April 6 to 7, Search Teams gathered at our National Training Center (NTC) for the second in a series of weekend training sessions designed specifically for SDF-trained teams, instructed by SDF trainers. Visiting from other parts of California, as well as Nebraska, Oklahoma and Utah, a dozen Canine Search Specialists put their skills—and those of their canine partners—to the test during two full days of training exercises!
Upon arrival, teams were briefed about a fictitious disaster having struck the NTC and that civilians were unaccounted for. The Handlers were then divided into teams, selected a Search Team Manager to take the lead, and immediately began to develop their search strategy of the designated “Disaster Zone.” All of Saturday was dedicated to the implementation of their search strategies, being flexible and making changes based on the environment and the wellbeing of their canines. All of SDF’s volunteer “victims” were brought to safety before the day was over!
On Sunday, Handlers and SDF training staff together discussed the previous day’s challenges and real-world implications. They spent the day troubleshooting any areas that could use improvement or that the Handlers simply wanted additional practice with. Examples included focusing the dog’s alert bark more closely to the source of scent and getting their canine partner to drop the toy faster after being rewarded—you know how our dogs love their toys!
It was an informative learning experience for the Handlers, and also one that allowed them to get to know one another better. In the last two years, we have increasingly seen teams from across the country deploying to large disaster areas, such as states affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and meeting-up in that location to work together. Training opportunities that give teams from different task forces the chance to create camaraderie and learn about one another’s search styles ahead of time is important.
We’d like to thank CA-TF5, NE-TF1, OK-TF1 and UT-TF1 for supporting their canine teams and allowing them to take advantage of these training weekends. We aim to offer more US&R workshops at the NTC as we wrap-up the rebuilding of our campus since the Thomas Fire.
