The Importance of Consistent, High-Quality Training
Search and rescue K9 teams do not become deployment-ready by accident.
Dogs and handlers train year-round in real-world environments to build
reliability, endurance, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Realistic Scenarios
Training occurs in the same environments we deploy in—mountains, forests,
snow, rubble, waterways, nighttime conditions, and high-distraction areas.
Handler & Dog Teamwork
Handlers train to read subtle behavior changes, manage search strategy,
navigate safely, and make mission-critical decisions.
Operational Readiness
Ongoing training maintains certifications, strengthens performance, and ensures
all teams are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
2025 Training Opportunities
Training takes place throughout Colorado year-round.
Our statewide training weekends and weekly area trainings
combine realistic search problems, coaching, and skills practice
for both new and operational teams.
- Statewide Training Weekends – 4 times per year
- Weekly Area Trainings
- Focus Days – Air Scent, Trailing, HRD, Water
- Occasional Disaster Drills (non-certification, skill development only)
- Classroom & Skills Workshops
For specific dates and locations, contact your
Area Director.
Disciplines We Train
SARDOC trains K9 teams across multiple operational disciplines.
Each requires unique skills, environments, and training conditions.
- Wilderness Air Scent – Locating lost people over large outdoor areas.
- Trailing – Following a specific person’s scent path from their last known point.
- Human Remains Detection (HRD) – Assisting law enforcement and families during difficult cases.
- Water Search – Shoreline and water-based detection using scent carried across water.
- Disaster Training (Occasional) – Rubble / unstable structure scenarios for skill-building
(SARDOC does not certify disaster teams).
How You Can Support Training
Community support helps keep our teams ready to respond when they’re needed most.
- Volunteer as a subject or assist with training logistics.
- Offer access to private property for training scenarios (with approval).
- Donate gear or funds to support training resources and readiness.
Every hour of training prepares a team for someone’s worst day.
Field and Classroom Training Guidelines
We train only with permission, and we protect those relationships
by holding ourselves to the highest standard of professionalism.
These guidelines help ensure we maintain access to the lands
where our training takes place.
Field Sessions
- Respect all posted regulations — speed limits, leash laws, access rules.
- Always pick up after your dog.
- Dogs remain crated or in vehicles unless actively working.
- Wear proper identification — handler ID + dog vest.
- Cooperate with land representatives respectfully.
- Maintain professionalism at all times.
- Leave county vehicles cleaner than you found them.
Classroom Sessions
- Exercise your dog first to avoid disruptions.
- Remove jingling tags before entering.
- Supervise your dog at all times.
- Check before bringing your dog to sessions where it might not be appropriate.
Above all, use common sense and courtesy.
Professionalism ensures continued access to valuable training locations.
