Resources - Readings

Recommended Reading For Search Dog Training

Book titles shown with the label "✔ SSD" are available for loan to Members through the SSD Team library (deposit required).

Comments and opinions by Mary Berry.

Basic Dog Training Principles

Animals Make Us Human ✔ SSD
Grandin, Temple et al. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009.
Not yet reviewed.
The Culture Clash ✔ SSD
Donaldson, Jean. James & Kenneth Publishers, 1996.
Excellent follow-up book after reading Don't Shoot the Dog. Advice on basic obedience training using positive reinforcement.
A Dog & A Dolphin 2.0: An Introduction to Clicker Training
Pryor, Karen. Sunshine Books, 1996.
This booklet is included in a clicker training start-up kit. For anyone interested in trying clicker training, this kit will get you on your way. There are several other clicker training technique books available from other authors.
Dog Heroes: Saving Lives and Protecting America ✔ SSD
Bidner, Jen. The Lyons Press; 1 edition, 2006.
Not yet reviewed.
Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training ✔ SSD
Pryor, Karen. Ringpress Books Ltd; 3rd edition, 2002.
Excellent book on how to shape behavior in animals. Emphasis on training through positive reinforcement.
Hero Dogs : Courageous Canines in Action ✔ SSD
Jackson, Donna. Scholastic, 2004.
Not yet reviewed.
Hero Dogs : Courageous Canines in Action ✔ SSD
Jackson, Donna. Scholastic, 2004.
Not yet reviewed.
Smart Trainers: Brilliant Dogs
Dale, Victoria and Lewis, Janet. Canine Sports Productions, 1997.
Another excellent book on dog training principles.

Search Dog Training Techniques

Cadaver Dog Handbook ✔ SSD
Rebmann, Andrew et al. CRC Press; 1 edition, 2000.
An excellent and comprehensive book on training a dog for cadaver search. Good chapters on training principles and scent theory which apply to all types of search dog training.
On The Trail: A Practical Guide to the Working Bloodhound and Other Search and Rescue Dogs ✔ SSD
Tweedie, Jan. Alpine Publications, 1998.
Not yet reviewed.
The Police Textbook for Dog Handlers
Tolhurst, William. Sharp Print, 1991.
A brief, but concise book. Most helpful for tracking/trailing, cadaver and accelerant training. Not detailed enough to use as a sole source. Written by the BIG KAHOONA of man trailing bloodhounds.
Ready! The Training of the Search and Rescue Dog
Bulanda, Susan. Dorsal Publishing, 1994.
An OK overview of the use of SAR dogs. Tries to cover too much. Some errors. Nice introduction on scent theory, but short only 7 pages.
Scent and the Scenting Dog
Syrotuck, William. Barkleigh Productions; 4 Reprint edition, 2000.
Not yet reviewed, but covers the physiology of the dog's nose.
Scent - Training to Track, Search, and Rescue ✔ SSD
Pearsall, Milo et al. Alpine Publications Inc., 1982.
Not yet reviewed, but covers scent theory and basic training for tracking dogs.
Schutzhund Obedience, Training in Drive ✔ SSD
Booth, Shelia et al. Podium Publications, 1992.
This boot emphasizes that obedience training must be taught with an enthusiastic, positive attitude. Only then will your dog have an enthusiastic, positive attitude in the way he performs. Author assumes that everyone has a dog with drive to burn. This is an excellent book. However, I got tired of every sentence having a world in bold and a word in italics.
Search Dog Training
Bryan, Sandy. Search Equipment Co., 1984.
Not yet reviewed. Covers mostly air scent technique.
Search and Rescue Dogs: Training the K-9 Hero ✔ SSD
American Rescue Dog Association. Howell Book House; 2nd Edition, 2002.
Comments on 1st edition. Excellent scent theory section. Good emphasis on broad-based education of handler and dog in all aspects of SAR. Basic air scent instruction (OK). No information on tracking/trailing techniques.

Other Search and Rescue Related Educational Material

Lost!... But Found Safe And Sound (video) ✔ SSD
Tubiolo, Anne. National Park Service Interpretive Design Center.
This 12-minute, professionally produced video is designed to show children, ages 4-12, what to do if they become lost in remote areas such as parks or forests.