The following provides an overview of the E, A and B level testing for Wilderness Area testing. Please refer to the current version of the International Testing Standards for Rescue Dog Tests of the International Canine Federation and the International Rescue Dog Organization for more information.
Note: These standards are valid as of January 1, 2012.
RH-FL-E Wilderness Area Search Test
- Search area is 5000 m2 open and covered terrain
- Victims: 1
- Victim is placed by the judge and must not provide any inducements to the dog during the work
- Time limit: 10 minutes
- Commands: repeated and familiar voice commands and hand signals are permitted.
- Dog may wear an identifying vest
- Judge will give instructions to the handler—search area will be clearly marked
- Handler can chose their own means of searching the area.
- The handler releases the dog at an appropriate area. Once the dog has commenced the search, the judge will give the handler permission to move from the start position.
- When the dog finds, he must alert with no help from the handler. The handler must confirm to the judge that his dog has alerted.
RH-FL-A Wilderness Area Search
- Search area: 100 m x 200 m, open and covered terrain
- Victims: 2, unconcealed, visual and physical contact must be possible for the dog
- Time limit: 15 minutes
- Repeated voice and familiar commands and hand signals are permitted
- Dog may wear an identifying harness
- Handler must notify the judge as to the type of alert the dog will show (refind, barking or bringsel)
- Upon the instruction of the judge, they handler may release the dog for the search. The dog must sweep both sides of the search area; occasional backtracking by the dog is not faulted, however the handler cannot go backwards unless they have reached the end of their search area
- Once the first victim is found, the handler must return to his location along a center line of the trail from where the dog first alerted to restart the search for the second victim
RH-FL-B Wilderness Area Search
- Search area: 35,000 m2 – 40,000 m2, 50% covered terrain or building
- Victims: 3, visual and physical contact may be possible for the dog, victims must be at least 10 m apart and may be up to 2 meters in height above the ground; victims must be in position at least 15 minutes prior to the search start
- Time limit: 30 minutes
- Repeated voice and familiar commands and hand signals are permitted
- Dog may wear an identifying harness
- Handler must notify the judge as to the type of alert the dog will show (refind, barking or bringsel)
The handler will be given a sketch of the area or a map. The search area will be clearly marked and boundaries defined. The handler must inform the judge of the search tactics to be used by the handler prior to the start of the search.
- Upon the instruction of the judge, they handler may release the dog for the search. The dog must sweep both sides of the search area; occasional backtracking by the dog is not faulted, however the handler cannot go backwards unless they have reached the end of their search area
- Once the first victim is found, the handler can send his dog to search for the next victim from the location the handler was when he reported the alert.
For more information, please review the official testing standards.
