how do i train my malta poo to be a search dog?

Question

After reading up on it (and getting a yahoo answers), I realize that she could be a good search dog dispite her shorter nose. She has the right temperment. I know it takes a lot of work... but how would I go abut doing it. Is there any systematic methods to do it?

Thanks!

Is there a way i could do it my self with tutorials or something?

Answer 1

you might check with an dog club that does Tracking. The AKC site could direct you towards some in your area. The basics of Tracking are fairly simple...begin with food treats - very small broken pieces...let the dog see you place them at first (at first no more than a foot or two away) and offer a smell and give the command "Track" (or whatever command you feel appropriate)..lead the dog or encourage the following of the treats. Gradually you make your "trail" longer- do it outside, etc. and also you will not let the dog see where you place the trail over time...this takes lots of time and patience ...and most of all FUN!!!!!! This should be a GAME to them...not an Army drill. Obviously unless you have been doing this months or more..don't do it on rainy days etc outside until you are confident your dog is capable...don't discourage them by making this hard. Give TONS of praise when the dog reaches the goal and also help them if they seem lost..remember you know the trail right now ...if the dog gives up though still...quit for the day ....over time you will just "lay" the trail ..meaning you drag the scent of the food, no food to be found until the target is reached then the goody is given (this could be a special toy that the dog absolutely loves)

Answer 2

There are lots of great ways to train any dog to search for people. Lots of good books available on Amazon.com or at your local library.
Just keep in mind, that even in small search areas, such as rubbled buildings, that a really small dog isn't going to have the stamina to keep going for long. For small space searches, they usually use beagles, schipperkes, corgis, or other smaller (15-20 lb range dogs). The toy breeds such as malti poos really aren't cut out for it.
It can still be a fun hobby for you. If you are still interested in a search and rescue dog, just keep in mind that you need to become affiliated with a search dog organization to ever work on an actual search. Most organizations meet weekly and have training sessions, and are called upon by local fire or police to perform searches. There is just too much at stake to trust an unproven, and not professionally trained dog. At least with the search organizations training meetings, you will have a chance to get professional advice and tips.
Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aNNQD

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 4

That's a good idea, smaller breeds work well searching through debris after an earthquake or other natural disaster - they can fit in tight spaces big dogs can't get to. Check with your local search & rescue center (if there is one) and ask them where would be the best place to bring your dog for training. Don't ask at petsmart - they'll just tell you to bring her to them and they won't know how to train her properly for such a job.

Answer 5

First thing is first if you want to train your dog to be a sniffer dog and that's hiding its treats for a start. Ok it may be a hit and miss at the start but they soon start to catch on, on what you are doing and they pay attention. Dogs anyhow see a treat is a reward, so for everytime you hide it and the dog finds it, well it's a start. Give it a go

I gave up my Collie dog so he could be a sniffer dog for the Police, but that was in his blood and he was trained to a sniffer dog. Took months of practice to get where he is now, but it paid off. As much as I still miss him I know he's doing really well. He's now a fully trained drug sniffing dog

Answer 6

You can't, because this type of dog has not been breed to be a scent hound. Your mixture is made of a Maltese who is a companion dog or houshold dog and the other part is Poodle, which was originally breed as a "Water Retriever". Ask a trainer, befor you are waisting your time and make your dog uncomfortable.

Answer 7

Call around to the local obedience training centers and ask if they have a class, or know of someone that does. You will probably have to put her through more then one training class.
If that doesn't pan out then call the local shelters and ask them.
Good luck.

Answer 8

there is but she's probably too small to effectively cover ground and work the amount of time needed for search and rescue. Other types of searches maybe.

Answer 9

Usually it isnt any different from training any other breed of dog. my cousin's have a multi poo and he is really smart. if you take him to say petsmart and ask them their oppinion then they could do it for you or recomend someone to you.