Glossary of terms used on this site

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Term Definition
Agility
Glossaries: K9 SAR Glossary

Agility : A character trait which describes the natural (running) speed, surefootedness, and coordination, and the ability of the dog to correct and recover 

Author: Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal detector Guidelines (SWGDOG)
Air Scent
Glossaries: K9 SAR Glossary

Air Scent  (Dog): A dog that searches for the source of human odor. They are typically "Nose Up" when they work, and are usually non-scent-discriminating.

  • Air scent dogs do NOT require a scent article or tracks.
  • No starting point (or Last Known Position) is required.
  • Multiple dogs can work an area, though not at the same time.
  • A dog can work an area that has already been searched by dogs and/or people.

Author: ARDA: American Rescue Dog Association

VSRDA Glossary

  • Laminar Air Flow
    Laminar Air Flow: a straight flow of air without and interference.
  • Looping Scent
    Looping Scent: when scent travels upwards from a source, and settles down away from the source. Occurs with little to no wind at the source.
  • LKP
    LKP (Last Known Position): the last location of the missing subject, substantiated by evidence or clues. The LKP changes with the discovery of clues/evidence.  
 

Teaching Direction & Control

Article by Shirley Hammond on teaching Direction & Control to K9s, using platforms and markers. 

Effective Use of Dogs in Search Management

Article by David Godfrey-Smith provides guidelines for law enforcement and search managers, in regards to how best to utilize SAR K9s. 

How Scent and Airflow Works

Article by Jennifer Pennington with custom illustrations on how scent and airflow affects search dogs.