Jun 12, Puppy Temperament Helps You Find a Good Match

Picking the right puppy temperament is an important part of buying a Golden Retriever.

You're probably not exactly like your siblings (thank goodness, right?).

And no two puppies are alike, either--even from the same litter.

Let's see how you can find the puppy who will fit right into your family like "it was meant to be."

If you want a calm, relaxed adult dog, choose a calm, relaxed puppy. Check for these qualities: Stability Ability to calm himself Touch sensitivity Forgiveness Noise tolerance Attachment to peopleThat's actually not as difficult as it sounds, if you apply the following simple tests. Is that cute Golden Retriever puppy leaping at your face, nipping your nose, yanking on your shoelaces?

You might want to skip over him. That kind of energy can be hard to live with.

Skip any puppies that cower in the corner, too. Instead, choose the pup who comes right up to you, doesn't mouth much, and isn't frantic.

Cradle a pup upside down in your arms like a baby.

Does he struggle? Does he mouth?

Struggling that increases and mouthing that becomes frantic are signs that he can't calm himself down. Skip him.

Also skip the puppy who lies stiff in your arms.

This scared little guy?s puppy temperament probably won?t mix well with children who want to pick him up and play with him.

Instead, you'll be happier choosing a Golden Retriever puppy who lies in your arms relaxed and happy, at least for a little while.

After all, it's normal for puppies to want to be in constant motion during their waking hours.

Have you ever wondered how to pick a puppy that will tolerate the pokings and proddings of young children?

What about the ever-popular game of "dress-up" like the one Peaches is enjoying here with my daughter Sarah and a friend?

Try this: Pick up a puppy and take hold of the skin between his toes. Apply pressure until you get a response.

Does he bite at your hand? Does he scream like he's being murdered? Release pressure as soon as you get a response.

Skip over any pup who immediately screams or uses his mouth to stop you.

Instead, pick the one that whines a bit, pulls away, or hardly seems to notice. He's the pup that won't mind being accidentally stepped on or bumped into from time to time.

Forgiveness is measured after you release his foot. Does he immediately relax and maybe start licking you? That's the right response.

If he seems distrustful or withdrawn, skip him. An unforgiving pup is almost always trouble.

Things are bound to happen to your new puppy, especially in a busy household, so forgiveness is critical.

Noise tolerance is an important puppy temperament factor if you have children. Dogs who are frightened of noises can turn every toddler-related crash and every noise-making toy into a major event.

Our Peaches (seen here checking out a toy truck) loved the noisy excitement of a household with kids.

Most Goldens tend to be that way--but not all of them.

Here's a good way to find out how your pup will react to noise. Drop a set of keys near the pups. Some pups will startle and then investigate. Others won't even notice.

This latter bunch would be good choices for noisy households. Skip the pups who run for cover and stay there.

If you're choosing a Golden Retriever puppy to be a hunting dog, steer clear of this cowering pup, as he may well prove to be hopelessly gun-shy.

Sit with all the pups for ten minutes or so. Look for the puppy who stays near you.

Any pup who doesn't even come over to say hello within a minute should be avoided.

Look for those that respond when you clap your hands or whistle. You should be able to entice one of those cute Golden Retriever puppies to follow you.

In most litters, there's one little guy who leaves the pack and heads straight towards you.

He's not saying, "There you are! We were meant to be together!" (Sorry to burst your bubble!)

It's usually because he's simply the boldest, most outgoing pup in the litter. If that's the puppy temperament you want, he's your guy.

On the other hand, if he's also the one who's continually shoving his littermates out of the way, you might want to avoid this bully.

One pup may be hiding shyly in the corner. This wallflower is the sensitive one of the bunch. This little guy or gal may be happiest in a gentle, quiet family--perhaps with older children or no children at all.

Both excessively timid and overly bold puppies are usually more challenging to train. If you're a bit limited in either time or training experience, you may be better off going for the happy, responsive Golden Retriever puppy in the middle of these two extremes of puppy temperament.

Next, take a few of the prospects individually away from their littermates. Steer clear of the puppies that immediately want to return to the whelping box or look distressed in their new surroundings.

Look for the pups that start to explore their new environment and are precocious to the point of getting into trouble.

After you've narrowed the field a bit, you should do a little puppy temperament testing on the individual puppy you're thinking of taking home.

A favorite exercise with a young pup is to gently roll him over onto his back and then lightly restrain him with a hand on his chest. Spend some time with the pup first, so that this isn't his initial introduction to you.

Let your hand rest lightly on him until he begins to try to get up, and then use just enough pressure to keep him from doing so.

There are a lot of different ways he can respond once he's over on his back and figures out he can't get up when he wants to.

Some puppies will squirm a bit and mouth your hand lightly. That's a perfectly reasonable response that shouldn't concern you in the least.

But ask yourself: Do the puppy's nips get harder? Hmmmm--time to think hard about this pup, if you have a house full of children.

Does the pup never stop trying to get up, while his littermate gives up quickly and passively waits for you to let him up?

Which puppy temperament you prefer of these two depends on what you're looking for in an adult dog.

If you're choosing a Golden Retriever puppy to be a search-and-rescue dog or a nationally competitive performance dog, you want the pup who never gives up.

However, the more passive littermate might be a better choice for a family who just wants a furry friend to hang around with the kids in the backyard.

Though all Golden Retrievers have temperaments that are among the most family-friendly in the dog kingdom, each Golden is unique and special in his own way.

As you take your time getting to know each puppy in a Golden litter, keep this in mind: There's one out there that's "just right" for you and your family. He?s just waiting for you to find him and take him home.

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Jul 30, Police Dogs -- Talented Golden Retrievers

Police dogs have many important jobs. What's the first kind of dog that pops into your head when you think about these talented canines?

It's probably not a Golden Retriever. But Goldens can actually fill many important positions in the law enforcement industry. Let's take a look.

The German Shepherd is probably the most well-known police dog.

But there are actually several dog breeds used in law enforcement, including Goldens.

Golden Retrievers are much more than just a pretty face.

They're incredibly talented, smart and easy to train.

Their exceptional sense of smell makes them an asset to any police department in the following areas: Drug Dogs -- Locating illegal drugs is a snap for a police drug dog, whether they're hidden in a school locker, a car, a suitcase, or a warehouse. Bomb Dogs -- Alerting to all types of explosive devices, these dogs can check out large areas quickly, bringing peace of mind and averting tragedy. Water Rescue Dogs -- These dogs help drowning people get to shore. Golden Retrievers have all the qualifications: strong swimming ability, an excellent sense of smell and an instinct for retrieving. Water Search Dogs -- When police suspect there's a body in a lake or river, these dogs can tell them exactly where it is. The dog can smell a totally submersed body, no matter how long it's been there, as he and his handler are transported over the water by boat. Cadaver Dogs -- It's an unsavory task, but a necessary one. These dogs are trained to find the tiniest bit of human remains that might provide the clue to solve a case or provide a grieving loved one closure after a disappearance. Arson Detection Dogs -- After a fire is put out, and everything is thoroughly soaked, arson dogs are still able to quickly sniff out any accelerant that might have been used to start the fire. Customs Dogs -- Golden Retrievers present a friendly face at customs as they quietly search for contraband items such as drugs, explosives, fruit, firearms, or large amounts of cash.

Border Patrol Dog -- It doesn't take a Golden long to sniff his way along a row of cars, speeding up proceedings along the borders of countries. Like customs dogs, they can find whatever shouldn't be coming across the border. Search and Rescue Dogs -- The Golden Retriever has a super sniffer and a friendly personality, a winning combination when searching for a lost child who might be scared by a German Shepherd police dog. He's so easy-going, he doesn't even mind rappelling down a cliff with his handler to reach a lost hiker.

By the way, it's amazing how many champion drug dogs and bomb dogs started out in animal shelters. They just had too much energy and prey drive for their owners.

But that's exactly what these special police dogs need to have in order to keep going when searching for illegal drugs, explosives, or a missing person.

The smart folks who create TV commercials have it all figured out.

Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs!

That's why they show up in so many movies and commercials.

They're so friendly and gorgeous, you just want to reach out and pet them.

Many police departments have also figured out that if you have something as beautiful as a Golden Retriever, you should show it off!

Taking a Golden drug dog along when you make a presentation to the local schools about the dangers of drug use just makes good sense.

The students would much rather look at a gorgeous dog than a police officer, any day!

They're also happy to show off their canine detection abilities at schools, universities and public events.

When they're not on the job, these valuable dogs are spending time with their handlers just like any pet.

They love to go for long walks and play with whatever toys you give them.

But when it's time to head back to the police station, don't get in their way.

They have work to do!

You wouldn't buy a Golden Retriever to be a guard dog because of the breed's strong bite inhibition and love of people.

They might bark if someone tries to break into your house (maybe). More likely, they'd probably greet the intruder like a long-lost friend.

But if your police department is looking for a super sniffer, they've come to the right place. These gentle police dogs are worth their weight in gold.

I guess they're just the right color, then, aren't they?

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Jul 12, Dog Rescue Centres -- Great Places To Find Your Dream Dog

Dog rescue centres operating in the U.S. and other countries are great places to find the dog of your dreams (like a Golden Retriever!).

Rescued dogs for sale come in all ages, sizes and both sexes.

They all need homes, and will make wonderful, loving pets for people willing to give them a second chance.

Most rescue dogs are at the centres through no fault of their own. They're merely victims of circumstances.

Sometimes a family doesn't have the time to properly train and take care of a dog.

Other times, the owner may have a health problem, be going through a divorce, or have another family situation that makes dog ownership low on their list of priorities.

Sometimes dogs that need rescued are owned by elderly people who are forced by circumstances to move into small senior apartments, assisted living, or care homes that don't allow pets.

These owners often bring their beloved canine companions to dog rescue centres, hoping they'll be re-homed.

For that reason, many dedicated people work diligently to ensure that the next home will be a permanent one.

The best dog rescue centres get adequate histories from the previous owners.

They fill in any gaps in the animal's history with their own observations and experience, and that of trained foster caretakers.

They may do some personality and temperament testing, as well.

The high success rate of dog rescue organizations comes as a result of their hard work at matching each rescue dog to a suitable family.

They want permanent loving homes for these canine victims, where they can enjoy long and rewarding relationships.

To help make sure the right dog goes to the right family, staff members may ask you about your home and yard, whether there will be anybody home during the day, and also whether you have any other pets.

Rescue groups will probably screen you as carefully as would a breeder selling you a puppy.

Before the dog is allowed to leave the kennel there may even be a home visit, as the rescue workers want to see if your home is suitable for the dog.

They have to be sure that your yard is escape-proof if you want a puppy and that there are no steep stairs if you wish to adopt an elderly dog.

You can usually rely on the staff's evaluation of the dog, their choice for you, and their help in his adjustment to his new environment. The last thing they want is for this dog to be uprooted once again.

Expect them to be firm and possibly even intimidating to make sure that you're the right person for this dog. You see, they already know the dog. They don't know you!

Since these rescued and recycled dogs have usually spent some time in a foster home for evaluation, you'll know something about your dog before you even take him home.

The staff will be able to tell you about his background, the reason he was given up, and how he relates to men, women, children, and other pets.

They'll also tell you candidly if, in their opinion, there are likely to be any temperament or health problems.

Required veterinary care--including, in most cases, spaying or neutering--is provided by these dog rescue groups before adoption.

The centre will supply you with the dog's veterinary record, so your own vet will be aware of your dog's medical background. They'll include a record of your pet's vaccinations, which you'll want to keep up to date.

They may also give you a few days' supply of the dog's regular food, so if you wish to switch him to a different food, you can make a gradual change in order to avoid digestive problems.

The adoption fees charged by dog rescue centres help pay for veterinary care for the rescue pets, as well as the expenses of operating the facility.

It's money well spent in the quest to find the best possible homes for well-deserving, loving dogs.

When you choose to adopt rescued dogs, you're choosing to give a good dog a second chance at life--and the chance to be your best friend.

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Sep 20, Golden Retriever Backgrounds In America

We can trace Golden Retriever backgrounds in America over 100 years, way back to when the first Goldens appeared in the United States as early as the 1890s.

There are photographs of Lord Tweedmouth's son, the Hon. Archie Majoribanks, at his ranch in Texas with Lady, who was a descendant of Lord Tweedmouth's dogs.

There are other reports of Goldens in Canada and the United States in the early 1900s, but none of them were ever registered.

The breed would not make an official entry into the United States until the 1920s, when a few Goldens were imported from England by some of America's wealthiest and most prominent citizens.

Robert Appleton, a resident of East Hampton, Long Island, and the retired head of a publishing company, was the first to actually register a Golden Retriever with the American Kennel Club in 1925.

During these early years, Goldens were registered and shown along with Labrador Retrievers.

The American Kennel Club didn't officially recognize the Golden Retriever as a separate breed until 1932.

Meanwhile, as the handful of fanciers grew, some dogs were shown sporadically, and there was an occasional litter of puppies.

But none of these dogs had any influence on the breed as it developed in America.

Golden Retriever backgrounds in America include the first serious Golden breeder in the United States, Dr. Charles Large of New York City.

In 1931, he imported a number of British Golden Retrievers that were shown and became the foundation of his breeding program.

Dr. Large was an early activist in the attempt to form a national breed club. His efforts were not yet realized when he died in 1933.

Goldens of this era were owned exclusively by the wealthy.

They were primarily obtained out of curiosity and for the breed's growing reputation as outstanding hunting dogs.

Few actually lived in homes, as pets.

They were generally kept in large kennel facilities overseen by kennel managers.

The Golden breed received the boost it needed when Col. Samuel Magoffin of Vancouver, British Columbia, imported Speedwell Pluto from Britain in 1932.

He became a champion in both the United States and Canada and was the first Golden Retriever to win a Best in Show ribbon.

Pluto was much more than a show dog, however.

He also skillfully retrieved birds during hunting expeditions off the rugged coast of the Pacific Northwest.

He's considered to be the foundation sire of the breed in America.

More recent Golden Retriever backgrounds in America can be traced to Magoffin's other kennel located in Englewood, Colorado.

He imported a number of dogs from England that would be influential in the development of the Golden breed. His relatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin followed his lead in obtaining Goldens.

The Golden Retriever growth in popularity throughout the midwestern U.S. during the 1930s and early 1940s was truly phenomenal.

This was an era when hunting upland game and waterfowl was enjoying its peak in popularity among a growing number of hunters, and the Midwest was the capital of this pastime. The Golden was embraced by an increasing number of hunters as "the dog for the job."

Following World War II, a growing number of Americans finally had the money and leisure time to include a dog in the family, yet the Golden was still relatively unknown to the general public as a pet.

Most were in the hands of show and field competitors or hunters throughout the U.S.

Until the 1970s, the Golden was a well-kept secret, often confused with the very popular Irish Setter.

The event that brought the Golden Retriever prominence with the American public took place in 1974, when President Gerald Ford obtained a young Golden female.

Liberty and her subsequent litter of White House puppies received national publicity.

The secret was out! Goldens skyrocketed in popularity and suddenly the breed was ranked among the top five in registrations, a position it still holds today.

And so, the humble Golden Retriever backgrounds in America set the stage for our national love affair with these adorable dogs.

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Aug 24, Assistance Dogs -- Bringing Independence to the Disabled

Specially trained assistance dogs help people with disabilities remain as independent as possible. By helping with many everyday tasks, these wonderful dogs also give their partners a tremendous boost of self-confidence.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines an assistance dog or service dog as a dog trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.

More than 55 million Americans are disabled in some way.

A disability is basically anything that substantially limits one or more activities of daily living.

Disabilities can include blindness, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hearing loss, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, paralysis, seizures, or spinal cord injuries.

The law also covers people with psychiatric disabilities such as panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), manic depression and agoraphobia, to name a few.

Actually, there isn't much that these dogs can't do! Most people are familiar with guide dogs for the blind, but there are many other types of assistance a dog can provide.

Assistance dogs help their disabled owners with a wide range of tasks that most of us take for granted, such as: Open and close doors and drawers Retrieve cordless phones Turn lights on and off Help with dressing and undressing Carry items Retrieve dropped or needed items Pull a wheelchair if necessary Bring in mail and newspaper Help partner up after sitting or falling Help with climbing stairs Provide balance for walking Get a drink from refrigerator Bark for help on command Put laundry in and out of washer and dryer Assist in tidying house or yard--pick up, put away Fetch walker or wheelchair when out of reach Pull a drapery cord to open or close drapes Wake up partner for work or school Operate push button device to call 911 Put paralyzed arm or leg back into place on wheelchair Assist wheelchair user to regain sitting position if slumped over Carry a note to another household member on command Find caregiver on command, lead back to location of disabled partner Wake up partner if smoke alarm goes off and assist to nearest exit
With all these tasks dogs can be trained to perform, an assistance dog can give disabled people complete mobility within their homes.

They also provide greater freedom and independence in public.

Whether inside or out, these special dogs allow their partners to lead fuller lives.

Besides all the amazing things he can do, the dog's capacity for unconditional love is really the greatest gift of all.

He provides constant companionship and emotional support.

He offers the comfort and assurance of a friend who's always there to help.

Several different breeds are used for this special type of service dog, but the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever are the most popular and successful breeds.

That's because many of the tasks required of an assistance dog involve typical gun dog work--sniffing out an item that the owner wants and retrieving it. Most importantly, they tend to be soft mouthed with the items they work with.

Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, yet able to think on their own and work independently when necessary.

They are willing and responsive, confident and personable.

They are strong enough to support or pull a person.

Their striking good looks are a nice bonus, too!

A good assistance dog is people oriented and not overly protective.

He is confident without being either dominant or submissive.

Dogs are tested for friendliness, noise sensitivity, bonding ability, retrieving instincts and general trainability.

The dogs may come from a variety of sources, including animal shelters, humane society facilities, dog rescues and pounds, pet owners and breeders.

The selected dogs generally spend six months to a year at one of several assistance dog training schools located throughout the U.S. They receive training on tasks, obedience and public access manners. Each dog is also trained in tasks specifically tailored to the individuals they serve.

Because of everything that goes into the training and pairing of dogs and owners, the national average waiting time to receive an assistance dog is two to five years.

The special capes these dogs wear serve several purposes. First, they identify them as being service dogs so they're allowed public access. They're also handy backpacks to carry things such as a copy of the law and other important papers, along with doggy poo bags.

The owners are generally provided with permits that identify the dogs as licensed canine companions. That's enough to gain undisputed entry into most places, as with the more well-known guide dogs.

Assistance dogs greatly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

With a highly trained dog by his side, a disabled person can experience a new sense of joy and confidence at being able to interact and socialize freely.

It's even more life changing for disabled children.

Suddenly, these children are no longer "that kid in the wheelchair."

Now they're "that kid with the amazing dog."

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Jun 12, Puppy Temperament Helps You Find a Good Match

Picking the right puppy temperament is an important part of buying a Golden Retriever.

You're probably not exactly like your siblings (thank goodness, right?).

And no two puppies are alike, either--even from the same litter.

Let's see how you can find the puppy who will fit right into your family like "it was meant to be."

If you want a calm, relaxed adult dog, choose a calm, relaxed puppy. Check for these qualities: Stability Ability to calm himself Touch sensitivity Forgiveness Noise tolerance Attachment to peopleThat's actually not as difficult as it sounds, if you apply the following simple tests. Is that cute Golden Retriever puppy leaping at your face, nipping your nose, yanking on your shoelaces?

You might want to skip over him. That kind of energy can be hard to live with.

Skip any puppies that cower in the corner, too. Instead, choose the pup who comes right up to you, doesn't mouth much, and isn't frantic.

Cradle a pup upside down in your arms like a baby.

Does he struggle? Does he mouth?

Struggling that increases and mouthing that becomes frantic are signs that he can't calm himself down. Skip him.

Also skip the puppy who lies stiff in your arms.

This scared little guy?s puppy temperament probably won?t mix well with children who want to pick him up and play with him.

Instead, you'll be happier choosing a Golden Retriever puppy who lies in your arms relaxed and happy, at least for a little while.

After all, it's normal for puppies to want to be in constant motion during their waking hours.

Have you ever wondered how to pick a puppy that will tolerate the pokings and proddings of young children?

What about the ever-popular game of "dress-up" like the one Peaches is enjoying here with my daughter Sarah and a friend?

Try this: Pick up a puppy and take hold of the skin between his toes. Apply pressure until you get a response.

Does he bite at your hand? Does he scream like he's being murdered? Release pressure as soon as you get a response.

Skip over any pup who immediately screams or uses his mouth to stop you.

Instead, pick the one that whines a bit, pulls away, or hardly seems to notice. He's the pup that won't mind being accidentally stepped on or bumped into from time to time.

Forgiveness is measured after you release his foot. Does he immediately relax and maybe start licking you? That's the right response.

If he seems distrustful or withdrawn, skip him. An unforgiving pup is almost always trouble.

Things are bound to happen to your new puppy, especially in a busy household, so forgiveness is critical.

Noise tolerance is an important puppy temperament factor if you have children. Dogs who are frightened of noises can turn every toddler-related crash and every noise-making toy into a major event.

Our Peaches (seen here checking out a toy truck) loved the noisy excitement of a household with kids.

Most Goldens tend to be that way--but not all of them.

Here's a good way to find out how your pup will react to noise. Drop a set of keys near the pups. Some pups will startle and then investigate. Others won't even notice.

This latter bunch would be good choices for noisy households. Skip the pups who run for cover and stay there.

If you're choosing a Golden Retriever puppy to be a hunting dog, steer clear of this cowering pup, as he may well prove to be hopelessly gun-shy.

Sit with all the pups for ten minutes or so. Look for the puppy who stays near you.

Any pup who doesn't even come over to say hello within a minute should be avoided.

Look for those that respond when you clap your hands or whistle. You should be able to entice one of those cute Golden Retriever puppies to follow you.

In most litters, there's one little guy who leaves the pack and heads straight towards you.

He's not saying, "There you are! We were meant to be together!" (Sorry to burst your bubble!)

It's usually because he's simply the boldest, most outgoing pup in the litter. If that's the puppy temperament you want, he's your guy.

On the other hand, if he's also the one who's continually shoving his littermates out of the way, you might want to avoid this bully.

One pup may be hiding shyly in the corner. This wallflower is the sensitive one of the bunch. This little guy or gal may be happiest in a gentle, quiet family--perhaps with older children or no children at all.

Both excessively timid and overly bold puppies are usually more challenging to train. If you're a bit limited in either time or training experience, you may be better off going for the happy, responsive Golden Retriever puppy in the middle of these two extremes of puppy temperament.

Next, take a few of the prospects individually away from their littermates. Steer clear of the puppies that immediately want to return to the whelping box or look distressed in their new surroundings.

Look for the pups that start to explore their new environment and are precocious to the point of getting into trouble.

After you've narrowed the field a bit, you should do a little puppy temperament testing on the individual puppy you're thinking of taking home.

A favorite exercise with a young pup is to gently roll him over onto his back and then lightly restrain him with a hand on his chest. Spend some time with the pup first, so that this isn't his initial introduction to you.

Let your hand rest lightly on him until he begins to try to get up, and then use just enough pressure to keep him from doing so.

There are a lot of different ways he can respond once he's over on his back and figures out he can't get up when he wants to.

Some puppies will squirm a bit and mouth your hand lightly. That's a perfectly reasonable response that shouldn't concern you in the least.

But ask yourself: Do the puppy's nips get harder? Hmmmm--time to think hard about this pup, if you have a house full of children.

Does the pup never stop trying to get up, while his littermate gives up quickly and passively waits for you to let him up?

Which puppy temperament you prefer of these two depends on what you're looking for in an adult dog.

If you're choosing a Golden Retriever puppy to be a search-and-rescue dog or a nationally competitive performance dog, you want the pup who never gives up.

However, the more passive littermate might be a better choice for a family who just wants a furry friend to hang around with the kids in the backyard.

Though all Golden Retrievers have temperaments that are among the most family-friendly in the dog kingdom, each Golden is unique and special in his own way.

As you take your time getting to know each puppy in a Golden litter, keep this in mind: There's one out there that's "just right" for you and your family. He?s just waiting for you to find him and take him home.

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Jun 16, Search and Rescue Dogs -- Heroes of Disaster Relief

Search and rescue dogs are the hard-working heroes of disaster relief. With a sense of smell far more powerful than man's and an ability to probe nooks and crannies that humans cannot penetrate, these dogs find people in even the most difficult situations.

Skilled volunteer search and rescue (SAR) units across the United States and around the world operate in conjunction with local law enforcement or other applicable emergency services agencies to assist in the location of missing persons.

Experts estimate that a single SAR dog can accomplish the work of 20 to 30 human searchers.

It's not just about smell, either.

The dogs' superior hearing and night vision also come into play.

Even in cases where victims are presumed dead, dogs are invaluable assets. They locate the bodies so family members can have closure and give their loved ones a proper burial.

Not all SAR dogs perform the same type of search.

Some dogs are tracking (or trailing) dogs.

Others are air scent dogs.

Tracking dogs need to smell something which belongs to the missing person, like a shirt.

Then they search for just that smell, with their nose to the ground.

Air scent dogs, on the other hand, work with their nose in the air.

They pick up human scent anywhere in the vicinity.

They don't need an article to work from or a scent trail. They locate a scent carried in air currents and seek out its origin--the point of greatest concentration.

They might be called in to find a missing hiker located "somewhere in the national park."

Air scenting dogs might specialize in a particular type of search: Avalanche dogs search for people who are trapped under the snow. Urban disaster dogs search for human survivors in buildings that collapsed due to a natural disaster (earthquake, mudslide, hurricane, typhoon, tornado or flood) or an act of terrorism. Cadaver dogs search for the scent of human remains. Water search dogs locate drowning victims even when the bodies are completely immersed.

Water search and cadaver dogs are the only types specifically trained to scent for human remains, though some SAR dogs may be cross-trained to alert for both scents in different ways.

People's scents are as unique as fingerprints. Wherever we go, we leave an invisible trail of scent behind us which dogs can easily identify.

You see, we're constantly shedding skin cells.

The bigger cells fall to the ground and the smaller particles float in the air.

Dogs can easily smell these microscopic cells.

That's because their sense of smell is about 40 times stronger than ours.

Search dogs can work day or night, in all kinds of weather.

They're especially effective where human sight is most limited--in the dark, in dense brush or debris, and in collapsed buildings.

SAR dog training capitalizes on a dog's natural prey/play drive.

For these dogs, locating the origin of a human scent means playing an intense game of "find the ball."

That's the bottom line: associating human scent with something the dog wants very badly, and then teaching him to alert his handler to its location.

Each time the dog completes a task, he gets his reward--a hug, a treat, or playtime with a favorite toy.

Alert is the term used to describe the signal used by the dog to tell the handler he has located the victim or object of the search.

There are several types of alerts: Focused bark for a minimum of 30 seconds as he remains with the victim Passive alert where he quietly sits down at the location of the find Aggressive alert where he digs at the location of his find (especially useful in avalanche search situations) Re-find where the dog returns to the handler, barks, then returns to the location of the victim.

SAR dogs learn skills like getting used to climbing different surfaces; walking on shifting rubble; navigating a tunnel; balancing; not being afraid of high places, noisy helicopters or moving vehicles; following the directions of the handler (by verbal and hand signals); learning how to climb ladders; and being able to ignore all distractions.

Training search and rescue dogs can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years. Some SAR dogs are professionals employed by rescue services, but most are volunteers. They are family pets who train and practice regularly with their owners so they can be called out at a moment's notice to help in a rescue effort.

In general, the best prospects usually come from the sporting and herding breeds such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Border Collie.

These breeds are chosen because of their physical strength, high energy and strong prey drive.

Many rescue dogs actually come from animal shelters because they had too much energy for their original owners.

With their excellent sense of smell, desire to please, and love of people, the Golden Retriever is a natural breed for this heroic activity.

To succeed as a search and rescue worker, a dog must possess certain qualities. He must be intelligent, agile, confident, obedient, adaptable, and have a high level of endurance and persistence.

He must learn to be calm in noisy, stressful and changing situations. He also has to get along well with other dogs and people, as they often travel many miles with other SAR teams to rescue sites.

A good candidate has a high degree of trainability. But a SAR dog who can't think for himself is useless. Air scenting dogs work off-leash, so the handler won't always be nearby to give commands. The ideal search dog can solve problems on his own but is always aware of his handler.

We all love a hero, don't we? And search and rescue dogs are some of the biggest heroes of all.

They often go above and beyond the call of duty to save someone, risking their lives in the process. Many people owe their lives to these amazing dogs.

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