About us

Search Dogs Essex was formed in 2006 and is a registered Charity to provide volunteer Search dogs to help search for missing people. All members are volunteers and available 24/7 365 days a year to help search for missing and vulnerable people in Essex.

 

In 2010 a new committee has been appointed and will continue to keep and improve the standard of the unit. All types of dog breeds are considered on their merits but not all are suitable. We currently have an operational Boxer Cross,  as well as a selection of training Malinois, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Springer Spaniels and other breeds and cross breeds.

 

There are three levels of Lowland Search Dogs and a specialist dog for victim recovery.

 

Level 1        Trainee Dog

Level 2       Air scenting Hasty Dog or Trailing Rural

Level 3       Air scenting Area Dog   or Trailing Urban

Victim Recovery

 

It takes between 18-24 month to train a Lowland Search Dog. All dogs are assessed by Lowland Search Dogs assessors, and only declared operational when they pass the assessment.

 

All dogs also have to undergo an ability practical test and a stock test. The dog needs to be deemed to be friendly towards all people including strangers, because of the nature of the work they are involved in.

 

 

 

 

Latest update 20.05.2011.