msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Mounted search and rescue
List archive
RE: [MSAR] Re: MSAR-riders Digest, Vol 7, Issue 16
- From: "Jeff Ezell" <eztech@pdq.net>
- To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
- Subject: RE: [MSAR] Re: MSAR-riders Digest, Vol 7, Issue 16
- Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2003 11:59:21 -0500
Currently
I'm training a dog to work from horseback. I have a certified airscent
lab that is about ready to be certified in trailing (in the
conventional way). He does excellent on & off-lead trailing because he
works edge - edge on the scent trail and doesn't range beyond 50 yds.
You are right about the advantages from horseback. It would be a great hasty
search combo. It all depends (as usual) on the the dog & handler
relationship and the handler's ability to read the dogs body language very
well. Part of traditional trailing procedure is often "reading" the
tension on the lead. It will vary from dog to dog.
In the Houston
area 95% of our searches are in urban or suburban surroundings so the barriers
to horse travel are many and traffic dangers for both. But it's really a great
tool to be used in wilderness areas. The dog must be controllable by voice or
whistle commands (especially a very reliable come-back). The use of hounds are
probably out of the question because of this. Once they lock on a scent
they are very focused & may not hear a command (or care). Most dog handlers
have enough challenges w/o the horse mixed in.
Are there any
others out there doing this? You might offer the opportunity to try it
out with some of your dog handler team members if they don't have a horse.
Of course they must know how to ride well for starters because they'll need to
watching the dog very closely.
Good
Luck,
Jeff
Ezell
US Regional
Search Dogs
US Search
Affiliates
|
-
[MSAR] Re: MSAR-riders Digest, Vol 7, Issue 16,
Bdurham05201, 08/27/2003
- <Possible follow-up(s)>
-
[MSAR] Re: MSAR-riders Digest, Vol 7, Issue 16,
Julie Hammond, 08/27/2003
-
Re: [MSAR] Re: MSAR-riders Digest, Vol 7, Issue 16,
Julie Hensley, 08/27/2003
- [MSAR] Variety of skills needed, Una Smith, 08/27/2003
- RE: [MSAR] Re: MSAR-riders Digest, Vol 7, Issue 16, Jeff Ezell, 08/27/2003
-
Re: [MSAR] Re: MSAR-riders Digest, Vol 7, Issue 16,
Julie Hensley, 08/27/2003
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