Greater Atlantic Rescue Dogs

GARD Training Standards

Formal certification in:                                       

    ◦    Search Team Member (STM) qualification through state certified course
    ◦    CPR / First aid for human and canine
    ◦    Canine behavior, obedience, agility and trained indications to signal and find
    ◦    Pass written state exam
    ◦    Pass field evaluation for day and night K-9 SAR operations
    ◦    Attend a minimum of 50% of training opportunities per quarter
    ◦    Learn and demonstrate subject behaviors, scent theory, search skill
    •    Conduct Additional training (Outside formal GARD Training)
    ◦    Seek continued education in SAR related topics
    ◦    Work on challenging areas with your K-9 through the week as required

Training Progression  

  •    Applicant - 6 months to complete eligibility to be voted to Candidate status
    •    Candidate – 6 months to 1 year to complete eligibility to be voted to Operational status
    •    Operational – Recertify with field tests every two years to maintain operational status


 
GARD Documentation
   •    Standard Operating Procedures    

    •    GARD Bylaws

    •    Interest Letter

 
Resource Material
   •    Search Strategy
    •    Search Hazards
    •    Walker Checklist
    •    Search and Rescue Communication
    •    SAR Book List 1