Certification Standards – American Patriot K9 Training

PURPOSE:

These standards and testing procedures have been created with the purpose of providing independent performance evaluations. The standards and testing procedures will provide an opportunity for the search and rescue professional to gain evaluation of their canine’s ability and proficiency in the discipline tested. The use of an e-collar shall not be permitted for any phase of testing. Certifications are valid for two years.

PREREQUISITES:

The following prerequisites are required in order to test. Law enforcement teams who utilize their dogs as part of their duties are not required to meet these prerequisites but AMPKT recommends that they fulfill similar requirements within their department training program.

The canine must be at least 12 months of age at the time of certification testing.
The canine must be in good health and proof of vaccinations provided at the time of testing.
The canine must be of sound physical structure and temperament.
The canine must be of adequate strength and size to negotiate the terrain.
The canine must be friendly and well mannered.
The handler must produce written training records in the discipline that they are testing.
The handler at the time of certification testing should be in good health.
The handler must produce proof of certification in basic first aid or higher medical training.
The handler must produce proof of certification in CPR.
The handler must produce written documentation of land navigation/orienteering training.
The handler must produce written documentation of having completed IS-100 “Introduction to Incident Command System” and IS-700 “National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction”.
The handler must produce written documentation of having completed an awareness course in “Crime Scene Preservation”.
For trailing, air scent and human remains detection disciplines, the handler must pass a knowledge based written testing with a score of 80% or higher in the area in which they will certify.
Handlers having taken and passed the written test are not required to take it for a re-certification.
The canine and handler must pass the SAR OBEDIENCE CONTROL EVALUATION prior to testing in any discipline.

**** This does not apply to a canine testing in on lead trailing.

Definitions:

TARGET ODOR:

The odor/scent for which the canine is trained to respond. Within the context of these standards the term “target odor” may be used in reference to live find human detection or to the detection of human remains.

SAR OBEDIENCE CONTROL EVALUATION:
The purpose of this testing is to ensure that the canine handler has reasonable control over their canine to perform search and rescue functions. This test shall be administered to the canine team every two years as part of the recertification process. The test is not required if the same canine team attempts another certification in another scent discipline within the same two-year period unless the evaluator determines otherwise.

The canine and handler must pass this evaluation prior to testing in any search area except on lead Trailing.

The canine must perform the following to the satisfaction of the evaluator:

Heeling phase: The heeling will be done either on or off leash and will include (2) right turns (2) left turns and (2) about face turns. This will include a slow, normal and fast pace. The order of events is up to the evaluator.
Down/Stay phase: The canine will be placed in a down position off lead. The handler will then move away a distance of approximately 20 feet while holding a conversation with another person for a period of five minutes. If the canine moves more than one body length from the stay position, that canine will be removed from the test.
Come phase: The canine will come when called from a down-stay (Off lead).
Vehicle Load phase: The canine will load into a vehicle on command (Off lead). The canine will allow a stranger to take the canine from the handler on lead and load him/her into their own vehicle.
Plank phase: The canine will walk over a 2″ x 12″ x 8′ board suspended between two 2′ x 2′ platforms at least 24″ but no more than 36″ off the ground without falling (off lead). A similar catwalk may be used at the discretion of the evaluator.

SAR DOG DISCIPLINE TESTING

SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAILING TEST:

PURPOSE:
To establish a minimum level of proficiency and reliability for dogs used in scent discrimination trailing for missing and lost persons.

NEED:
The canine team is required to demonstrate their ability to follow an aged, realistic trail to locate and identify the target odor(s).

AGE OF TRAIL:
The trail shall be not less than twelve (12) hours and no more than twenty four (24) hours old.

LENGTH OF TRAIL:
The trail shall be not less than one mile or more than 1.5 miles. The trail shall follow a wandering pattern and include a minimum of seven (7) changes in direction.

TRAIL LAYERS:
The trail should be set by two or more subjects. If a minimum of two subjects are not available, the trail may be set by one subject as long as there are two at the end for scent discrimination.

TERRAIN:
The terrain shall be either urban, rural or a combination of both. The trail shall travel over a variety of surfaces that may include pavement, grass (field), foot trails, water hazard and/or wooded areas. If the evaluation is not subject to foot traffic, two deliberate fresh cross trails will be set just prior to the commencement of the evaluation.

SCENT ARTICLE:
The handler will be provided with a properly bagged scent article from one of the trail layers. The handler will not know the identity of the owner.

TIME:
The team must locate the trail layer in a reasonable amount of time exhibiting handler strategy and search skills. The handler must articulate the canines indication of the proper subject to the evaluator prior to the start of the trail. The team must follow the path taken by the subject, giving consideration, to the weather conditions, wind direction and traffic. The handler must advise the evaluator of the location of the subject using mapping/GPS technology.

EVALUATION:
Evaluation is Pass/Fail. The dog must identify the subject at the end of the trail.

NOTE:

Certification is valid for two years upon receiving a PASS evaluation.

TRACKING TEST:

PURPOSE:

To establish a minimum level of proficiency and reliability for caines used in scent descrimination tracking for missing and lost persons.

NEED:

The canine team is required to demonstrate their ability to track human scent on a realistic trail and to locate and identify the correct subject.

TIME:

The track will be aged for a minimum of 30 minutes.

LENGTH:

The track will be a minimum of 1/2 mile long and contain
at least two (2) changes of direction.

TERRAIN:

The track will cover at least three (3) different terrain or surface types, including but not limited to: field, woods, hard packed surfaces, cement, asphalt or areas of water.

TRACK:

The track will encounter at least one (1) cross trail.

TRACK LAYER:

Tracks may be started by casting or by using a properly
bagged scent article. The evaluator will direct the canine
team to the approximate area where the track starts.

LOCATING TRACKLAYER:
The canine team must locate the track layer by following the track (ground) scent for the majority of the track and indicate the tracklayer.

TIME LIMIT:

The track must be completed in a reasonable amount of time as
determined by the evaluator.

EVALUATION:

Evaluation is Pass/Fail.

NOTE: Certification is valid for two years upon receiving a PASS
evaluation.

WILDERNESS SEARCH – 40 ACRE TEST

PURPOSE:

To establish a minimum level of proficiency and reliability for dogs used in area or wilderness searches for missing and lost persons.

NEEDS:

The canine team is required to demonstrate their consistent ability to detect and locate subjects in an area of land of approximately forty (40) acres with moderate to difficult terrain.

TARGET ODORS:

There will be at least one (1) but no more than two (2) target odors placed in the search area and hidden from sight at least one hour prior to the test. Target odors will remain silent during the test.

TIME:

The canine team has a maximum of two (2) hours to locate the target odor(s). The evaluator may extend the time limit based on weather and terrain conditions.

SCENT ARTICLES:

Scent articles may be used but must be requested by the handler prior to the test set up.

TEST:

1. The canine must locate each target odor placed.
2. The canine must have a trained indication behavior indicating to the handler and evaluator that the canine has located the target odor. 3. This behavior shall be described to the evaluator prior to the beginning of the test.
4. The handler must advise the evaluator of the search strategy they will employ prior to beginning the test. This strategy should change as needed during the test.
5. The handler must adequately cover the area.
6. The handler must advise the evaluator of the location of the target odor using mapping/UTM GPS technology.

CERTIFICATION:

Certification is valid for two years upon receiving a PASS evaluation.

NOTE:

Canine teams must carry a minimum amount of equipment and survival gear to sustain themselves and their dog(s) on a search for a minimum operational period of 24 hours.

WILDERNESS SEARCH – 160 ACRE TEST:

PURPOSE:

To establish a minimum level of proficiency and reliability for dogs used in Area or Wilderness searches for missing and lost persons.

NEEDS:

The canine team is required to demonstrate their consistent ability to detect and locate subjects in an area of land of approximately one hundred and sixty (160) acres with moderate to difficult terrain.

TARGET ODORS:

There will be at least two (2) but no more than three (3) target odors placed in the search area and hidden from sight. Target odors will remain silent during the test.

TIME:

The canine and handler will have a maximum of six (6) hours to locate the target odors. The evaluator may extend the time limit based on weather and terrain conditions.

SCENT ARTICLES:

Scent articles may be used but must be requested by the handler prior to the test set up.

TEST:

1. The canine must locate each target odor placed.
2. The canine must have a trained indication behavior indicating to the handler and evaluator that it has located the target odor. This behavior shall be described to the evaluator prior to the beginning of the test.
3. The handler must advise the evaluator of the search strategy they will employ prior to beginning the test. This strategy should change as needed during the test.
4. The handler must adequately cover the area.
5. The handler must advise the evaluator of the location of the target odor using mapping/UTM GPS technology.

CERTIFICATION:

Certification is valid for two years upon receiving a PASS evaluation.

NOTE:

Canine teams must carry a minimum amount of equipment and survival gear to sustain themselves and their canine(s) on a search for a minimum operational period of 24 hours.

HUMAN REMAINS DETECTION SEARCH TEST – LAND

PURPOSE:

To establish a minimum level of proficiency and reliability for canines used in the detection of human remains or parts thereof.

NEEDS:

All canine teams shall demonstrate their proficiency in the search techniques used to locate human bodies or parts of bodies, body decomposition fluids, human blood, either above, on the surface or below the surface.

SCENT SOURCE (Target Odor):

Legally obtained target odor material shall be used for all testing as determined by the evaluator. The target odor used may be soil samples from a grave, aged human blood, human tissue or other suitable sources. There shall be a minimum of one and maximum of two target odors used. If two target odors are used, one shall be above surface. Pseudo scent sources shall not be used for testing. Target odor consisting of skeletal remains that do not contain skin or tissue shall not be used for testing. Search areas shall be contaminated with human scent to prevent the canine from trailing to the target odor.

SOURCE AMOUNTS AND PREPERATION:

A reasonable amount of target odor material shall be used for all testing as determined by the evaluator.
The target odor should be packaged in a container to prevent the canine from making contact with it.4.

SEARCH TEST CRITERIA:

The search will be conducted in a minimum size area of two (2) acres or approximately 295’ x 295’ feet containing moderate vegetation. The area does not have to be rectangular in size.
There shall be a minimum of one and a maximum of two target odors used. If two target odors are used, one shall be above surface.
The evaluator will provide the legally obtained target odor material.
All search areas will be contaminated with human scent to prevent the canine from trailing to the target odor(s).
The area shall contain animal remains. Animal remains naturally occurring or placed out for testing are acceptable.
The canine team must locate all target odor(s) placed for testing.
The target odor(s) shall be placed in the test area a minimum of one (1) hour prior to the beginning of the test.
The target odor(s) shall be either above ground no higher than six feet, on the surface, or buried no deeper that 12 inches below the soil surface.
Above ground target odors shall be concealed and inaccessible so as not to be visible to the canine or handler. The burial site shall be camouflaged so visible ground disturbance is minimal.
There shall be a minimum of three soil disturbances dug to ensure the canine does not alert on earth disturbance.
The team will be allowed a maximum of (1) hour to conduct the search. Evaluators may extend the time limit based on weather and terrain conditions.
The handler must develop a search plan and advise the evaluator how they intend to begin their search.
The handler may deviate from their original search plan but should explain to the evaluator what they are doing.
The handler must be able to control the canine and conduct a thorough search.
The handler will advise the evaluator what their canine’s trained indication behavior is.
The canine must offer the trained indication as close as possible to the target odor. The handler cannot command the canine to perform the trained indication. The canine must do the trained indication independently.
After the canine performs the trained indication, the handler must advise the evaluator of the indication and identify the target odor location.
Once the canine locates the odor and offers the trained indication, the canine may be rewarded at the handler’s discretion.
The canine team fail’s the test if the handler calls an indication on anything other than the target odor(s). An example would be (animal remains or ground disturbances)
The canine may not compromise the scent source. Compromise is defined as eating, rolling in or urinating / defecating on the target odor or digging it up in a manner which exposes it to plain sight. If at any time during the evaluation the canine compromises the target odor, the evaluator may terminate the evaluation

EVALUATION:

Certification is valid for two years upon receiving a PASS evaluation.

HUMAN REMAINS DETECTION SEARCH TEST- CRIME SCENE

PURPOSE:

To establish a level of proficiency and reliability for canines in the detection of human remains or parts thereof, in a variety of different scenarios.

NEEDS:

The canine team must successfully pass the Land Human Remains Search Test before attempting the Crime Scene Human Remains Search Test.

All canine teams shall demonstrate their proficiency in the search techniques used to locate:

Human bodies
Parts of bodies
Body decomposition fluids
Ages human blood

TARGET ODORS:

TARGET ODORS USED MAY BE:

Soil samples from a grave
Aged human blood
Human tissue
Burnt/charred human remains
Articles tainted with blood or decomposing bodily fluids (use in crime scene search scenarios).
Skeletal remains
Skeletal remains which have been bleached, boiled clean or sterilized shall not be used for testing.
Other suitable target odors as determined by the evaluator
Pseudo target odors shall not be used for testing

TARGET ODOR AMOUNTS AND PREPARATION:

A reasonable amount of target odor material shall be used for all testing as determined by the evaluator.

The target odor should be packaged in a container to prevent the canine from making physical contact with it.

GENERAL SEARCH CRITERIA:

All proficiency testing shall be done on a pass/fail basis. For certification, the team must pass the following.

The evaluation will consist of four (4) parts of which one will be a negative area:

1. Crime scene search or disarticulated human remains search

2. Vehicle search

3. Building/Structure search

4. Fire scene search

There shall be a minimum of zero (0) and a maximum of two (2) target odors placed in each testing area with the exception of the crime scene area which may have up to (4) target odors.
The evaluator will provide the legally obtained target odors in a proper container.
All search areas will be contaminated with human scent to prevent the canine from trailing to the target odors.
At least one area shall contain animal remains. Animal remains naturally occurring or placed out for testing are acceptable.
The canine team must complete each phase of testing and the canine must locate all human remains target odors placed for testing.
The handler must develop a search plan for each area and advise the evaluator how they intend to search each area.
The handler may deviate from their original plan, but should explain to the evaluator what they are doing.
The handler must be able to control the canine and conduct a thorough search.
The handler will advise the evaluator what their canine’s trained indication behavior is.
The canine must offer the trained indication behavior as close as possible to the target odor. The handler cannot command the canine to perform the trained indication and the canine must do the indication independently.
After the canine performs the trained indication, the handler must advise the evaluator of the indication and identify the target odor location.
Once the canine locates the target odor and offers the trained indication the canine may be rewarded at the handler’s discretion.
The team automatically fails if the handler calls an indication on anything other than human remains.
The canine may not compromise the scent source. Compromise is defined as eating, rolling in, urinating/defecating on the target odor or digging it up in a manner which exposes it to plain sight. If at any time during the evaluation the canine compromises the target odor the evaluator may terminate the evaluation.
The team must complete all four parts of the test before being advised if he/she has passed. If a team fails any of the four parts of the test the evaluator has the discretion to terminate the test immediately. In the case of a re test, the same parts can be used but it shall be done in a manner where by the “single blind” aspect of the entire test is still preserved, that is, the handler cannot discern if they have done any previous parts correctly.
During the test, evaluators will not provide any guidance to handlers regarding whether they should reward their canine other than to say that it us up to their discretion

A. CRIME SCENE SEARCH:

The search will be conducted in a minimum size area of one (1) acre or approximately 205′ x 205′ feet containing moderate vegetation. The area does not have to be a rectangle or square.
The target odor(s) shall be placed in the test area a minimum of one hour prior to the beginning of the test.
The target odor(s) shall be either above ground no higher than six feet, on the surface, or buried no deeper than twelve (12) inches below the soil surface.
Above ground target odors shall be concealed and inaccessible so as not to be visible to the canine or handler. The burial site shall be camouflaged so visible ground disturbance is minimal.
There shall be a minimum of three soil disturbances dug to ensure the canine does not alert on earth disturbance.
The canine team will have thirty (30) minutes to conduct this search. The evaluator may extend the time limit based on search conditions.

B. VEHICLE SEARCH:

A minimum of five (5) vehicles will be used.
Canine team must have access to the outside and inside of all vehicles.
No two (2) target odors will be placed on the same vehicle.
If two (2) target odors are used, one shall be placed in the interior and one shall be placed on the exterior of the vehicles.
The target odors shall be placed so the canines cannot retrieve them.
All target odors shall be placed a minimum of one (1) hour prior to testing.
The vehicles shall be parked approximately eight (8′) feet apart to minimize any cross contamination from the vehicle(s) containing the target odors.
The canine team will have fifteen (15) minutes to conduct this search. The evaluator may extend the time limit based on weather or search conditions.

C. BUILDING/STRUCTURE SEARCH:

Five (5) rooms shall be used.
If more than one target odor is used, only one shall be placed in each room.
Target odor shall be placed or concealed to simulate a crime scene.
The target odor shall be placed a minimum of one (1) hour prior to the start of the test.
Target odors will be placed no higher than eight (8) feet above the floor.
The canine team shall have fifteen (15) minutes to conduct this search. The evaluator may extend the time limit based on search conditions.

D. FIRE SCENE:

A minimum size area of 100′ x 100′ feet will be used.
Target odor shall consist of burnt human remains material.
Target odor shall be placed a minimum of one (1) hour prior to the start of the test.
The canine team shall have fifteen (15) minutes to conduct this test. The evaluator may extend the time limit based on weather or search conditions.

EVALUATION:

Certification is valid for two years upon receiving a PASS evaluation.

HUMAN REMAINS SEARCH TEST- WATER

A. SHORELINE (MOVING WATER)

A shoreline test shall be conducted in an area not less than 50′ X 12′ feet and not more than 300′ X 12′ feet. along the shore of a river or creek with moving water.
The evaluator will provide legally obtained human remains for testing.
The handler shall advise the evaluator what the canine’s trained indication behavior is.
The canine must offer the trained indication behavior and the handler will mark the location of the “find” with flagging tape perpendicular to the area on shore.
The canine should alert within (10′) feet down current of the target odor. However, the evaluator may add distance compensating for wind and current.

B. BOAT (OPEN WATER)

An open water test shall be conducted on a lake in an area not less than 250′ X 250′ feet. The depth of the target odor will be determined by the evaluator but in no instance shall be below the thermocline.
The handler will advise the evaluator what the canine’s trained indication behavior is on a watercraft.
The canine must offer the trained indication behavior and the handler will mark the location of the “find” with a floating buoy.
The watercraft shall be a rescue type boat, stable and utilized primarily for water rescue. (Jon, Boston Whaler, Zodiac).
The distance between the buoy and the target odor should be no greater than (20′) feet, however, the evaluator may add distance compensating for wind and current.

EVALUATION:

Certification is valid for two years upon receiving a PASS
evaluation.

URBAN LIGHT DISASTER SEARCH FIELD TEST

CRITERIA – HANDLER MUST:

Have the appropriate PPE for conducting rubble/collapsed structure searches.
Be in excellent physical condition and be capable of searching for extended periods of time.
Have successfully completed Hazmat and Blood borne Pathogens classes.
Have emergency First Aid for Working Canines (proof of class attendance)
Have decontamination Procedures for Canines (same)
Have ICS 100 (FEMA on-line course)
Have FEMA Marking Systems (FEMA on-line course)
Shall take the disaster search written test either before or after the field testing at the evaluators discretion.

CANINE/HANDLER PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

GROUND RULES:

No training aids ie; balls, food, toys etc. except where specified by the master trainer.
No collars in the agility, collapsed structure or rubble pile areas.
No prong, choke or electric collars shall be used for testing.
Toy and food rewards are allowed in testing area.
Handler must maintain continual control of the canine.
Handler is responsible for care and safety of the canine at all times.
Safety gear and procedures should be addressed continually.
Aggression will not be tolerated at any time during the test.

ALERT TESTING: THE BARK ALERT OR REFIND

HANDLER INFORMATION:

The team will have 5 minutes to perform this exercise. The marked starting point will be 25 yards from the bark prop location. The handler will remove the canine’s leash before the exercise begins. The canine may be given a hand signal or voice command to send the canine to the bark prop location. If the canine does not go directly to the bark prop location, the handler may use additional commands as necessary to direct the canine. The handler may not move from the starting position.
The handler may direct the canine toward the bark prop location but once the canine has located the target odor, the handler may not communicate with the canine in any way. Once the canine has committed to the target odor, it must remain focused, stay at the location and demonstrate an “independent of the handler” bark alert behavior (FBILHS) (Focused bark indicating live human scent for 30 seconds. A minimum of 3 barks is required and may be inter-spread with digging and attempts to penetrate.
If the canine has been trained to perform a re-find alert, it must return to the handler, offer the trained alert behavior and then take the handler back to the target odor location.
Τhere will be two official timers. One timer will start the exercise as soon as the handler sends the canine. The second timer will time the 30-second alert, starting with the first bark. In the case of the re-find alert the second timer will start timing as soon as the canine has located the scent from the target odor. When the exercise is over, the handler may praise the canine. The handler must then leave the area and secure the canine.

SUGGESTED COURSE CONSTRUCTION:

A bark prop location will be set up in as isolated an area as the site permits. The bark prop should be made or constructed of a material to give optimum control of scent (example: barrels, concrete or suitable pipe, target odor boxes (etc.)
Ideally, scent should only be detected from the front. There should be a slightly recessed, snug fitting cover with holes at the bottom to allow for scent to escape. This cover may have a handle/grab bar on the inside for the target odor to hold or it may be securely taped in place.
The starting point shall be measured and clearly marked. The distance shall be 25 yards or 75 feet from the starting line to the target odor location.
Evaluators must have a clear view of the canine’s performance, and no known distractions shall be in the search area.

TARGET ODOR PLACEMENT:

The target odor shall be in place for a period of at least 10 minutes before the beginning of the test.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Repetitive barking (Focused Bark Indicating Live Human Scent-FBILHS), for 30 seconds. A minimum of 6 barks may be inter-spread with digging and attempts to penetrate.) This does not apply to canines trained to perform a re-find alert.
The canine stays at the target odor location after the indication of scent. This does not apply to canines trained to perform a re-find alert.
The handler does not communicate with the canine after indication of scent.

A. AGILITY TESTING:

This is a five-minute exercise.
The handler will remove the canine’s collar.
The dog must successfully negotiate each obstacle on the course.
The canine is only allowed three attempts at each obstacle.
The handler may encourage the canine but cannot physically assist the canine or preceded the canine on any of the obstacles.

THE FOLLOWING OBSTACLES ARE MANDATORY:
1. Ladder Climb
2. Elevated Plank Walk
3. Moving Plank Walk
4. Unsteady, Wobbly Surface
5. Tunnel
6. Sea Saw

1. Ladder Climb: Minimum 6′ feet maximum 8′ feet high with flat rungs secured at a 45 degree angle. The little giant or Gorilla ladder extending to 8.5′ feet and secured at a 45 degree angle is acceptable.

2. Elevated Plank Walk: A plank elevated at least 6’ feet and no more than 8’ feet off the ground (12” wide by 12” long plank is to be stable).

3. Moving Plank Walk: Moving plank suspended on two barrels (12’ feet long by 12” inches high).

4. Unsteady Wobbly Surface: 3′ foot (approximate height) high, unsteady, wobbly surface that may be constructed with saw horses covered with a 4′ foot X 8′ foot sheet of 5/8″ inch plywood. The plywood shall have different debris items placed on top not to exceed 2′ feet in height and constructed to provide access to the dog either by walking up an incline or by jumping no more than 3′ feet high.

5. Tunnel: A dark, narrow tunnel or passageway containing at least one right angle turn. The canine should not be able to see through the tunnel to the end. Partial covering of the exit is permitted. The canine should fit into the tunnel without crawling.

6. See Saw: A plank approximately 16′ feet long by 12″ inches wide placed over a 55 gallon barrel or drum or other suitable design.

Canines should demonstrate control when negotiating the obstacles, i.e. climbing the ladder rather than jumping past the first few rungs.
The obstacle course may be set up as six separately constructed obstacles or as a combination of obstacles. The course may be administered in any order deemed by the evaluator(s).
The handler/canine must have passed the above testing before being allowed to test on the following search scenarios:

B. DISASTER SEACH FIELD TESTING:

The disaster search field-testing is made up of three separate searches. The handler and canine must successfully complete all three types in order to pass.

RUBBLE PILE SEARCH:

The pile should be at least a 2000 square foot area and be an average height of ten feet.
This area will be contaminated with distractions that may include: People, smoke, animals, food.
Running machinery, generators, rescue tools
One target odor will be placed at least 20 minutes before the testing.
The team will be allowed five minutes to conduct the interview.
The handler will remove the collar from the canine and direct the canine to search.
The canine will have ten minutes to locate the target odor.
The canine must indicate on the location of the target odor with a sustained bark alert (minimum 3 barks) or re-find.
The handler may not access the rubble pile.
When the handler hears the canine barking identifying live human scent or the canine returns to the handler and alerts, he/she shall notify the evaluator of the alert.
The evaluator will then instruct the handler to access the pile and the handler must identify the location of the alert.
In the case of the re-find alert, after returning to the handler, the canine must then take the handler back to the location as close to the target odor scent as possible and the handler must identify the location.
The handler may verbally encourage or praise his/her canine.
The handler will then be instructed to leave the pile with the canine.

C. COLLAPSED STRUCTURE SEARCH:

The search area will include at least five structures, i.e. mobile homes.
The canine and handler will have 30 minutes to clear all five structures.
There will be at least two and no more than three target odors placed at least twenty minutes prior to the start of the testing.
The team will be allowed five minutes to conduct the interview.
The handler must communicate his search plan to the evaluator at which time the evaluator will advise the handler when to begin.
The canine team must clear all five structures before the test is concluded.
The canine must indicate on the target odor by giving a sustained bark alert or re-find.
When the handler hears the canine barking identifying live human scent or the canine returns to the handler and alerts, he must notify the evaluator.
The evaluator will then advise the handler to access the structure.
The handler must identify the area of the alert.
The handler may praise and reward his canine and then should move on to the next search.
This process shall continue until all five structures are cleared.
The handler may break his canine during this process.

D. BUILDING SEARCH:

This search will be conducted in low light conditions.
One target odor will be placed and concealed in a multi floored building at least twenty minutes prior to the beginning of testing. The building shall be no larger than is reasonable for a trained canine to search effectively within the time frame allowed.
The handler and dog will have 15 minutes to locate the target odor.
The handler may enter the building and direct the search.
The canine must indicate on the location of the target odor by a sustained bark alert or re-find.
When the handler hears the canine barking identifying live human scent or the canine returns to the handler and alerts, the handler must notify the evaluator.
The handler must identify the location of the alert.
The handler may praise and reward his canine.
Distractions may be used during this search.

EVALUATION:

Certification is valid for two years upon receiving a PASS
evaluation.

WILDERNESS LARGE AREA ABOVE SURFACE HUMAN REMAINS DETECTION FIELD TEST

OBJECTIVES:

This test shall demonstrate:

The canine team’s ability to successfully search a 20-acre wilderness area within a one (1) hour period.
The canine team’s ability to identify the location of at least one (1) and no more than two (2) above surface target odor(s) and offer a trained indication as close to the target odor(s) as possible without disturbing it.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

All canine teams shall demonstrate their proficiency in the search techniques used to locate:

A. Human bodies or parts of bodies
B. Body decomposition fluids
C. Human blood

THE TARGET ODORS USED MAY BE:

A. Wet or dry bone with tissue on it
B. Clothing tainted or smeared with tissue and or body fluids
C. Aged or fresh blood wet or dry
D. Tissue, fat, organ or some other suitable target odor as determined by the evaluator

THE TARGET ODOR MAY NOT BE:

A. Pseudo scent sources
B. Grave dirt
C. Skeletal remains which do not contain skin or tissue

TARGET ODOR AMOUNTS AND PREPARATION:

A. The intent is to use enough target odor material to create a scene that smells fetid, pungent and putrid enough to resemble a significant portion of a decomposing deceased body. The evaluator shall decide how much target odor is suitable for this test based on what material is available.
B.The target odor(s) should be packaged or hidden in a manner to prevent the canine from making contact with it.

CRITERIA:

This test has been created by AMPKT to assess the canine team’s ability to search a large area for above surface deceased subjects and locate them with the use of a trained cadaver dog. The canine team must successfully maintain an active AMPKT OR equivalent Land Human Remains Certification before attempting the Wilderness Large Area Above Surface Human Remains Detection Field Test.

The search will be conducted in an area approximately (20) acres in size containing light to moderate vegetation. The area does not have to be a rectangular or square in size.
There shall be a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of two (2) target odors used.
The target odors(s) shall be placed above ground and concealed so as not to be visible to the canine or handler and camouflaged so visible ground disturbance is minimal.
If two (2) target odors are used only one (1) of them may be hanging, and if so it shall not be hung less than 6’ feet and no more than 8’ feet off the ground.
The evaluator will provide the legally obtained target odors.
The area shall contain animal remains. Animal remains naturally occurring or placed for testing are acceptable.
The canine must locate all target odors(s) placed in the search area that contain human remains material and not offer any trained indications on distraction odors.
The target odors shall be placed in the test area a minimum of one (1) hour prior to the beginning of testing.
This shall be a one (1) hour search test. The evaluator may extend the time limit based on weather and terrain conditions.
Prior to the start of the search, the handler must develop a search plan for the area and advise the evaluator how they intend to search it. The handler may deviate from their original plan but should explain to the evaluator what they are doing.
The handler must be able to control the canine and conduct a thorough search.
The handler will advise the evaluator what their canine’s trained indication behavior is.
The canine must offer the trained indication behavior as close as possible to the target odors(s). The handler cannot command the canine to perform the trained indication. The canine must do the indication independently.
After the canine performs the trained indication, the handler must advise the evaluator of the indication and identify the target odor location.
Once the canine locates the target odor and offers the trained indication the canine may be rewarded at the handler’s discretion.
The canine team automatically fails the test if the handler calls an indication on anything other than human remains.
The canine may not compromise the scent source. Compromise is defined as eating, rolling in, urinating/defecating on or digging up the scent source in a manner which exposes it to plain sight. If at any time during the evaluation the canine compromises the scent source, the evaluator may terminate the evaluation.

TEST SITE PREPARATION:

The optimum size of the search area shall be as close to 20 acres as possible.
Exact size of the search area will be at the discretion of the evaluator.
The boundaries of the search area may be either obvious natural features (streams, ridgelines, etc.), man made boundaries like roads or trails which can be marked or flagged prior to the search.
If a boundary is not easily found or clearly marked, the evaluator may assist the handler with finding the boundary.

SAFETY:

The evaluator must be able to contact base by radio and the handler by radio. The Master Trainer may terminate the test if, in his/her opinion:
1. It becomes hazardous to the health or safety of any of the participants including the canine.
2. The handler is abusive to their canine, including but not limited to, verbal abuse or lack of proper equipment.
3. The handler is unable to call the canine off of wildlife or livestock in or near the search area. In the example above, the canine must respond to the handler’s command(s) and return to work.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

For this test, it is the responsibility of the handler to be adequately equipped and attired, including adequate first aid supplies and water for the handler/canine team.
The use of a GPS by the handler is recommended; however, the use of GPS is not required. The handler may use another form of navigation such as map and compass.

BRIEFING OF HANDLER:

1. At the briefing, the evaluator shall explain the area’s known hazards. The handler will be provided with a topographical and/or aerial map of the area to be searched with relevant UTM coordinates of the boundary corners. The handler will be allowed a reasonable amount of time to program said points into their GPS or plot them on their map prior to the start of the test.

2. The handler shall address the evaluator as though he/she were a search manager unfamiliar with search canine teams. The handler shall then introduce the team, explain its capabilities, and ask questions pertinent to the assignment as though it were an actual search.

3. Prior to beginning the search, the handler shall be responsible for formulating and articulating their search strategy as well as providing the evaluator with a description of their canines trained indication.

TEST TIMING:

1. The one (1) hour time limit shall commence after the handler has advised the evaluator of the search plan, reached their starting point and deployed their canine in the search area.
2. During that time the canine team may take breaks as needed to rest but the test time will continue.
3. One (1) to two (2) scent sources may be present in the area. After finding the first source the canine team is expected to continue to search the area either finding a second source, reaching the end of their time, or declaring the area cleared. If they find a second source the test is then concluded.

REQUIREMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION:

The following requirements shall be successfully completed in order to pass this test:

1. The handler has demonstrated the ability to work and control the canine to effectively search the area.
2. The handler has demonstrated the ability to plan an efficient search best utilizing wind, terrain, topography and existing environmental conditions to provide effective coverage of the terrain given the time constraints of the test.
3. The handler and canine have demonstrated the ability to work effectively to find target odor(s), with the additional presence of a master trainer accompanying the canine team.
4. The canine has located all target odor(s) placed for testing and gives his/her trained indication as close as possible.
5. The handler has indicated on their map the location of each target odor using GPS or map and compass technology. This may be completed at the conclusion of the test.

EVALUATION:

Certification is valid for two years upon receiving a PASS
evaluation.

ARTICLE SEARCH TEST:

PURPOSE:

To establish a minimum level of proficiency and reliability for canines used in the detection of articles or evidence tainted with human scent. These articles may be the result of discarded evidence or lost items.

NEEDS:

All canine teams shall demonstrate their proficiency in the search techniques used to locate articles of various compositions above surface.

SEARCH ARTICLES:

There shall be three (3) articles of different composition (metal, wood, leather etc.) thrown at random into the search area. The canine team will not be allowed to view the test area being set up and will not know where the articles have been hidden. One article shall be comprised in part of metal. The remainder of the articles hidden may be selected from but not limited to the following list of items:

Plastic credit cards
Shotgun shells
Leather wallet
Empty metal or plastic hand gun
Wood handle screwdriver
Crumpled cigarette package
Paper match book

SEARCH AREA:

The area to be searched shall be no less than 60 feet x 60 feet and will be covered with sufficient vegetation to conceal the articles. The search area shall be contaminated prior to the test by one or more subjects crossing through the area with a dog. The search area boundaries shall be pointed out to the handler prior to the test.

TIME:

There will be a five (5) minute time limit for the test and there will be a warning given when thirty (30) seconds remain for the test.

TEST:

The test will begin when the handler sends his/her canine out to search from any point around the perimeter of the search area. The handler may also enter the search area to direct the canine. After each alert on an article, the handler will recover the article and command the canine to continue the search.

All proficiency testing shall be on a pass/fail basis. For certification the team must pass the following:

1. The team must locate all articles placed for testing.
2. The handler is able to articulate the canine’s alert.
3. The handler must be able to describe the search plan prior to the test.
4. The handler must be able to control the canine and conduct a thorough search.
5. Handler must recognize the canine’s alert and advise the evaluator when an article has been located.
6. The team fails the test if they are unable to locate all three articles hidden within the five (5) minute time frame.

EVALUATION:

Certification is valid for two years upon receiving a PASS
evaluation.