This guide may be used by units, handlers, and requesting agencies when evaluating dog resources or as a basis for establishing local minimum performance guidelines or standards. It is suggested, however, that units and teams not train to these guidelines, but rather train and work in conditions requiring obedience and agility skills, then use these guidelines as a uniform method of evaluating progress.

This guide does not provide a theoretical basis for how a search dog works, rather it describes the minimum results desired.

Each dog team, unit, or organization wishing to use this guide has the responsibility of managing and administering it. Units may wish to use evaluators from other units or organizations, or request assistance in obtaining qualified evaluators from organizations, such as the SAR Dog Section of the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR)³ or the American Kennel Club (AKC)⁴ . This decision, however, rests solely with the individual team or organization. The method of evaluation also is entirely at the discretion of each user of this guide.

1.1 This guide is intended to provide voluntary uniform guidelines for obedience and agility training for Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs throughout the United States.

1.2 This guide provides a minimum set of training goals against which SAR dog teams and organizations may voluntarily evaluate their own training programs.

1.3 This guide provides a means of documenting a minimum standard for those agencies who request SAR dog resources for SAR operations and require such documentation.

1.4 Local SAR dog handlers and parent organizations are responsible for testing and verifying that individual resources meet or exceed these guidelines.