Testing Structure

The International Testing Standards for Rescue Dogs (IPO-R) include the following categories and levels:

• Rescue Dog Suitability Test—Tracking (RH-F E)

Rescue Dog Tracking Test A (RH-F A)

Rescue Dog Tracking Test B (RH-F B)

• Rescue Dog Suitability Test—Area (RH-FL E)

Rescue Dog Area Search Test A (RH-FL A)

Rescue Dog Area Search Test B (RH-FL B)

• Rescue Dog Suitability Test—Rubble (RH-T E)

Rescue Dog Rubble Search Test A (RH-T A)

Rescue Dog Rubble Search Test B (RH-T B)

• Rescue Dog Suitability Test—Avalanche (RH-L E)

Rescue Dog Avalanche Test A (RH-L A)

Rescue Dog Avalanche Test B (RH-L B)

• Rescue Dog Suitability Test—Water (RH-W E)

Rescue Dog Water Test A (RH-W A)

Rescue Dog Water Test B (RH-W B)

Dog handlers may start in any category, with either the Rescue Dog Suitability Test or any other test of their choice, at level A. Participation in a level B test is conditional upon the dog rescue team having passed the level A test in the relevant category.

The minimum age for a dog to take part in a Rescue Dog Suitability Test is fourteen months; for a level A test it is eighteen months, and for a level B test it is twenty months. In each test, except the water test, the dog has to show its skills in scent work, obedience, and dexterity. More information and the testing regulations are available at the website of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (www.fci.be) or the International Rescue Dog Organization (www.iro-dogs.org).

Mission Readiness Test—Rubble

The Mission Readiness Test (MRT) is based on the work of a search dog team at an international Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) mission following the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) guidelines. INSARAG (www.insarag.org) is a global network of more than eighty countries and organizations under the United Nations umbrella. INSARAG deals with USAR–related issues, aiming to establish minimum international standards for USAR teams and methodology for international coordination in earthquake response based on the INSARAG guidelines.

Participants must have passed the RH-T B test, and the dog must not be older than eight years of age at its first MRT participation. The Mission Ready certification is valid for two years. Once a mission-ready search dog reaches its tenth birthday, the team must undergo recertification every year.

The scenario for the MRT is generally a recent strong earthquake resulting in a lot of destroyed buildings. During a MRT, the performance of the dog and dog handler as well as the whole team performance will be assessed during a minimum of seven searches of twenty minutes in at least three different search areas over a period of two days, including day searches and night searches. The number of victims to be found will not be disclosed.

The search work requires a certain level of physical ability to accomplish the assigned tasks in challenging terrain, for both the search dog and the dog handler. Suitable PE (Personal Equipment) and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment: helmet, mission jacket, mission pants, safety boots, gloves, lighting) are required.

The MRT begins with the arrival and registration of the participants at the Reception and Departure Centre (RDC), where an equipment check and the dog’s health check by a veterinarian will be carried out. All formalities completed, the participants will be transported to the Base of Operation (BoO) with local transport vehicles. With the exception of the mandatory four-hour resting period, all participants will remain operational at all times and must be ready within fifteen minutes from the time they receive their work notification.

At each work site, the dog handler receives a written general tactical situation before the beginning of the search work. This can also be in the form of a drawing or through an INSARAG Marking Box (see page 177). After this, the dog handler must share his or her plan with the classifiers and then execute the mission plan. During the search, distractions should occur, such as noise, people lingering in the search area alone or in groups, and close—but for the dog unreachable—food or various types of garbage.

Figure 14.3 At a voice command or hand signal, this Chocolate Labrador climbs up the access plank to a ladder. (IPO-R test, Xanxere, Brazil, 2012)

Figure 14.4 The dog must be attentive to the handler’s voice command “Heel” and obey willingly and directly. Its shoulder should be no farther forward than the handler’s knee.