Dogs can work as either trailers where they follow an individuals ground scent or as air scenters where they follow airborne scent. Dog teams should be able to work around other search teams as necessary. Don't hesitate to search an area because a dog team is on the way if there is going to be any significant delay. If evidence or personal items of the subject are used as scent articles do not touch them to avoid scent contamination. Respect the dog team as just another part of the search team like yourself.
Annual certification is required for a field ready search dog team.
The proposed minimum level of proficiency is detailed below. The dog team must be able to successfully locate two or more persons in an area at least forty acres in size within three hours. The team must search and locate two or more subjects in a forty acre area within 3 hours. The handler will provide a report on the coverage of the assigned area. If the evaluation area is not subject to foot traffic, two deliberate fresh cross trails will be set just prior to the beginning of the evaluation.