Over the weekend, a unique display of teamwork unfolded on a rural farm just west of Kitchener, as search and rescue dog handlers from Canada and the U.S. came together for intensive training.
The group met in New Hamburg to practice vital skills used in search operations and cadaver recovery. This was the third annual training session of its kind, but this year brought a special focus: puppies in training.
“This is the third annual training that we’ve had, but it is a bit different this year as we’re training puppies,” said William Bolton, a senior trainer in advanced tactical search and rescue.
Handlers worked on core skills such as obedience, tracking, and scent detection. As Bolton explained, the training is customized to each dog and handler. “Depending on where the handler wants to go with a dog and how well they are doing, they can then expand beyond that.”
The event underscores the importance of early, specialized training in preparing dogs for high-stakes missions where every second can count.
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