K9 Search and Rescue Sport
We welcome you to learn more about how to get involved and train your dog to compete with other dogs as a fun and challenging sport to find a hidden person via mantrailing, tracking and area search plus more with The American Rettungshunde Sport Association. (click to learn more and join)
The ARSA is dedicated to the search and rescue sport. It is incorporated as a non-stock (not-for-profit) corporation in the State of Virginia and is a member of the American Working Dog Federation.
About Search and Rescue Sport (IPO-R)
Are you looking for another sport that’s compatible with your current interests?
IPO-R is an FCI sanctioned sport that has many similarities to IGP (Schutzhund) and is an ideal supplement to not only but also AKC tracking, obedience, and agility. Trials consist of two phases – a search phase and an obedience with a dexterity phase.
The sport has 3 levels, an introductory level (V) and the more professional levels, A and B.
At each level, you can trial and earn titles in all the different search options. Furthermore, you can do only search work or only obedience and dexterity at a trial if you prefer.
Search Phase
track
area search
rubble search
mantrailing
avalanche search
water rescue
Obedience and Dexterity
heeling with changes of pace
closed tunnel
down stay
changes of position at a distance
carry your dog
heeling over a difficult surface
Get more detailed information about these and other exercises in the international rules at ARSA
Trial levels
Introductory level (V)
Levels A and B.
At each level, you can trial and earn titles in all the different search options – for example A-tracking, A-area search, A-mantrailing, and so on.
You can do only search work or only obedience and dexterity at a trial if you prefer.
Look at the ARSA website for a trainer near you or contact them for how to get started.
As a member and trainer with ARSA , I'm available to help train you and your dog via online, phone and email with in-person training workshops starting in the spring of 2022 so feel free to contact me via the contact page here at Family Disaster Dogs.