If you are interested in more information about becoming a K9 handler or want to know what you can do to support our team please contact our K-9 Coordinator, Brenda Richards, or simply send your e-mail to Dogs@ValleySAR.com!! You can also find out more about basic dog obedience training at www.trifectakennels.com.

Select one of the links below to find more information.

VSAR K9 Handler Reading List:

If you are curious as to what it takes to train a dog for search work, the reading list below may be interesting to you.

If your intent is to become a search dog handler the books listed below will be invaluable to you in your quest and are required reading for VSAR handlers.

1) Scent and the Scenting Dog – William Syrotuck
2) Practical Scent Dog Training – Lue Button
3) Search Dog Training – Sandy Bryson
4) First Aid For Search and Rescue Dogs – Karen Dashfield DVM
5) Canine SARTECH Student Manual – NASAR
6) SAR Dog SARTECH Certification Standards – NASAR
7) SAR Dog Unit Guideline – NASAR
8) A Working Philosophy For The Scent Detection Dog Team 3-3-3 –Laura and Russell Denison
9) Cadaver Dog Handbook – Andrew Rebman, Edward David and Marcella Sorg
10) Search and Rescue Dogs – ARDA (American Rescue Dog Assoc)
11) Following Ghosts: Developing the Tracking Relationship –
John Rice and Suzanne Clothier

(This list maybe updated periodically)

Additional canine reading suggestions for fun and learning:

1) Cesar’s Way-The Natural, Everyday Guide To Understanding & Correcting Common Dog Problems – Cesar Millan
2) If Dog’s Prayers Were Answered…Bones Would Rain from the Sky – Suzanne Clothier
3) The Culture Clash – Jean Donaldson
4) Caninestein – Betty Fisher and Suzanne Delzio

(All canine’s intended for entry into the Search and Rescue training program must have a minimum basic obedience course prior. The handler must demonstrate an understanding of control and proper technique. Canine candidates are encouraged to take and pass the Canine Good Citizen testing as well; in fact this is required prior to NASAR certification.)