Jenni and Levi, Sergei and Mya, and Sherri and Reiza Are Operational
Sherri, Sergei and Jenny celebrate after the last test exercise, night searching GSSARDA has very strict rules. Only dogs and handlers that have met the requirements for training and certification are allowed to be used on a search. We also utilize outside resources to test and evaluate each dog and handler unit. These three units were tested by a sheriff canine handler and a former federal canine handler. Both evaluators had been American Rescue Dog Association evaluators. Units are tested with unknown subjects. Each unit had to do a trail hasty and both a daylight and night time sector search for multiple subjects. ...
The North Bay Drowning
Lektor tries to locate a scent off shore GSSARDA was called to participate in a search for a missing drowning victim along with incident command and searchers from Nova Scotia near North Bay in Canada. GSSARDA provided two support persons and one dog and handler. The search was financed by an orthodox rabbinical group. Tom, Jim, Sherri and Lektor responded. The search took place in September. The team was pampered as there were hotel rooms with running water and electricity to return to each night. The subject and his father had drowned while swimming and it was known to be a ...
Are You and Your Dog SAR Candidates?
[caption id="attachment_976" align="alignleft" width="300"] SAR dogs search for play[/caption] It is a Team The first question to ask is, "are you in shape or capable of getting into shape to handle rough terrain for 8-12 hours of walking?" Most people focus on their dog and don't think about the person that goes into the field with them. SAR dogs live with and are owned by their handler. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from walking and carrying a 40 pound pack for hours at a time, then look into a sport that meets your physical needs. The handler will have ...


Orex Earns BH
[caption id="attachment_946" align="alignleft" width="245"] Orex displays his medal for passing the BH[/caption] Begleitenhund(BH) Temperament Test Passed On November 22, 2013 Orex von Tajgetosz passed the Begleitenhund (BH) temperament test at the Bur Oak Hundersport Club Trial in Long Grove, IL. Orex and Sherri were required to be at the trial by 9:30 AM but did not go onto the field until 2 PM. The temperature was 34 degrees with winds blowing 7-10 mph for a wind-chill of 19. As is normal at trials, there was minimal shelter available, Orex napped in the truck and Sherri was very glad to have SAR clothes. ...


Beware of Weight Control Dogfood
[caption id="attachment_931" align="alignleft" width="300"] The kernel on the left is after soaking the one on the right is dry[/caption] I have many blessings when it comes to my dogs including the desire to scarf down their dogfood but a primary one is working with a good breeder. They must be sick to death of my phone calls and questions but there are always supportive and answer or return my calls immediately. Preventing Bloat Due to Dogfood My breeder is especially concerned about dogs torsioning due to handlers being unaware of dogfood issues. When I bought my most recent partner, the breeder was very specific about prepping the kibble to ...


Decontaminate Your Dog
Orex in his baby blue doggles for dusty and brush situations Why decontaminate? Most people will look at this article and the first thought is, "I won't need to do that." Sorry, you couldn't be more wrong. Have you ever thought about what is on the sidewalk or driveway or grass your dog walks in? In winter there is road salts in the summer you have no idea what chemicals have been spewed and where they have fallen - think wind drift. Think your neighbor's weed free, bright green lawn. You don't have to be the source for chemicals to land on your ...


GSSARDA Wins Recycling Rumble
German Shepherd Search and Rescue Dog Association Wins Title in FundingFactory’s Recycling Rumble Recycling Contest Raises $43.44, Benefits Both Environment and this canine search and rescue organization FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- German Shepherd Search and Rescue Dog Association has triumphed over Jordan Baptist School for the winning title in FundingFactory’s Recycling Rumble contest by collecting 87 recyclables. Out-recycling the competition has earned German Shepherd Search and Rescue Dog Association a 25 percent bonus on the value of the items it collected during the contest. German Shepherd Search and Rescue Dog Association went head-to-head against Jordan Baptist School from Burbank, IL to collect and ship ...


Chet Earns BH
Chet and Sherri during the off lead heeling exercise A basic team requirement for obedience is to pass the IGP temperament test called a begleitenhund (BH). P-Chet von der Olgameister is Sherri’s current dog in training while she continues to work Reiza. Chet earned his BH on October 18, 2020 at the Turner Junction IGP trial. This is a major step forward to becoming operational. The... [Read more...]
Jenni and Levi, Sergei and Mya, and Sherri and Reiza Are Operational
Sherri, Sergei and Jenny celebrate after the last test exercise, night searching GSSARDA has very strict rules. Only dogs and handlers that have met the requirements for training and certification are allowed to be used on a search. We also utilize outside resources to test and evaluate each dog and handler unit. These three units were tested by a sheriff canine handler and a former federal... [Read more...]
Hiker’s Remains Found in a Fox Den
Sherri, Lektor, Shane and Belle GSSARDA was called to participate in a search on the north shore of Lake Superior for a missing hiker. Teams from all over the United States and Canada responded. The search was organized by a Nova Scotia team and financed by the missing hiker’s family. The hiker was a novice who tried to return to her campsite alone in the late fall. The RCMP did an extensive... [Read more...]