Search for a SAR pup

[Rhino]

As you know I just lost my partner. I need a new start and direction.

I am on the lookout for a new prospect. Prefer a male, black or super dark sable dog with excellent drive and stability and even better health and pedigree breeding.

I will be certifying him in Woodland SAR both live and cadaver. He will also certify in water cadaver. If he is good enough he may even go as far as urban disaster cadaver IF I can find that caliber of dog.

If you know of any one that has pups or an upcoming litter please let me know. I AM IN NO HURRY. I am willing to wait for the right dog to become available.

Thanks, Paul

[eggo520]

I PM'd you

[jocoyn]

I have heard very good things about Eurosport K9

[Rhino]

I am awaiting an email reply from Europsport..

I also have been talking to Someone that has a dog from them and they love them. No written guarantee and a few minor details has me weary. But that is just the skeptic in me.

Marcia Koenig said there is a litter due out a breeder near me that is the mother to one of her dogs. She said these should be great dogs.

Then there is the idea of going LAB. But some have said they don't see them doing great or out perform a good Shepherd.

Then the last thing in the mix is I might go Dutch this time around instead a Czech as I did with my last dog.

One thing for sure I will not just jump on the first dog available.. I will wait for the right dog to come.

[ladylaw203]

Let me suggest NO to a pup especially GSDs. If you are going to train using retrieve drive especially. You cannot beat a good lab for scent work. You rarely see GSDs as straight scent dogs in law enforcment and military. I import and raise Dutchies and Mals and they are great, but,again for straight scent work ,labs,springers, goldens are the way to go. Too difficult to find the drive in GSDs. Get a young adult if you can. Pups are a crap shoot because genetics are not a sure thing. Just because the parents are nice there is NO guarantee that the pups will have the drive necessary.
If someone will not give a written health/hip gurarantee, RUN

[BJDimock]

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation has placed several unsuitable guides in search and rescue,as well as Ct state police. They have done very well. If you're interested, they are located in Bloomfield,Ct, and you can contact them at http://www.fidelco.org.

[SouthernThistle]

Have you considered registering with NASAR (if you haven't already)? There are breeder classifieds with breeders offering a tested pup or young adult and some private owners/trainers offering tested or initially trained young adult dogs to certified and qualified handlers.

I know. I placed a "nose that never stops working" Labrador Retriever from a breeder friend of mine into a SAR handler's home in Virginia. The handler sends the breeder updates at least once a month. Kind of a "Where are they now?" thing.

Not too long ago, there was a woman in upstate NY who had a floppy-eared German Shepherd that was already trained on trailing and obedience work that she was giving away to a good home. I can try to find the dog's info if you'd like. He was a neutered rescue with a working nose to die for.

[jocoyn]

I think a young adult is another good option to consider.

Grim was on the small side and really does not have the kind of fight drive the police were looking for in a dual purpose dog, but he has done very well for me. Plus I was able to get him with hip, elbow, and back x-rays and solid health clearances for a good price. If I did not take him, a retired K9 officer told me he would take him in a heartbeat.

[Rhino]

Thanks to those that have offered help in locating a pup/dog.

Here is an update...

I have failed out 29 dogs/pups so far. Most of them where dogs already started or shelter dogs. Being an X Military trainer I know exactly what I am looking for and will not settle until I find the right dog. There are two dogs that are on my watch list as they come into who they are going to be.

But I am also watching two pups out of a breeding I have found that have the right stuff to make a ago of things.

I will keep you all informed at just what comes into the program.