OUR WORKING DOGS:

There are many breeds of dogs that are currently used in Search and Rescue (SAR) work. All of these dogs must possess characteristics common to a solid working K9. Prospective K9s are evaluated on their hunt drive, temperament, distractibility, people acceptance, general obedience, as well as other characteristics.

Our dogs live with us and are also our pets. They are required to have sound temperament and to be well socialized. They love their job and are rewarded through play and positive reinforcement. We love our dogs and we are proud that they can help others.

HOW THE DOGS WORK:

All humans, alive or dead, constantly emit microscopic particles bearing human scent. Millions of these are airborne and are carried considerable distances. The air scenting dogs are trained to locate the scent of a human in a specific search area. The dog is not restricted to the missing person's track and can search long after the track is contaminated by other searchers and civilians.

We respond to a search as a unit, deploying multiple K9/handler teams while working with the responsible agency to assist in search management. The unit will respond at any time, day or night, regardless of conditions.

"That Others May Live"


When someone is reported lost or overdue Mason Dixon Rescue Dogs (MDRD) is available to provide highly trained Air Scent K-9 teams to the responsible agency on a 24 hour basis. MDRD is a volunteer search and rescue unit that trains canine teams for many situations.

MDRD is a member of a National organization, the American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA). ARDA was formed in 1972 in Washington State and New Jersey. Since that time units have been added in 14 states and provinces. All ARDA units are required to pass a full unit evaluation every three years by outside evaluators. At this time the units' search management skills, base camp operations, and K-9 teams are evaluated against the national standards. The outside evaluation is unique to ARDA and exists to insure that the search teams that are provided have passed the most rigorous and exacting standards. This evaluation guarantees that any ARDA team called to a search scene will be able to respond in uniform in a consistent fashion.  For more information on ARDA, please visit their website at www.ardainc.org.