Mounted search and rescue

[margie <margiespencer@verizon.net>]

[Deleted included prior post.  -Una]


Hello list,
I am a new member, and am following the thread regarding training and
charging for such.  

I am the Officer in Charge and Training Director of a K9 Search & Recovery
Unit, and OIC of the Sheriff's Office Volunteer SAR unit too.  All my
training, came from nationally known handlers/trainers and not once did
anyone of them ever charge, or even hint to being paid.  They too, are
volunteers and are active.  We are a sort of a brotherhood I guess, all
looking out for each other, and passing down the training secrets if you
will.    I too train new members, and have never expected payment.  Believe
me when I tell you that at times there can be up to 50 or more hours a week
given to new folks in training sessions. And I have done this for many many
years!

I am seeing a new trend, originally thought to be just in the K9 SAR world,
but now I see it is filtering into Mounted SAR as well. WOW , when I see the
prices/Fees some are charging, it sure wouldn't take long to become rather
wealthy in this field.  LOL  It's a bit unnerving in that, these same folks
that are charging these outrageous fees were given the training for FREE in
some cases.  
 
 Guess folks have to make a buck. 
 
What I would like to know is who, where, and some background info of
training folks in MSAR are available on the EAST coast that would not
require a potential MSAR candidate to mortgage his home to pay for training?
Some of the fees I am reading about are absurd, and totally ridiculous.

I run a Bloodhound in scent specific Mantrailing, who is additionally cross
trained to hunt land /water cadaver.  He additionally is trained in article
recovery work.  We are activated by Law enforcement and stay extremely busy.
The idea of MSAR in our unit completes the package. So, therefore, I have
started the ground work with an Arabian Quarter cross, to add a MSAR element
to our SAR Unit.

The yearling was donated to me this past April, for use in Recovery efforts
within our unit.  The ground work has begun, and going well. Lots of
researching, and observational hours just watching how he reacts to
stimulus, how he reacts to his herd, his position in the herd, and what or
how he, or "if" he challenges a situation.  Just simple leading work is all
I do right now with him, (walking on lead) and careful observation.  I know
what he is timid about, (don't use the word spook) and know how to ease him
into feeling comfortable with a situation.  I know when he wants to work,
and when it's time to quit, and most important, when he is NOT in the MOOD
to work, for one reason or another. Hey, we all have our days.  Everything
is in slow motion - much slower than with dog training!  LOL  But, with that
comes the benefit of learning this animal from every stand point.  They are
such intelligent creatures!   He will eventually be imprinted with cadaver,
as the goal is for him to assist with cadaver recovery searches. Have a long
way to go yet, but I am a trainer with an incredible amount of patience.

I joined this list to gather every single little bit of information I can
regarding training for MSAR.  I hope to see a great deal of challenging
topics and instructional material.  I would also like to inquire if there
are national certifications available in MSAR?  Our canine's certify to
north American police work dog association, in addition to our state police
work dog association.  Something out there for MESAR?
Looking forward to reading further posts, and learning from you all.
M. Spencer
OIC V K9 SSSAR Unit
Virginia