Lowland Search Dogs currently recognise three levels of Search Dog;

Level 1 - Trainee

A dog that is currently undergoing operational Search Training - This dog and handler will have an ID card, however they will NOT be sent to a live callout. These dogs may be used in training exercises.

Level 2 - Air Scent - Hasty

A dog that has been assessed to work over a duration of 30 - 60 minutes, looking for multiple MISPERS along a route, path or boundary. The dog has to have found 100% of MISPERS during the assessment along with other criteria. These dogs should only be used for searching hasty scenarios at day or night.

Hasty dogs will be identifiable by a yellow ID card

Level 2 - Tracking - Rural

A dog that has been assessed to work over a distance of at least one mile on a track that has been laid four hours prior to the test. The dog must find 100% of the mispers placed. These dogs should be used predominatly in rural area's.

Hasty dogs will be identifiable by a yellow ID card

Level 3 - Air Scent - Open Area

A dog that has been assessed to work over a duration of 60 - 90 minutes, looking for multiple MISPERS in an area of mixed terain and difficulty. The dog has to have found 100% of MISPERS during the assessment, the handler has to demonstrate good scent theory and subsectoring skills and search stratagies amongst other things. These dogs can be used to search any areas deemed suitable by the handler and search manager on scene at the time.

Area dogs will be identifiable by a green ID card

Level 3 - Tracking - Urban/Rural

A dog that has been assessed to work over a distance of at least one mile on a track that has been laid two hours prior to the test. The dog must find 100% of the Mispers placed. These dogs can be deployed in urban or rural area's.

Area dogs will be identifiable by a green ID card