National Search and Rescue Dog Association

Being A DogsBody

There are many opportunities to assist associations as a 'DogsBody'.

It is impossible to train a search dog if they have no one to search for! Having a body is vital!!

All SARDA Associations are very lucky to have a great team of people we call bodies or dogsbodies. They turn up at every training session to lie in fields, behind trees, in ditches, under caravans or under boulders until the dogs find them.

Dogsbodies assist from the very start of the dogs training.

We always need more dogsbodies therefore we need you to volunteer your time.

You will get a friendly welcome and become a valued team member.

To qualify you MUST:

  1. Like dogs!
  2. Be happy to endure all weathers
  3. Be happy to get slobbered on
  4. Be able to hide in obscure places
  5. Have a sense of humour
  6. Be happy to take instructions

Member associations are always happy to hear from those interested in helping train search dogs so please get in touch.

For more information contact your nearest member association using the contact details on their team page.

More Info...

When working with the puppies dogsbodies help to get the dog socialised with strangers and encourage the dog to bark on command. This is one of the methods our dogs use to indicate they have found

As a Dogsbody, you will be part of an on-going Search Dog Training programme, in all weathers in winter and summer. With your help and time, hopefully, it will make an enormous impact in the different training aspects and stages that the dogs have to achieve.

New bodies are always welcome, and mentored at first. Where possible you are encouraged to start with the young puppy dogs in their socialising stage. Then move on through the different training stages.

It is most rewarding to watch a young dog, move through these stages, gaining more experience, getting and better and better till it hopefully make the grading of Full Search Dog.

Knowing you have been there as part of that dog’s training is fantastic. Even more so, when that dog and its Handler help to save someone’s life.

Help is required across the country, maybe even in your own area.

Travelling may be a problem for you, so it can help if you join with existing Members perhaps sharing the cost of travel if you so wish.

If you feel that you too would like to be a 'dogsbody', please contact us via e-mail.

We will be glad to be of any assistance we can, and answer any questions you may have.