Types of SAR K9

Tracking Dog

The tracking dog keeps his nose in the actual footprints of the victim and follows them step by step. He pursues a specific scent identified by a scent article. The tracking dog is limited by time and weather conditions. The tracking dog works on lead.
 

Trailing Dogs

The trailing dog works a few feet from the actual track according to where the air has blown the skin rafts. He needs a scent article and has the same limits regarding scent and weather as the tracking dog does. The trailing dog may work either off-leash or on-leash.

Airscenting Dogs

The airscenting dog is trained to locate any human scent in the area. He does not require a scent article. He works with his head up, or tracks/trials with his head down. He uses his nose to work the scent wherever it is without restriction. There are no time limits or weather restrictions as they work the scent cone of the missing person. They usually work off-lead in a grid pattern.

Scent-Discriminatory Airscenting Dog

The scent discriminatory airscent dog looks for a specific scent, but works in the same manner as the non scent-specific airscenting dog.
 

Human Remain Detection Dog

Disaster/Light Disaster Dog