Handler Standards

The dog handler will meet all the criteria below before fielding a dog in any discipline. In addition, the dog handler will meet the criteria for each discipline as defined below.

  1. Has current Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR Certification.
  2. Has current certification by the American or International Red Cross for Basic First Aid, or the equivalent.
  3. Demonstrate attendance at a class on the subject of K9 First Aid under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to traverse 2 miles with a 20-pound pack over varied terrain within 2 hours, or, any of the following:
    1. Class completion conducted by Ski Patrol Mountain Travel and Rescue
    2. Entire FUNSAR course completion with SARTECH II certification
    3. Any Metroparks course that contains the provisions of number 4 above, including written certificate of attendance.
  5. Complete a Crime Scene Preservation Class taught by a Law Enforcement Officer certified by Ohio Peace Officers Council in subject matter, or the equivalent.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to navigate by topographical map, compass, and GPS by:
    1. Translating an entire route taken by dog team during an exercise on a topographical map.
    2. Locate any clues found, including footprints, on a topographical map.
    3. Be able at any time to give a description to base camp, by geographic (longitude/latitude) or UTM coordinate, of the team's location.
    4. Communicate the correct coordinates of subject to base camp.
  7. Demonstrate ability to identify a strategy for searching an area (whether land or water), which uses the meteorological conditions and terrain to the dog's advantage.
  8. Demonstrate the ability to identify wind direction and alerts given by the dog and translate this information on the map.
  9. Has taken American Red Cross PDT (Preventing Disease Transmission) or equivalent.
  10. Disaster: (This is in addition to 1-8 above and represents a specialty)
    1. Participate in Formal Disaster Training through FEMA or Federation approved seminar.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge of the disaster area as it pertains to structural safety and potential hazards and be able to successfully pass an oral exam on disaster search.
  11. Water: (This is in addition to 1-8 above and represents a specialty)
    1. Participate in a water safety class.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to read air and water behavior and direct coverage of the search area.
    3. Must be able to determine the area of highest probability of detection.
  12. HAZMAT Class.

back

Standards Revision October 21, 2006

Guidelines