Requirements for Handler/k9 to be accepted into the Black Diamond K9 SAR Program:


Candidate requirements:

1. Handler must be a member of Black Diamond Search and Rescue Council

K9 Requirements:

K9 must have proof of current Rabies Vaccination as Required by Law.

Dog Behavior Evaluation:

  1. The dog and handler will load into the back of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, along with at least two other people and two other dogs. There should be no aggression between dogs.
  2. The handler will stand with the dog in the heeling position. A stranger will approach and engage the handler in conversation. Dog should remain calm and show no aggression or fear.
  3. The dog will be tied to a stationary point on a 6-foot lead. Another handler, with a dog at heel, will walk within 10 feet of the point where the dog is tied. The dog will show no aggressive behavior.
   4.  The dog must return to handler when off lead and called from a distance of at least 50 feet.  He must do this in an open area with distractions such as other handlers with their dogs.  (this is only for Air Scent Candidates or dogs who must work off lead).

Obedience:
 1. The dog will heel on command through a straight walk, a right turn, a left turn, and a 180 degree turn. The dog will be          off lead or on a loose lead.
2. The dog will sit or stand in the heeling position when the handler stops.
3. The dog will do a down and a sit on command.
4. The dog will do a 3 minute down or sit stay.
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These are the minimums of what a dog needs to be ready to join us for K9 training.  While working on getting this prerequisite training accomplished the handler is encouraged to come to training sessions (sans dog) to assist in the training of current K9  teams. We also suggest they participate in all aspects of training for Ground Searching with Black Diamond and/or any Member Team.

Once a Candidate is accepted into the K9 SAR Program he must participate in 50 % of all training sessions.  An evaluation of progress will be done at 6 months and the current members will vote on acceptance of this Handler/k9 team as full members. ** Candidates  may remain members of Black Diamond SAR Council, even if not voted into the K-9 SAR Program. Members are encouraged to re-visit the K-9 program when they, or their K-9, have undergone the proper corrective procedures to meet the BDSAR k-9 Program requirements.

Both  Candidates as well as K9 SAR  Team Members must understand that the training and development of our dogs is the sole priority of the BDSAR K9 team. The ability to function, unimpeded, in the further development and training to the VSARCO Standard, is paramount to our goal of becoming Operational.  Each Member must conform to all Standards of Conduct set forth by BDSAR and all Member Teams. In addition to that, any individual who participates with the K9 Team, must understand that negativity by discourse, action, or attitude will not be tolerated and the Member can be expelled from the program by a majority vote of the K9 Team Members.   The Member will be able to maintain membership and train with BDSAR but he/she will no longer be permitted to function in the K9 program.

Note: It is understood that the Black Diamond SAR Council's K-9 requirements are for Black Diamond SAR Council only.  These requirements are guidelines for eligibility into BDSAR's program.  These requirements do not supersede the Commonwealth of Virginia's Standards for Air Scent K-9s and should be used as a goal towards that standard.