Eastern States Working Dog Association, Inc.

HUMAN REMAINS DETECTION DOG TEST

             This test is designed to evaluate the work dogs ability and proficiency in searching designated areas for the scent of human remains. For certification the team CANNOT MISS any aids.  A false indication shall be defined as a miss and will cause the K-9 team to fail the test.

             With the exception of the building and the water searches, the minimum search area must be 50 yards by 50 yards.  The area size for the building and water searches will be at the discretion of the Trainer.

             One test area will not contain an aid. 

             A total of four, legally obtained aids must be provided by the handler; two of the aids must be less than three two months old and two of the aids must be more than two months old.  Each must consist of bone and/or soft tissue.

             Pseudo Cadaver Scents are acceptable in any State where it is illegal to posses Human Remains.

 TYPES OF SEARCHES TO BE PERFORMED:

1. Three (3) scent hides will be placed in a rubble area, simulating a collapsed building.
2. Three (3) scent hides will be covered with dirt, leaves, brush, or tree branches.
3. Twelve hours before testing, three (3) scent hides will be buried in a highly vegetated area.  The aids must be at least three (3) months of age and be buried to the depth of six inches.  A minimum of six holes will be dug.
4. Three (3) scent hides will be placed in an elevated position, a minimum of four feet from the ground level or floor.  This test may be conducted within the confines of a structure.
5. A minimum of six (6) vehicles will be utilized, one (1) of which will contain a scent hide placed at least one (1) hour prior to the search.

 An optional searching area may be substituted for one of the above areas. It is: 

6. Three (3) scent hides will be placed in an organic or inorganic rubbish pile.
7. One (1) scent hide will be placed in at least two feet of water two hours prior to the search.

             In order to certify, a team must successfully find all of the scent hides.

 Handler:  The handler will advise the Trainer how the dog will indicate.  He/She may enter the search area to direct the dog.  This test may be done on or off lead.  The dog's indication must be obvious to the Trainer.

 This certification will be valid for one (1) year from the date of issue.