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 an 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.

HANDLER REQUIREMENTS

1. Minimum Age
Handler must be at least 18 years of age at the time of certification testing.

2. First Aid/CPR/AED
Handler must provide documentation of current First Aid and CPR/AED certification.

3. Bloodborne Pathogens
Handler must provide documentation of Bloodborne Pathogens training.

4. Hazardous Materials Awareness
Handler must provide documentation of Hazardous Materials Awareness training.

5. Incident Command System
Handler must provide documentation of completion of FEMA ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800.

6. Emergency Canine First Aid
Handler must provide documentation of emergency canine first aid training.

7. Canine Decontamination
Handler must have awareness of canine decontamination practices.

8. Crime Scene / Evidence Preservation
Handler must provide documentation of successful completion of Crime Scene/Evidence Preservation training or equivalent education, training, and experience acceptable to AMPKT.

Equivalent training may include relevant coursework or documented professional training provided by recognized law enforcement agencies, military investigative units, emergency management agencies, fire/rescue organizations, established SAR organizations, or other qualified training providers.

At minimum, training should address:
Crime scene awareness and recognition
Scene protection and preservation
Evidence and clue recognition
Contamination prevention
Proper notification, documentation, and reporting procedures
The SAR handler’s role and responsibilities when operating within a potential crime scene

Equivalent training and experience may be reviewed and accepted at the discretion of an AMPKT Master Trainer.

9. Ground Search and Rescue Competency
Handler must provide documentation of successful completion of a recognized Ground Search and Rescue training program or demonstrate equivalent education, training, and experience acceptable to AMPKT.

Examples of acceptable documentation may include Ground SAR training provided by a recognized SAR organization, emergency management agency, fire/rescue agency, law enforcement agency, or other qualified training provider.

Relevant military training and experience may also be considered. Active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard or Reserves, veterans, and retired military personnel may submit documentation of military education, training, occupational experience, or demonstrated competencies that are applicable to the AMPKT Ground Search and Rescue requirements. Relevant military experience may be accepted, in whole or in part, as equivalent training at the discretion of an AMPKT Master Trainer.

For purposes of determining equivalency, proposed minimum training topics include:
Land navigation/map and compass
GPS navigation
Search tactics and techniques
Basic search strategy/organization
Clue awareness and preservation
Basic tracking/sign awareness
Radio communications
Personal preparedness and survival
SAR field safety/risk management
ICS/chain of command
Appropriate field equipment/PPE

10. AMPKT Written Examination
Handler must complete the applicable AMPKT written examination with a minimum score of 80%.

11. Code of Ethics/Conduct
Handler must acknowledge and agree to comply with the AMPKT Code of Ethics and Certification Conduct Standards.

CANINE REQUIREMENTS

12. Canine must be a minimum of 12 months of age at the time of certification.

13. Canine must be in good health and physically capable of safely completing the certification evaluation.

14. Handler must provide documentation of current vaccinations as required by applicable law/AMPKT standards.

15. Canine must have a minimum of two months of documented training in the discipline being tested.

16. Handler must provide training records/logs as required by AMPKT.

17. Canine must successfully complete the AMPKT SAR Obedience/Control Evaluation. ***

18. Canine must demonstrate temperament appropriate for operational SAR work. Uncontrolled aggression toward people or other canines, or behavior that creates an unreasonable safety risk, shall be grounds for dismissal from an evaluation.

CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY / DOCUMENTATION

19. AMPKT certification is awarded to the specific handler/canine team successfully completing the evaluation and is non-transferable.

20. A change in handler or canine requires certification of the new handler/canine team.

21. Applicants must provide the aforementioned complete and accurate prerequisite documentation before attempting certification.

22. Falsification or material misrepresentation of training records, prerequisite documentation, qualifications, certifications, or other information submitted to AMPKT may result in denial, suspension, or revocation of certification.

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

DEFINITIONS:

CODE OF ETHICS/CONDUCT: The handler must acknowledge and agree to comply with the AMPKT Code of Ethics and Certification Conduct Standards.

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 test to certify in any scent discipline except On-Lead Trailing.

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

Heeling: The canine shall heel on or off leash, including two right turns, two left turns, and two about-face turns, at slow, normal, and fast paces. The evaluator determines the order of the exercises.
Five-Minute Stay: The canine shall be placed in a sit or down position. The handler shall move approximately 20 feet away and hold a conversation with another person for five minutes. A canine that moves more than one body length from the stay position shall be removed from the test.
Recall: The canine shall be recalled when called from an off-lead stationary position.
Vehicle Load: The canine shall load on command by the handler, off lead, into a vehicle other than its own. The canine shall also permit the evaluator to take it from the handler on lead and load it into the canine’s own vehicle.
Plank: The canine shall walk, off lead and without falling, across a 2-inch × 12-inch × 8-foot board suspended between two 2-foot × 2-foot platforms, at least 24 inches but no more than 36 inches above the ground. The evaluator may permit a similar catwalk. The canine shall not scurry in fear or display paralyzing nervousness during the exercise.

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 1 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 shall be not less than 1/2 mile and not more than 1.5 miles 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.

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 – 40 ACRE NIGHT TEST

PURPOSE:

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

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 at night.

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 before 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.

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 demonstrate competent night navigation skills using a map & compass, GPS or cell phone technology.
7. The handler must advise the evaluator of the location of the target odor in UTM using map & compass, GPS or cell phone technology.
8. The handler must have adequate night lighting and radio communications with the command post.

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 – 80 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 eighty (80) acres with moderate to difficult terrain.

TARGET ODORS:

There will be at least two (1-2) but no more than three (2) 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 (2-3) hours to locate the target odors. The evaluator may extend the time limit based on weather and terrain conditions.

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.

WILDERNESS SEARCH – 120 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 eighty (120) acres with moderate 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 (3-4) hours to locate the target odors. The evaluator may extend the time limit based on weather and terrain conditions.

TEST:

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 may 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.

CANINE DETECTION OF HUMAN REMAINS AT CRIME SCENES – SEARCH TEST

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. This course shall include training on the complete spectrum of human remains at varying stages of decomposition. (fresh, bloat, liquification or advanced decay, mumification, skeletialization.

NEEDS:

The canine team must successfully pass the Land Human Remains Search Test before attempting the Canine Detection of Human Remains at Crime Scenes Crime Search Test.

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

Human bodies
Parts of bodies (tissue, organ)
Body decomposition fluids
Weapons ands or articles tainted with blood or body fluids.

TARGET ODORS USED MAY BE:

Soil samples from a grave
Aged human blood
Human tissue
Burnt/charred human remains
Skeletal remains such as wet and or dry bone
Adipocere
Articles tainted with blood or decomposing bodily fluids (use in crime scene search scenarios).
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, one of which 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 is 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 DETECTION HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL GRAVE SITE PRACTICAL FIELD CERTIFICATION EVALUATION (under construction).

PURPOSE:

To establish a minimum level of proficiency and reliability for canines used in the detection of historical and archaeological human remains grave sites.

NEEDS:

All canine teams shall demonstrate their proficiency in the search techniques used to locate historical and archaeological human remains below the surface.

Canine team must accurately identify with a passive trained final response or (TFR) ex; (sit or down) centuries old bone-teeth degradation chemistry (VOCs) under soil, without throwing a false positive on recent scents, animal remains, or enviornment anomalies.
Canines must be at least 3 years age.
Handler must have a minimum of 3 years experience handling human remains detection canines.
Handlers must produce at time of testing specific training logs relating to searching for and locating aged human remains that have been buried.
Canine team must have previously passed the American Patriot K-9 Training (AMPKT) 2 Acre Basic Land Cadaver Search Field Evaluation.
Canine handlers must have passed the (AMPKT) Basic Cadaver Search Land Written Test.
Canine teams must have attended the (AMPKT) Six Day (56) Hour Canine Detection of Human Remains at Crime Scenes Class and passed the certification with that same canine.
Canine team must currently have a valid and current (AMPKT) Canine Detection of Human Remans at Crime Scenes Search Field Evaluation.
It is recommended but not required that the canine team have previously attended the (AMPKT) 7 Day 63 Hour Basic Land Cadaver Search Class.

TARGET ODORS USED MAY BE:

Early 20th century cemetery soil and/or aged soil samples from a grave.
Deeply inhumed skeletal remains.
Deeply settled soil by-products.
Skeletal remains: dry bone aged over 12+ years.
Human remains without the volatile fatty acids found in newer bodies, e.g., Revolutionary War, Civil War, or historical pioneer-era burial sites.
Other suitable target odors as determined by the evaluator.
Skeletal remains which have been bleached, boiled clean, or sterilized shall not be used for testing.
Pseudo target odors shall not be used for testing.

GENERAL SEARCH CRITERIA:

All proficiency testing shall be done on a pass/fail basis. For certification, the team must pass the following.
Target odors shall be placed no less than 30 minutes before testing

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 ‘ 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 or other suitable body of water in an area not less than approximately five (5) acres or 500′ X 500′ 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.
The handler must wear a USCG approved water flotation safety vest.
The handler must have radio and or cell phone communications with the command post.

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 Bloodborne Pathogens classes.
Have Emergency First Aid for Working Canines
Have decontamination Procedures for Canines
Have ICS 100 (FEMA online course)
Have FEMA Marking Systems (or equivalent)
Shall take the disaster search written test either before or after the field testing at the evaluator’s 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.

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 interspersed 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.live

A. ALERT TESTING:

HUMAN REMAINS ODOR RECOGNITION TEST:
- Rationale: The purpose of this station is to ensure that the canine will independently recognize and independently indicate, on the target odor.
- Required Handler Skills: The handler will describe to the Master Trainer what the canine’s indication will be.
- Required Canine Skills:
  - For the purposes of this station, an “indication” is defined as a trained behavior by which the canine remains at the target odor and communicates a find to the handler. Such an indication must be
    consistent throughout the certification testing process and must be easily recognizable by someone other than the handler (i.e., the Master Trainer).
  - Canine must have a trained indication that does not cause damage to the target odor and which is consistent with the disaster environment in which the canine is to work.
  - A bark, passive sit, or down indication at the target odor is acceptable. If the canine is a re-find canine, the canine must return to the handler, offer a trained alert behavior, and then take the handler back to the target odor location.
- Handler Information: The handler will remove the canine’s collar and start the canine from any area outside the search area.
  - The canine must go to the location of the target odor and give the indication specified by the handler.
  - The canine must also preserve the target odor. If the canine does not go directly to target odor, the handler may use additional commands, as necessary, to direct the canine to the target odor location but once the canine engages the target odor scent (i.e., the canine’s behavior indicates to observers that the canine has encountered the target odor and that the canine recognizes the target odor), the handler may not talk or signal the canine in any way and the canine must independently perform its trained or reinforced indication.
  - The handler shall not enter the search area, but may move around the perimeter, as necessary, until the canine commits to and indicates the find. The phrase “commits to, and indicates, the find” is defined as performing its trained indication (as described above) for at least ten (10) seconds for a passive indication or 3 barks for a bark indication. At that time, the handler may approach and praise the canine and reward with a toy or food, then leash the canine and quickly leave the area.
  - The time allotted for the canine to search for and to independently commit to and indicate the find is 5 minutes.
- Site Setup:
  - The Master Trainer will approve the site.
  - One (1) target odor will be placed in the center of a clear open area that is 25 yards by 25 yards, a minimum of ten (10) minutes prior to the canine working the problem.
  - The perimeter of the search area will be clearly marked with cones at the corners or flagging tape.
  - Master Trainer must have a clear view of the canine’s work.
  - There shall be no known distractions placed in the search area.
- Target Odor Placement: The location of the target odor will be readily visible to both canine and handler, but the target odor itself will be placed in a suitable container with several holes in the cover to aerate the target odor.
- Target odors must be in place for a minimum of ten (10) minutes.
- Target Odor Material:
  - Target odor material must consist of at least 15 grams of bone and soft tissue, or soft tissue. Bone only, and pseudo aids are not acceptable.
  - Target odors must be identified on the IPWDA Evaluation Sheet, indicating description and approximate weight of the material.
- Performance Criteria and Evaluation Form Guidelines:
  - The Master Trainer shall consider the following list of key skills in determining the team’s success for the indication station element.
  - Alert at the indication station without damage to the target odor
  - Did not complete the alert at the indication station
  - Damages target odor
  - Alerts at the indication station and damaged target odor.
BARK ALERT OR REFIND RECOGNITION TEST:
- Handler Information:
  - The team will have 5 minutes to perform this exercise. The marked starting point will be 25 yards from the target odor location. The handler will remove the canine’s leash before the exercise begins. The canine may be given a hand signal and/or voice command to send the canine to the target odor location. If the canine does not go directly to the target odor location, the handler may use additional commands as necessary to direct the canine to the target odor location. The handler may not move from the starting position.
  - The handler may direct the canine toward the target odor location, but once the canine has located the target odor scent, the handler may not communicate with the canine in any way. Once the canine has committed to the target odor location, it must remain focused, stay at the target odor location, and demonstrate an “independent of handler” bark alert behavior (FBILHS) (Focused Bark Indicating Live Human Scent) for 30 seconds.
  - If the canine is a refind canine, the canine must return to the handler, offer a trained alert behavior, and then take the handler back to the target odor location. There will be two official timers. One timer will start timing 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 a re-find alert, the second timer will start timing as soon as the canine has located the target odor scent. When the exercise is over, the handler may praise the canine. The handler then must leave the area and secure the canine.
- Suggested Course Construction:
  - A target odor location will be set up in as isolated an area as the site permits. The location should be made /constructed of a material to give optimum control of scent (example: barrels, concrete, suitable pipe, etc). Ideally, scent should only be detected from the front. There should be a slightly recessed, snug-fitting cover with holes at the bottom 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 from the starting line to the target odor location.
- 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 and/or digging and attempts to penetrate.) This does not apply to canines trained to a refined alert.
  - The canine stays at the target odor location after the indication of odor. This does not apply to canines
    trained to a refined alert.
  - The handler will not communicate with the canine after the indication of target odor.

B. 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 precede the canine on any of the obstacles.

THE FOLLOWING OBSTACLES ARE MANDATORY:

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

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

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

4. Unsteady Wobbly Surface: 3′ (approximate height) high, unsteady, wobbly surface that may be constructed with sawhorses covered with a 4′ foot X 8′ sheet of 5/8″ plywood. The plywood shall have different debris items placed on top, not to exceed 2′ in height, and be constructed to provide access to the dog either by walking up an incline or by jumping no more than 3′ 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. Seesaw: A plank approximately 16′ long by 12″ 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:

C. 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 access the rubble pile and direct the search.
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.

D. 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.

E. 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 refind.
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 TWENTY (20) ACRE LARGE AREA ABOVE SURFACE HUMAN REMAINS DETECTION FIELD TEST

This test shall demonstrate:

The canine teams ability to successfully search h a 20-acre wilderness area within one (1) hour period.

The canine team’s ability to identify the location of at least one (1) and no more than (2) above surface target odors and offer a trained final response 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 odor(s) 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 scent 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.

WILDERNESS LARGE AREA ABOVE SURFACE HUMAN REMAINS DETECTION FIELD TEST

Objectives:

This test

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:

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:

TEST TIMING:

REQUIREMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION:

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

EVALUATION:

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