Unit Roles
Members within the unit participate in one of three roles:
- Dog handler: a person who conducts the search for a lost or missing person using their own dog as a search dog.
- Second: a person who works side-by-side with the dog handler and undertakes duties including but not limited to communication and navigation.
- Missing person: a ‘dog’ body – someone for the dogs to find.
Becoming a member – what we are looking for
Handler or second:
- Over 18 years of age
- Need to be active and fit i.e. able to walk 5km over undulating terrain with a pack containing all essential gear for yourself and your dog
- Keen to work with dogs and learn new skills
- As a handler, you will bring your own dog into the unit and must be prepared to commit to the responsibilities of exercising and training your dog in obedience, agility and search.
- Be committed to attend at least 85% of training sessions
- Must have flexibility with your availability for search deployments
- Must be a team player
Dog pre-entry requirements
Outlined below is a summary of the pre-entry requirements your dog must meet prior to applying:
- Dog details
- Minimum of 12-18 months up to 6 years of age*
- Must be desexed prior to commencing first day of training
- High play drive / active dog
- Control
- Loose lead walking – dog walks on a loose lead without pulling
- Sit – dog sits close to handler
- Recall – ability to recall your dog from at least 50m out of sight
- Crate – dog able to enter/exit a crate (in vehicle) without hesitation
- Dog collection – dog is able to be collected by another person while being tied up
- Temperament
- Able to weave between other dogs without reactivity
- Confident with interactions with other dogs and people
- Displays no reactivity towards other dogs or people
- Fit for task
- Dog is overall fit and healthy
- Ability to walk over a variety of terrain and textures
*note the outer limit of the dogs age may be increased as agreed with the Unit Manager and Handler based on previous experience and health of the dog.
