The training to become a mission-ready rescue dog is surely one of the most challenging types of training there is, if it is taken seriously. Since there is no pre-determined unfolding of an actual mission, there is also no set regiment which can be used for training – in contrast to other well-known canine-related activities.

Dogs must be able to pick out specific scents which are mixed with other smells in a defined area; they have to work in places that are densely overgrown with vegetation or otherwise very difficult to navigate. They have to learn to act independently and, once they have picked up the scent of a human, to advance into areas where other dogs would not dare go. They have to meet all these challenges, which sometime require the dog to make a decision against the orders of its handler, and still demonstrate the high degree of obedience required from all working dogs.

The goal of all serious rescue dog training regiments for member organisations of the IRO, (as well as other rescue dog-related organisations) should be to provide a sufficient number of the best qualified rescue dogs and dog handlers possible, whenever disaster strikes. Continually participating in national and international tests and competitions should be a given for all concerned. This serves to facilitate stress management for dog handlers, as well as measuring the current level of performance of the dogs.

Rescue dogs are held in high esteem by the general public and rescue dog handlers should always be mindful that they are regarded as role-models and conduct themselves accordingly in their everyday life with their dogs. This is the least we can do for all those who support rescue dog work in spirit, in material and in finances.