Lowland Search Dogs currently recognise three levels of Search Dog
Level 1 - Trainee
A dog that is currently undergoing operational Search Training - This dog and handler will have an ID card, however they will NOT be sent to a live callout. These dogs may be used in training exercises.
Level 2 - Air Scent - Hasty
A dog that has been assessed to work over a duration of 30 - 60 minutes, looking for multiple MISPERS along a route, path or boundary. The dog has to have found 100% of MISPERS during the assessment along with other criteria. These dogs should only be used for searching hasty scenarios at day or night.
Hasty dogs will be identifiable by a yellow ID card
Level 2 - Trailing - Rural
This assessment consists of a dog team trailing over a distance of 1.5 km on a trail that has been laid three hours prior to the test. This assessment should be completed within 60 minutes. Any search that goes beyond this time, will be at the discretion of the assessors. The handler must ensure that the team gives a clear, recognisable location reference for the MISPER when found.
Hasty dogs will be identifiable by a yellow ID card
Level 3 - Air Scent - Open Area
A dog that has been assessed to work over a duration of 60 - 90 minutes, looking for multiple MISPERS in an area of mixed terrain and difficulty. The dog has to have found 100% of MISPERS during the assessment, the handler has to demonstrate good scent theory and sub sectoring skills and search strategies amongst other things. These dogs can be used to search any areas deemed suitable by the handler and search manager on scene at the time.
Area dogs will be identifiable by a green ID card
Level 3 - Trailing - Urban/Rural
This assessment consists of a dog team trailing over a distance of 1.5 km on a trail that has been laid six hours prior to the test. This assessment should be completed within 60 minutes. Any search that goes beyond this time, will be at the discretion of the assessors. The handler must ensure that the team gives a clear, re cognisable location reference for each MISPER found.
Area dogs will be identifiable by a green ID card
Specialism - Victim Recovery
A dog that has been assessed to work over a 10 acre area of woodland and a building of approximately 1800 sq ft to find flesh and bone of varying sizes at varying heights in 60 minutes or less for each location. The dog must find 100% of the articles placed. These dogs can be deployed in urban or rural area's.
Area dogs will be identifiable by a red ID card