the members on here that I've read on, training SAR with a group 3x/week seems typical. So then, for the other 4 days, how much exercise do you give a "working dog" in order to keep them balance?
Quote OP " I plan on attending National K9 dog training school to become a professional pet dog trainer and will most likely take this GSD with me."
I had a quick look at this National K-9 Learning Center of Columbus, Ohio : School for Dog Trainers, Certified Training . Master Trainer has a much different meaning for me . You can't learn to be a "Master" trainer
in 6 weeks and $10,000 later .
In the promo it even includes SAR, selection and training for police k9 , behavioural modification.
Big claims and promises.
lot to look at , lot to learn .
If you do decide to enter the program , taking your future pup there or through that kind of agenda will be counter-productive to the uninhibited , decision making drives the dog will need for SAR . You don't teach a dog search, you harness and reward and refine the natural drives which have been deliberately been built into the genetics .
No I have a Pitbull mix I rescued with leash reactivity issues and socialization issue I am working on for the past 3 years which gives me quite a bit of experience in that department as I am learning from several trainers. I also recently found on rat terrier mix on the streets, he won't be living with me permanently but for now I'm doing basic obedience and leash skill for him for my parents to take him in a year.
But this next GSD will be my first "working" dog. Which I guess in some cases can be a worlds apart from your average pet.
And yes NK9 is nothing more than a foundation for me. I chose NK9 because it's a reputable school and provides a solid foundation to build upon. I plan on doing years of apprentice work under another trainer and seminars before I go off on my own.
Anyways, yeah that was one of my concern, in taking my SAR pup to the academy as the obedience can be counter productive. I am glad that you confirmed this too, I'll do more research and if anything I will work with a shelter dog for the academy while only working with my dog in training beneficial to SAR training.
Once again, I would reinforce GET ON A TEAM FIRST. Do not get the dog until you are active on the team.
Many teams have wait periods before they will let you start training a dog! We have 3 months, I know some that have a year......want to make sure YOU will "stick" and work out with the team before worrying about your dog.
I just saw this thread... I don't know if you have changed plans or not, but I would suggest against the National K-9 school in Ohio. I worked with a trainer from that organization on my dog's aggression issues, and found she had some very old school, probably unfounded ideas about dog behavior. Not a terrible trainer or anything, just not a school of thought that I would recommend for someone trying to get a foundational level of knowledge to start their own training business. I would not train any dog that way, there are just better methods out there. The last time I talked with her, she was not having a good time finding clients. However, I also do not know exactly what dates she attended the school.
"Join a team" is great advice. What I did was join a team and train to be a flanker, and get myself certified for ground unit because even that takes a lot of time. Just learning how not to be an idiot on the radio can be hard! I do have a dog, not suitable for SAR, and I do AKC tracking and some beginning trailing exercises with her- it's MORE than enough of a learning curve! Good luck.
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