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There are a lot of people who have thought about becoming a canine
handler. For many of those people, finding the right place to start is
challenging. Training as a MSDA handler is a never-ending process.
Depending on your dedication and your dog’s ability to learn, training can take
as little as eight months or up to two years. MSDA’s training programs are not
to be taking lightly. It is an intense, time consuming and structured program for
the serious minded individual. There are several areas of your personal,
professional and family life that may be affected.
It is easy to imagine
yourself at a disaster with a search dog. People are looking up to you. You are
confident in both your dog and yourself. You are feeling like a hero. You are
ready to rush in and save the day. It’s a nice thought.
Every one wants to make a difference in life. However, stop and ask yourself if
you are really ready for the pressure and the responsibility? Thinking you’re going to save a life and being physically and mentally
ready to save a life are two different things. We ask everyone to take a moment
to HONESTLY answer a Prospective
Handler Questionnaire before you jump in with both feet.
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The North American Police Work
Dog Association (NAPWDA) was formed in 1977 and is composed of law enforcement
officers throughout North America. Their mission is dedicated to assisting working dog teams with problem solving,
legal updates, new techniques and certifications of standards. NAPWDA conducts
workshops and certification trials in various states throughout the year.
During the certification trials, MSDA handlers will be field tested
on their proficiency by NAPWDA Master Trainers.
MSDA handlers and their canines can only be certified in the passive tests,
such as: Obedience, Agility, Article Search, Area Search, Search & Rescue
Area Search, Tracking and Trailing.
Visit http://www.napwda.com for more information.
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Depending on the handler’s specific area of interests, he or she may be
required to continue their education before being placed into active duty. For
example, handlers wishing to enter into Urban Disaster Services must have
training in structural collapse awareness, hazards materials, ropes & knots
along with pre-hospital emergency care as an Emergency Medical Technician or
Paramedic. Consult with the MSDA Training & Certification Coordinators for more
information on areas of specific education.
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- Michigan Search Dog Association Inc.
- Attn:
Training & Certification Coordinator
- 3218
Ritchie Rd., Metamora, MI 48455
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- Administrative:
810.626.1333
- eMail:
msdak9@yahoo.com
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