Progress Checks & Training Records
USAR Search Dogs in New Zealand are trained via a National Training Programme (NTP). The NTP contains a number of progress checks from initial training to the Foundation Skills Assessment which must be completed before formal assessment.
Some senior handlers visited the US in 2006 and observed the use of their version of the progress checks and we are grateful to TX-TF1 for permission to use their document as a base for further development.
The NTP was introduced in 2009 as a tool for both handlers and the National Trainer to gauge progress of teams in training throughout the country.
TRAINING A USAR SEARCH DOG
USAR Search Dog handlers in New Zealand are all volunteers. They come from all sorts of backgrounds, from firefighters to computer programmers. What they share is basic fitness, the ability to work in a team, the desire to serve the wider community and a dedication to the development of USAR Search Dogs.
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ABOUT USAR SEARCH DOGS
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Search Dogs are unique and incredibly valuable as a resource in the location of people trapped following the collapse of structures. The fast and effective location of trapped victims increases their chances of rescue and recovery.
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USAR Membership
The NZ USAR Search Dog Association is an Incorportated Society. The Association has a Management Committee chosen from its members with a President taking the lead role.An Association Coordinator runs the USAR SDA day to day and it is the first point of contact for enquiries.Please see the Committee and Contacts section.
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