Suomen Pelastuskoiraliitto - The Finnish Association of Search and Rescue Dogs is a voluntary organization representing SAR dog associations in Finland. It organizes the training of SAR dogs and their handlers in the territories of its member associations. SAR dogs are trained for the demanding debris, air-scenting and tracking search in various terrain. The dog units are placed in special callout lists to help the authorities in the search for missing persons; together with other SAR organizations. In other words, a trained SAR dog can save human lives.

The main principles

The main working principles are humanitarian and voluntary work, and focusing on SAR action. The national or the member associations do not employ competitions in their activities. Search dog activity is not seen as a mere dogsport but as devoted voluntary work which aims at assisting the authorities in search and rescue for missing persons.

The flexibility of the organization gives way to good working conditions in developing and maintaining SAR dog standards. There are different committees specialized in various aspects of SAR dog activities to assist the board. The member associations have representation in the board.

Training
 
Nearly all breeds are suitable for SAR dog training, including mixed-breed. The national association organizes assessor courses, field visits and other training. The member associations organize goal-oriented, regular training in open-air and debris search. Furthermore, co-operative search training is arranged with other SAR organizations, and also training camps, club meetings, etc.

The member associations offer training courses including debris and open-air search (air-scenting and tracking), and obedience. The location of Finland in the Northern hemisphere sets additional requirements and working conditions for SAR dog units. Open-air search training continues around the year. Debris search training in special training grounds is usually carried out from early spring to late fall. In addition to this, dogs and handlers listed in callout lists also train respectively to maintain the high standards of preparedness. The requirements for handlers in callout lists include First Aid, land navigation, search training, and radio communication.

Trainers and training coordinators in the member associations plan and assess training in their area. Opinions and viewpoints can be exchanged in common training camps and cooperative search training.

Assessment

The search dog should be healthy both mentally and physically, and capable of moving in the expected environment. The ongoing training is assessed by SAR dog tests. The purpose of these tests is to ascertain the ability of the dog and the handler to work in search assignments in any conditions, day or night.

The assessment procedure is as follows:

• The Aptitude Test: The suitability of the dog and handler for training.
• The Basic Test: How the dog and handler clear even demanding tasks.
• The Final Tests: How the dog and handler clear difficult tasks.

The assessment of dogs and handlers once graded: How the dog and handler have maintained working ability. Tested yearly.

The Future Prospects

As an association concentrating only on SAR dog activity the Finnish Association of Search and Rescue Dogs is able to develop its field of work continuously. The experiences gained in the searches for missing persons form the basis for development, and keeping the assessment standards accurate. For SAR dog work to progress, open and continuous discussion is needed.

The establishing of international relations has started. International contacts and co- operation with SAR dog associations in other countries are also important in developing the training aiming at international SAR work which now is starting in Finland. The emphasis of the Finnish association is, however, on the national SAR dog activity, and supporting the member associations.


You can also download our brochure (in pdf format).

Contact

Chairperson Minna Löfman
Suomen Pelastuskoiraliitto ry
minna.lofman (at) pelastuskoiraliitto.fi
tel. +358 (0)50 535 7012

Office
Lintulahdentie 10
FIN-00500 Helsinki
spekl (at) pelastuskoiraliitto.fi
tel.+ 358 (0)400 589 939
Note: office hours Tue, Wed & Thu 10.00-14.00

Member associations

Espoon Seudun Pelastusalan Yhdistys ry- Pelastuskoiraosasto
Etelä-Savon Etsintäkoirat ry
Kotkan Pelastuskoirayhdistys ry
Kymenlaakson Etsintäkoirat ry
Länsirannikon Pelastuskoirat ry - Västkustens Räddningshundar rf
Länsi-Uudenmaan Pelastuskoirayhdistys ry - Västra Nylands Räddningshundförening rf
 Oulun Läänin Pelastuskoirayhdistys ry 
Oulun Seudun Etsintäkoirat OSE ry
Pohjanmaan Etsintäkoirat ry - Österbottens Sökhundar rf
Päijät-Hämeen Pelastuskoirat ry
Saimaan Pelastuskoirat ry
Tampereen Seudun Etsintäkoirat TSE ry
Uudenmaan Pelastuskoirat ry
Uudenmaan Pelastusliitto - Itä-Uusimaa ry - pelastuskoiraosasto
Varsinais-Suomen Pelastuskoirat ry
Ålands Räddningshundklubb rf