Anyone can volunteer for Lowland Search Dogs South Wales. You do not need any special skills or training before joining as you will be taught everything you need to know. The work can, of course, be physically demanding so a degree of fitness is required. However, anyone is welcome to offer assistance to the team in other ways.
Do I need a dog?
No! Although dogs are the basis of our team, it is also essential that we have support members as well. A working dog team consists of the dog, who is doing the work of scenting, a dog handler, who is directing the dog and ensuring the dogs safety, and a support member, who deals with communications, navigation, and looks out for the teams safety as the handler is concentrating on the dog.
What commitment is required?
We train once a week in the evening. The day is determined on a weekly basis as many of our members work shifts – we try to pick the night when most people can attend each week! In addition to this we organize monthly day training on a Sunday, and we also occasionally attend courses or training sessions with other teams in the UK.
What training is required?
All training is provided, and covers areas such as navigation, search techniques, first aid and much more.
How do I volunteer?
Click here to contact us. We will get back to you with details of our next training sessions for you to come along. We ask that you come without your dog initially to see what it is all about.
