Dogs are trained thoroughly on land first before going on to water searches. Allowing the dog to swim around searching for the scent is not as effective because the activity tends to disrupt the scent, and it's hard to see the dog's alert. In shallow water, the dog works as if he is on land. In deeper water, a boat with an electric motor is best. There are several certification programs available at present, although there is no comprehensive organization for cadaver work and training.
Successful finds are the way most dogs become known as good cadaver dogs.
The National Police Working Dog Association also has a cadaver dog testing standard. In addition, many state or county SAR programs offer cadaver certification of their own. While cadaver dogs are relatively rare at present, their numbers will increase as their ability and utility become more widely known. Ron Moore is a member of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Search and Rescue Unit in California. He and his dog, Hershe, have several cadaver finds to their credit, including a drowning victim under 40 feet of water.