Hunt-Find-Alert: K9 Search and Rescue Community

Heather Stieler joins us on HFA to discuss three types of K-9 Training Log software that are available for handlers to use.Heather calls the Texas Hill Country home but was raised all over the US. She currently works from home as a Software Specialist. Heather became interested in SAR as a way to serve her community in a fun and exciting way that also included her Malinois' Ren and Misha. Heather and K9 Ren are a certified live area/air scent search team through IPWDA. Heather and K9 Misha are also a certified human remains detection team through IPWDA.During this episode we do a break down of three currently available Detection dog training software (Balto, RescueDogs, and Dogbase) and perform a comparison of each software. We walk through some of the Pros/Cons of each software and discuss what makes each solution distinctive. If you are looking for a new and improved way to track your dog's training, this is an episode that you do not want to miss.***Please take the time to visit the website of each software and decide which solution works best for your personal needs.References mentioned in this episode:Alamo Search and Rescue: https://alamoareasar.org/Balto K9: BaltoRescueDogs: RescueDogs: The Search Dog AppDogBase: DogBase

In this episode of HFA Heather Wisner joins us to discuss an observational study that she performed of Human Remains Detection dogs and their ability to locate and respond to target odor. Heather Wisner is from Northern Wisconsin. Her masters was completed through Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona. Heather is a K9 Handler for the local SAR team in Wi and has been involved in Search and Rescue for almost ten years. Her journey with her K9 Obi who was adopted from a rescue, lead her to completing her Masters Degree in K9 Research. Heathers research lead the way to create the first Search and Rescue K9 bill for the State of Wisconsin with State Representives Beth Meyers and Chanz Green. That bill became state law in the spring of 2024. Heather was invited to speak on her research in Miami, Florida last year at the first K9 Science Conference in the U.S. and just recently spoke in Canada on this topic. Heather continues to be an advocate for SAR, K9 training and is working to add additional state laws. She hopes to empower k9 handlers with knowledge and speak on the most recent research. Her K9 partner Obi and her newest partner Rey continue to keep her busy as she continues to research K9s, train in SAR and support K9 handlers in North America. May the scent be with you! During this episode we discuss Heather's thesis: "It Costs an Arm and a Leg: Cadaver Dog Workability Study". In her study Heather conducts an observational study of HR dogs to determine their reliability in locating and providing a trained response to target odor. Her study also delves into the important topic of accessing training aids of different sizes and weights to ensure that dogs are exposed to the full range of human decomposition odors. If you are interested into the training methods of HR dogs, this is an episode that you can not miss! References mentioned in the episode: FACTS K9 Seminar: https://www.txst.edu/anthropology/facts/workshops/k9.html Sawyer County Search and Rescue: https://www.facebook.com/SawyerCountySAR/

Michelle Metzner joins us on HFA for the second time to discuss troubleshooting the Recall/Refind for Live Find dogs. Michelle has been a SAR handler for over 30 years and has fielded multiple search dogs over the past 3 decades. Michelle is a leader on the K-9 Emergency Response Team based in Wisconsin and is also a K-9 Handler for Wisconsin Task Force 1. Additionally, she has served as a lead K-9 evaluator for the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) for many years. In part two with Michelle we focus on troubleshooting the Recall/Refind for Live Find dogs and how to work through some of the common issues that handlers face with their dogs. For this episode we took actual questions that Michelle has received from K-9 handlers and listened to Michelle troubleshoot how she would work through fixing the issues being faced by handlers. If you are teaching your dog the Recall/Refind or are having issues with any part of the behavior chain this is definitely an episode that you will want to listen to.

In this episode of HFA Christy Bormann joins us to discuss Category 5 K9 and their process of taking shelter/rescue dogs and turning them into search K-9s. Christy has been involved in K-9 Search and Rescue for over 20 years and has done both Wilderness SAR and Urban SAR throughout her history in Search and Rescue. Christy is a founding member of Category 5 K9 and serves as the K9 Training Coordinator for Texas A&M Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team. Christy has certified and deployed multiple K9s in disaster environments across the globe. During this episode we discuss the work of Category 5 K9, and their mission of taking unwanted dogs and putting them in the hands of capable detection handlers across the U.S. We also spend time discussing how Christy evaluates shelter dogs to determine if they are the right fit for Urban SAR, Wilderness SAR, or detection jobs. If you have a passion for Shelter/Rescue dogs and turning them into working dogs, this is an episode that you do not want to miss! References mentioned in this episode: Category 5 K9: https://www.cat5k9.org/ Texas A&M Task Force 1: https://texastaskforce1.org/ Cat 5 K9 Evaluation Process: https://www.cat5k9.org/screening Category 5 K9 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAT5K9/

In this episode of HFA Dr. Mark Marsolais joins us to discuss evaluating prospective SAR K9s utilizing the Brownell-Marsolais scale. Mark Marsolais is a Professor of Criminal Justice and Security at Thomas College. Sam Houston State University awarded him a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. In addition to his doctorate, Professor Marsolais has a B.S. degree and M.A. degree in Psychology. He specializes in teaching criminal justice, policing, homeland security, conservation law, evidence, critical issues, and special topics (e.g., Police Use of Force; Search and Detection K9s). Professor Marsolais served over 20 years with the Houston Police Department as a patrol officer, criminal investigator, Internal Affairs investigator, and supervisor of patrol, defensive tactics, and special operations. In addition to his policing experience, Professor Marsolais served as a director of national and international canine detection programs for a Washington-based security firm. Since the late 1980s, he has been involved in canine search and detection as a hander, trainer, and educator. He has direct experience with deploying canines to search and locate human remains, wanted suspects, contraband, lost persons, and disaster victims. During this episode we take a deep dive into the Brownell-Marsolais scale developed by David Brownell and Mark to evaluate SAR K9s to determine their suitability for their prospective jobs. The scale measures three components of prospective SAR K-9s K9 Sociability K9 Drive and Motivation K9 Nerve Strength We use this episode to explore each component and how they are tested to determine a candidates suitability for SAR work. If you are looking for a tool to evaluate prospective SAR K-9s this is the episode for you! References mentioned during this episode: Hunt-Find-Alert Facebook: Hunt-Find-Alert:K9 SAR Community | Facebook Ground Zero Emergency K9 Training: https://www.groundzerosaveslives.com/

In this episode of HFA Ian Maslin joins us to discuss the importance of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) for SAR responders. Ian is a Certified Traumatologist from the Traumatology Institute and Certified from UMBC in Critical Incident Stress Management. He is an Advanced Approved Instructor with The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. A Peer CISM responder with British Columbia Search and Rescue Association, and Emergency Support Services. He is also a Community Care Nurse in the Lower Mainland of BC. Additionally he serves as the Training and Competency coordinator for British Columbia Search and Rescue association Critical Incident Stress Management program. During this episode we discuss the essentials of why SAR teams should implement a CISM program, and the positive benefits a well coordinated CISM program can have for team cohesiveness. We also breakdown the essentials of what's in a CISM program, and how each element is utilized after a stressful situation. We concluded the episode by providing resources that SAR teams can utilize to implement a CISM program for their local team. References mentioned during this episode: Talking Trauma Website: https://talkingtrauma.com/ International Critical Incident Stress Foundation: https://icisf.org/ Kent Harrison Search and Rescue: https://khsar.ca/ Ian's Phone Number: 604-316-2079

In this episode of HFA Tim Baird joins us to discuss selecting the right breeder and puppy for your next SAR K9. Tim has been working with detection dogs for nearly 30 years, starting as a Patrol K9 handler before transitioning into a detection K9 handler. In his years working with dogs Tim has helped support K9 programs for many government agencies including the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Tim also helped develop the Vapor Wake program created by Auburn University to detect person borne IEDs. Tim also has extensive experience breeding and raising future detection K9s in his nearly three decades of experience. Tim currently works for Arete Canine training explosive detection dogs. During this episode we discuss what to look for in your future SAR K9 and what kinds of genetic traits are desirable for the work that SAR dogs perform. We also dive into breeder selection and spend a significant amount of time discussing evaluating puppies and steps that you can take when screening your next SAR prospect. If you are considering getting your next SAR prospect, this is an episode that you'll definitely want to listen to.

In this episode of HFA Paul Bunker joins us to discuss imprinting your detection K9 on odor. Paul has been working with detection K9s for over 40 years in various aspects of detection. Starting with his 2 decades of experience handling detection K9s during his time in the U.K. military, followed by nearly 20 years of working with the U.K. and U.S. military training and deploying explosive detection K9s. Most recently Paul formed Chiron K9 based in San Antonio, TX to focus on research and supporting conservation and environmental detection programs with his K9s. During this episode we discuss Paul's workbook titled: Imprint your Detection Dog in 15 Days. In the workbook Paul provides a step-by-step guide of how to imprint your detection dog on odor. We use this episode to delve into Paul's imprinting methods that he's utilized to imprint dogs of dozen's of breeds on hundreds of various odors. This episode discusses foundational steps that are useful for any K9 handler, and takes a deep dive into the odor imprinting process. References mentioned during this episode: Chiron K9 Website: https://chiron-k9.com/ Chiron K9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chironk9/ Chiron K9 Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/chironk9 Imprint your Detection Dog in 15 Days Workbook: https://chiron-k9.com/imprint-your-detection-dog-in-15-days/ Alamo Area Search and Rescue: https://alamoareasar.org/

Tiffanie Turner and Dr. Ben Alexander joins us on HFA to discuss the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University (FACTS). Tiffanie and Ben have been involved in SAR for over 20 years each, in for the last 10 years they have conducted seminars at FACTS for cadaver dog handlers. In this episode we give an introduction to what FACTS is and what handlers can expect to learn when attending. Make sure to stay tuned for Part 2, where we discuss the lessons that Tiffanie and Ben have learned over the last decade of conducting classes at FACTS. References mentioned during the episode: FACTS Website: https://www.txst.edu/anthropology/facts/workshops/K9.html FIRST Detection K9: https://www.firstdetectionk9.org/

Michelle Metzner joins us on HFA to discuss how to teach the Recall/Refind to Live Find Dogs. Michelle has been a SAR handler for over 30 years and has fielded multiple search dogs over the past 3 decades. Michelle is a leader on the K-9 Emergency Response Team based in Wisconsin and is also a K-9 Handler for Wisconsin Task Force 1. Additionally, she has served as a lead K-9 evaluator for the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) for many years. If you are looking to train your Area Search dog to perform a Recall/Refind this episode is the playbook that you need. Michelle takes that time to explain the process step by step and gives handlers all the information they need to start, finish, and maintain a solid Recall/Refind. Additionally, we spend time going through common issues with the Recall/Refind and how to successfully resolve issues that may arise along the way. If you want to teach or troubleshoot your dog's Recall/Refind, this is the episode for you! As an added bonus, if you believe that humor is an integral part of SAR, you'll really enjoy this episode:-) References mentioned during the episode: Michelle's SAR Team: K-9 Emergency Response Team Michelle's Contact Information: KERTWI@HOTMAIL.COM, (757) 506-4535 Shreveport, LA K-9 SAR Seminar: Home Page Link HFA Facebook Page: Facebook Link

Jerry Bradshaw joins us on HFA to discuss Variable Reinforcement Schedules in detection dog training. Jerry has over 30 years' experience in training detection, patrol, and tracking dogs for law enforcement agencies and militaries both domestically and internationally. In addition to professionally training working dogs, Jerry has also won national titles with his personal dogs in the competitive protection sports of Schutzhund and Protection Sports Association (PSA). Jerry currently serves as the Director and President of Tarheel Canine Training in North Carolina which provides trained patrol and detection dogs to LE agencies across the country. Variable Reinforcement is a topic rarely discussed in SAR circles, but it has been a staple of detection K-9 training for many years. By varying when and how you reward your dog during training you can add the "Maybe" question to your dog's behavior which can increase the intensity and reliability of the behavior. If you have not implemented Variable Reinforcement into your training, you definitely want to hear Jerry explain the benefits of this training methodology. References mentioned during the episode: Jerry's webinar series on detection: Detection Webinar Link Tarheel Canine: Website Link Slideshare: Powerpoint Link Controlled Aggression: Podcast Link

In this episode of HFA we continue our discussion with Sonja Nordstrom on Selecting and Starting a Human Remains Detection dog in Part 2 of the conversation. In Part 2 we discuss in detail different methodologies of exposing dogs to odor, in addition to the odor imprinting process for green dogs. We also discuss dedication to odor, proofing off non-target odors and the all important TFR (mistakenly referred to by me as "FTR"). This episode is a great guide to HR handlers who are thinking of how to start their next dog, and provides great context and gotchas for adding odor to your dog. Mike Suttle Odor Imprinting Process: Odor Imprinting Process SMART Dog Training Conference: Smart Dog Sonja's Dog Training: Sonja's Training Hunt-Find-Alert Facebook: Facebook Page

Sonja Nordstrom joins us on HFA to discuss how to select a dog for Human Remains Detection (HRD) work, as well as how to start training with the dog to prepare for real world deployments. Sonja is a retired FBI Special Agent and has nearly three decades of K-9 search and rescue experience, additionally Sonja competed in Mondio Ring, French Ring, and IPO for nearly 10 years. In addition to K-9 SAR and protection dog sports Sonja serves as a judge and trainer for UKC Nosework competitions. Sonja is also the owner of Sonja's Dog Training and a Co-Founder of American Tactical Aggregate K-9. In this episode of HFA we go into detail of what to look for and avoid when selecting a HRD dog, including breeders, puppy selection, and initial training of the dog. We discuss the benefits of selecting a dog from working bloodlines, the importance of health testing in dogs, and so much more. If you are interested in doing HRD with your dog, you will not want to miss this episode. This episode is Part 1 of a 2 part discussion with Sonja. References mentioned during the episode. K-9 Top Tales: K-9 Top Tales Podcast Great Basin Search and Rescue: https://greatbasink-9sar.org/ Sonja's Dog Training: Sonja's Dog Training American Tactical Aggregate K-9: https://atak9.com/ Hunt-Find-Alert: Facebook Page

Nadine Conner joins us on HFA to discuss how to get started in K-9 Search and Rescue. Nadine is a Master Trainer and evaluator for AMPWDA and a Lead Trainer at FACTS, in addition to being a professional dog trainer with nearly 20 years of experience working with dogs. This is a great episode for people who may be interested in joining a search and rescue team, and provides a great overview of the process of getting started. In this discussion we discuss the type of people who can do search and rescue, some of the various roles on search and rescue teams, and some of the requirements to join a search and rescue team. We also discussed the all important dog! What to look for in a dog, how to acquire a dog, and the role that a dog can play in joining your local SAR team. References mentioned during the episode: SitStay Dog Training: http://www.sitstaydog.com/ Great Plains Search & Rescue: https://gpsk9s.org/ AMPWDA: https://www.americanmantrailing.com/index.html FACTS: https://www.txst.edu/anthropology/facts/workshops/K9.html Nadine's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nadine.hoffconner

Suzanne Elshult joins the show to discuss her 20+ year career in K-9 Search and Rescue. We discuss Suzanne's dog Keb who won the American Humane Society's Hero Dog Award for Search and Rescue as well as her book "A Dog's Devotion: True Tales of a K9 Search and Rescue Team". https://suzanneelshult.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ADogsDevotion https://csdk9.org/ https://k9ff.org/

Former Texas District Court Judge Kelly Case joins the show to inform our listeners of the legal implications of search and rescue that all K-9 Handlers should be aware of. Kelly Case has spent time as a Texas District Court Judge, Assistant District Attorney, and Criminal Defense Attorney and he provides us an overview of the legal aspects of search and rescue that's vitally important for all SAR team members to be aware of. Hunt-Find-Alert: Facebook Page Trejos v Texas (K9 Application of the Nenno Test): https://caselaw.findlaw.com/tx-court-of-appeals/1101233.html Nenno v Texas: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/tx-court-of-criminal-appeals/1130950.html

Welcome to Hunt-Find-Alert the podcast covering everything K-9 Search and Rescue related. This episode is a brief overview of the podcast and is a precursor to the exciting upcoming conversations that we will have. Hunt-Find-Alert Facebook Glossary of Terms: AMPWDA = American Mantrailing, Police & Work Dog Association AWDA = American Working Dog Association NSDA = National Search Dog Alliance SDONA = Search Dog Organization of North America HRD = Human Remains Detection