K-9

Should there be a natural or man-made disaster in Dane County, we will have trained and certified K-9 teams to respond and locate victims. Utilizing the K-9 tool quickly is imperative. The first 24 hours after a disaster has occurred is the time for success in the rescue of victims. After that period, the mission turns to recovery.

The K-9 certification is an arduous test requiring proficiency in five areas; Obedience, Bark Alert, Directional and Control, Agility, and Rubble. Taken directly from the FEMA National Urban Search and Rescue Response System K-9 Search Specialist Certification Process are the following rationale for each discipline.

• Obedience The K-9 should be under the control of the handler, capable of heeling through crowds and non-aggressive to people and other K-9. The K-9, for its safety, must be responsive to an emergency stop command. The long wait evaluates the reliability of the K-9 to remain in place when the handler is not in sight.
• Bark Alert Due to the varied and stressful demands of disaster search, a strong and independent bark alert is imperative. Penetration and digging is desired to help identify the live victim. However, when the canine is searching, the bark alert is the only method that can be recognized from out-of-site. With this information, the Search Team Manager can request other resources as needed to confirm the location.
• Directional and Control In order to search areas that the handler may not access or to avoid hazardous areas, the canine must demonstrate the ability to be directed and controlled by the handler. The canine should respond to audible and/or visual signals.
• Agility In order to safely search the rubble for victims, the K-9 must have specific skills and overcome some of its natural instincts. It may be dangerous to jump off moving objects. The K-9 must learn it is possible to balance or gain control of a moving object by using its body weight and gravity. In order to maintain traction on slippery surfaces, the K-9 must learn to spread its toes and not dig in with its toenails. It is very important that the K-9 learn to place each foot deliberately and independently on the rubble. Agility training will give the K-9 confidence on the rubble. The K-9 should be able to search the rubble without being overly concerned about its safety.
• Rubble The rubble search demonstrates the ability of the team to integrate all of the previously evaluated elements into an effective search tool.

The training facility for the K-9 teams is currently being negotiated. It is expected that construction of an agility course and a rubble pile will begin soon after the site is secured and completion will be staggered based on the complexity of the projects. Once a training facility has been established, K-9 teams will be actively sought. Stay tuned for updates!!!

For more information on this program, please contact Linda Anderson, at 608-266-4330 or LindaEAnderson@hotmail.com.