Definitely 2
schools of thought – puppy vs. older dog
Arguments go back and forth re -how much working life do
you have left after you train an older dog –how it is easier to evaluate what
an older dog has to offer –what baggage does an older bring to SAR –how you
miss the chance to imprint what you want with a pup –and etc.
There is no real answer (maybe no real question).
You know what you want --a reliable life-saving rescue tool. That should drive your selection/decision process.
The SEARCH ONE
RESCUE TEAM (TEXAS) http://www.searchone.org/
has a thorough, in depth, professional approach to
screening potential K9’s for SAR suitability.
DISASTER
CANINE QUALIFICATION SCREENING
DISASTER
CANINE QUALIFICATION Brownell – Morsolais SCORE SHEET
Jack and Wendy
Volhard have developed a scoring system to evaluate temperament and drive
characteristics in older dogs that may help in identifying personality traits
and suitability for rescue work. http://www.aadogs.net/cpp.htm
(Ref. DRIVES" A New Look at an Old Concept
Part 1", Wendy Volhard, OFF-LEAD, September, 1991. )
What age Dog to Select LINK TO FILE
Selecting a Dog for SAR –Dan Comden http://www.comdens.com/SAR/choosing.html
How To Choose a Puppy for Search and Rescue by Cindy
Tittle Moore http://www.k9web.com/kennels/waggery/sarpup.html