FAQ

SDS trains both the dog and the owner, not just the dog. The search dogs are trained and handled by their owners.

Search dogs are highly trained to locate people by detecting human scent. A single trained search dog can cover the same amount of ground as roughly 30 human searchers, making them an invaluable resource in search and rescue operations.

At SDS, our dogs are trained in air-scent detection, which includes both Live Find (locating living individuals) and Human Remains Detection (locating deceased individuals). Unlike tracking dogs, which follow ground disturbances or footprints, air-scent dogs detect tiny human scent particles carried by the wind. These particles can travel long distances and linger in the environment, enabling the dogs to locate a person even if they are not in the immediate area.

During a mission, multiple air-scent dogs may be deployed across different search sectors at the same time. This approach allows large areas to be searched efficiently and increases the chances of locating the missing person quickly. The dogs work closely with their handlers, who interpret the dogs’ behavior and direct the search strategy.

Search dogs are carefully trained, continually evaluated, and regularly practiced to ensure they remain effective in real-world conditions. Their speed, accuracy, and reliability make them one of the most valuable tools in search and rescue.

Training a search dog and handler team is a significant commitment of both time and dedication. On average, it takes 18 to 24 months of consistent training before a team is ready to test for operational status.

Handlers typically devote 300 to 500 hours per year to structured training with their dogs. Beyond this hands-on work, handlers are also required to complete a variety of specialized courses related to search and rescue, such as navigation, first aid, survival skills, and incident command.

This combination of intensive canine training and comprehensive handler education ensures that each team is fully prepared to perform effectively and safely during real-world missions.

Training may be started with dogs as young as 8 weeks, however no dog is fielded on search operations until it is 18 to 24 months of age, once they have reached physical and mental maturity.

SDS trains a variety of breeds of dogs. We have successfully trained working dogs, herding dogs, sporting dogs, and mixed breeds. The breed is not as important as is the drive and personality of the individual dog. The dog must be eager to please, willing to approach strangers, non-aggressive towards people or other dogs, and have the stamina and endurance to withstand long hours of searching in any type of terrain.

While drive and personality is more important than breed the working type breeds of dogs do tend to perform best, such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Kelpies, Border Collies and crosses of these.

Before becoming operational, each dog-and-handler team must successfully complete six progress checks to ensure they are meeting training benchmarks. Once these are achieved, the team undergoes a rigorous Operational Assessment designed to simulate real-world search conditions.

This assessment is conducted under the guidance of independent, qualified evaluators from the Australian Search Dogs Federation Inc. Only after passing this stringent process is a team classified as operational.

To maintain this status, all operational teams are reassessed annually, ensuring their skills, reliability, and readiness remain at the highest standard.

Search and rescue work is physically and mentally demanding. A handler must be prepared to deploy with sufficient personal equipment to remain self-sufficient in the wilderness for at least 24 hours. This typically includes carrying a 15–25 kg backpack over rugged, mountainous terrain and being able to spend the night outdoors with only minimal sleeping gear.

A high level of physical fitness is essential for this role. Handlers are required to successfully complete a formal fitness test to demonstrate that they are capable of meeting the physical challenges of search and rescue operations.

SDS is funded solely by contributions and grants from individuals and corporations. SDS is a not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

You can sponsor one of our dogs today for just $30 per month.

Contact the Police. Provide them with as many details as possible. Current photo, medication, special needs etc. Do NOT wait. The sooner the search begins the faster resources can be deployed.

Once you have contacted police you can contact us directly on 0412 524 715 for further assistance.