SAR - Page 1

I wanted to ask a few questions about SAR.  I live in lower Michigan {Kazoo area} and I've looked online and can't find anywhere near me to learn about SAR.  Any one know of any where close to me that they have a group that trains regularly?  Is it true that it is very expensive to get started in SAR?  I was told by someone once that it usually cost around $3500 or more to get started in it.  Buy equipment etc.  I really would love to learn more about it, and possible get started with Chaos on it.  Have no idea where to start though.

What I recommend is for you to locate a good SAR team in your area.  Call your state law enforcement agencies and ask them who is responsible for missing/lost people in Michigan and if they can refer you to a team.  This team can then assist you. You might also sign up for one of several Yahoo SAR discussion lists...there you can post and someone who is on a team in your area can speak with you about it.   I will  say that envolving yourself in search and rescue is close to a full time job and does make many financial demands.  If you are accepted onto a team, however, your expenses can be tax deductible.

You may well discover that you like being part of a team, and working to make a real difference in people's lives.  If you have a suitable dog, that will be a great head start.

Best of luck,

Alex Whitelock, VSARK9

go to nasar.org,you can find all the teams in every state and contact info.if u have a VERY PREY DRIVEN dog,air scenting or tracking trailing is easy.there are great books at the nasar book store and workingdogs.com?Dog people tend to be very catty,so don't be surprised if u don't get a warm welcome at some teams.In my experience the most professional well funded teams are the least catty.good luck.COST almost nothing if u have a good dog and boots, and time and patience.

My husband and I were on our local volunteer fire department for years.  We know what it's like to get called out at all times of the night and day.  If we were not at work, we ran the calls even in the middle of the night, and then went to our regular work in the am.  That was also very demanding of our time for the longest time.  He retired and I stepped down back in 1990.  I'm not really sure how Chaos would be doing it, but it would be kewl to see what he's made of : - }  The closest team that I have found since I looked last is like 4 hours away.  Way to far for me to go train.  I will keep looking for someone closer.  Thanks for the info.

Hi,

 where is Michigan are you? Please email me privately and I can hook you up with a great individual. She is alos involved in Urban SAR and yes, it is very expensive to become involved. First and Foremost you must have a dog with the right drives. If you are serious about SAR and your dog is not suited you must think about adding the correct dog to the formular. If you would like to email me privately please feel free to do so Satlas5471@aol.com

K9sar

Does the person you are referring to, have the initials of J.C?

Don't forget you must be able to physically get around yourself to do SAR effectively. My trailing dogs will stay at a trot  for several miles on a track and i have to stay up regardless of terrain.

I knew one lady in SAR who had a nice dog who could find anybody but she herself was so fat unless the person was lost with about a hundreds yards away on flat ground she could not make it.

Don't have anything to worry about there.  Very athletic here, and have plenty of stamina.

That's good... Many people don't realize the amount of physical work it takes to do SAR and other types of work of Gsd's.