Dog Talk

The official unofficial newsletter for FEMA dog handlers
August 2003 - Volume 6, Number 3

From The Editor

Hey gang… I really haven't been slacking these past few months. I apologize for such a long delay since the March Dogtalk. I have received a number of emails wondering if they had missed an issue. (Hey, I am glad you care..) Since the last issue I have attended 2 subcommittee meetings, a workshop in Vegas, evaluated canine tests in PA, NJ and WA, and, oh yeah, GOT MARRIED. Yep, and you will be impressed because Joe owns a RUBBLE PILE (The Salt Mine). So… my new last name is McCurdy, but all my other contact info stays the same (incl. email amccurdy@clarian.org).

I distributed a Canine Evaluation Survey to all the participants of the Type II in Tacoma in July. Six of the eight participants completed an evaluation of the evaluation. They were not required to complete the form, or to sign their name on the survey. I hope we can continue to use these "evaluator evaluations" to make our CSSCP better. I am attaching a blank form for your interest, as well as a summary of all the Tacoma survey results: 
(indented notes were optional comments obtained):

Scale 5-1 5-Thorough/Consistent/According to standards 
1-Not according to standards

The evaluation criteria were explained to me Average 4.67
-Time to start on Thursday was unclear

The OBEDIENCE element was Average 4.83

The BARK ALERT element was Average 4.83

The DIRECT & CONTROL course was Average 4.83

The AGILITY course was Average 4.67
-Nice
-Would rather have the dogs exit stations where handlers have easier access to maintain control
-Very creative! - liked it

The RUBBLE SEARCH was Average 4.67
-Excellent pile
-Fun

Throughout the test, the evaluators were Average 4.83
-Very relaxing and reassuring

The test arrangements, logistics & staging were Average 4.83
-Staging very nice
-Late start in a.m., but test FLOWED

What was your overall opinion of this Type II evaluation? Average 4.83
-very well organized! Great time management

Did your search dog pass this evaluation? YES 6 NO 0

Additional comments:
-More shade and chairs while waiting for search
-Very fair test! Well organized and smoothly run. Keep up the good work- Evaluators kept everyone relaxed

Other News: 

Hello All,

Please share this information with handlers in your area or that you think might be interested. 

Once again, the canine handlers of COTF-1 are offering to host a training weekend in Denver, August 22-24. This is entirely a come-as-you-are, at your own risk, bring your own equipment, pay your own way, provide your own transportation, help everyone else with their training needs, hide for others, and have some fun and get new ideas weekend. There will not be logistical, rescue personnel or tent support from the Colorado Task Force (just too many other things happening!), so we will serve as safety officers, initial rescue, and be in charge of keeping ourselves as comfortable as possible in whatever weather shows up.

On the good side, I will request the government rate at our beloved Red Roof Inn right down the road from the DIA rubble pile, which is fantastic training. We will try to put together a night training again, and have some other sites to train in as well (wood pallet pile, warehouse, old school being demolished and hopefully not entirely gone by then).

Last year, this weekend was a lot of fun and great training because everyone had a great attitude, helped everyone accomplish their goals, and kept everyone safe. Liability releases will be required to participate. Minors (under 18) will not be permitted on any of the rubble piles. Participants will assume all risks, so if your task force has provisions for insurance, check this out. 

We will begin training at noon on Friday in Boulder (rubble pile, agility, directability), and then move to DIA (huge concrete rubble) Saturday morning (start time 0800). Decisions to move to other sites will be made by the group and as the sites are available. We will aim for Saturday night for the night practice at DIA. We will close up by noon on Sunday to let people start home. 

I have attached directions to both the Boulder and DIA sites. DIA is Denver International Airport, so that would be the area to look for in Map-Quest. The phone number for the Red Roof Inn, 6890 Tower Road (near DIA), is 303-371-5300. Please let me know if other information would be helpful.

On behalf of your friends and colleagues in Colorado, 

Ann Wichmann
Practice location directions:
To get to the DIA site take Tower Road to 96th Street. Turn east on 96th and go approximately 7 miles. Turn right on Queensburg and go approximately 1/2 mile. Make a right turn on to the dirt road that
goes to the rubble pile. 

To get to the Boulder rubble pile, from Foothills Parkway, turn east on Valmont. Make a left turn on to Airport Rd. ( it is the second stoplight). After passing the jail, you will see a bermed area --
this is the practice site. 

Attention Evaluators

Three evaluator-training conference calls have been set up with the help of Dean Scott from FEMA. These calls will enable current rostered evaluators to obtain some clarifications regarding the CSSCP and how the test should be administered. Calls are limited to 1 hour and to the first 35 people that call in. We urge all evaluators to participate in ONE of these calls. We have attempted to offer a diverse selection of times to give everyone an opportunity. The dates/times are as follows:
Wednesday, 10 September 2003, 2100 EST
Thursday, 11 September 2003, 1700 EST 
Friday, 12 September 2003, 0900 EST

To participate, call 800.320.4330, and use CODE 19#

Observations from Elaine regarding the July Memphis Type II Test

The following observations were made by Evaluators Mike Marks, Ed Apple and myself regarding the rule changes and the testing process in general.

Removal of the 3 attempts restriction from Agility resulted in a very stressful, unpleasant and dangerous situation for several canines. Several dogs repeatedly fell from the ladder. One dog attempted the ladder 13 times, fell 7 times from the ladder, twice from the top, and finally fell through the ladder. At least two more dogs had serious multiple falls; one of which was photographed by the media and appeared in the local newspaper. Besides the obvious -- danger of injury to the dog; lack of ability or willingness to climb the ladder; lack of working relationship with handler -- this presents a very unfavorable public image of FEMA's canine program.

Another dog refused the tunnel for several minutes (At least 15 attempts). The handler got very angry and abusive to the dog; the dog kept trying to please the handler but got more and more frustrated and stressed and finally did go through the tunnel. The handler had to be reprimanded for his language and cautioned not to put his arm or body into the tunnel.

Another handler declined to even attempt an optional agility obstacle, thus allowing more time for completing of other obstacles. As evaluators, we could do nothing more than answer frantic, "How much time do I have left?" questions while the canines were being repeatedly and increasingly stressed. We were very, very fortunate that no dog was seriously injured.

One team failed the down stay. As allowed in the new rules, we redid the down stay with the entire group of dogs at the completion of the first four elements. We advised the 11 handlers whose dogs stayed the first time that their dogs would not be failed for not passing the second stay. However, all 11 dogs stayed again, and the canine that got up the first time repeated his actions and failed again. This process seems reasonable and we had no problems with it or complaints from the handlers.

On the second day, a dog failed the emergency stop. However, the dog also failed direction and control, so no retest was done on the stop. If a retest had been necessary, I would have asked for 1 to 3 straight recalls before asking for an emergency stop in order to obtain a clearer picture of the dog's response to an emergency command.

Another recommendation is to reduce the time allowed for direct and control. We had several instances of dogs running wild but managing to complete the course in 3 minutes. One canine went to the base, left the base, defecated, circled around further, urinated, and still completed the course in passing time. Other teams ran clear out of sight, finally recalled and passed. A review of score sheets over the years will reveal a team can easily complete the course in well under two minutes. It is noted there is no Required Skill relating to Control in this element, even though it is entitled Direction AND control.

This test was held under very hot, humid conditions, mostly sunny, with little wind. Under these conditions, it may be advisable to give the evaluators the discretion to halt the rubble search portion, give the team a few minutes to rehab and stabilize the dog, then resume time on the clock. Memphis has a challenging, realistic rubble pile, which provided a good test of the dog's search drive, leading some dogs to work to near exhaustion. The running clock prevented adequate canine care in some instances. 

I would further suggest places on the evaluation form to record weather conditions and, just as importantly, whether the dog is testing on a pile it has trained on or an unfamiliar pile. These two factors -- weather and 
familiarity of the pile - have a direct relation to the canine's performance.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Sawtell, Lead

The Incredible Eight

At least, I think that is what they are calling themselves. And no wonder - 8 dogs tested Type II in Tacoma and 8 dogs passed. The Tacoma test was a mere 2 weeks after the Memphis test (see above article), so I used all of Elaine's advice and our test went off without a hitch. Here was my response to Elaine after the Tacoma test:

Elaine,

After all that worry that I was going to have to deal with the total fiasco that you guys did with the agility - I am relieved. The WA test went off without a hitch. 8 of 8 dogs tested and passed. (7 Labs, 1 BC). I thoroughly explained to them the consequences of repeated unsuccessful attempts on the agility prior to the test. I came up with a plan that if any of the evaluators felt the handler was not maintaining proper care of the K9 - we would say "SAFETY VIOLATION". If 2 of the evaluators agreed, the handler would be required to move on (and/or the test may be stopped). We did not have to exercise that at all. 

The dogs were ready to test!! No dogs failed any obedience portions, so none required a re-test.

We had no close calls on bark alert. They were all great.

One dog lost his balance at the top of the ladder and then slipped off the plank (unhurt), and then promptly redid the ladder and plank with NO problem. One handler had his dog attempt the unpleasant surface a few too many times after already passing the other 5 obstacles - but his dog wasn't stressed - he was just stubborn.

Direct was uneventful. Not even any close time calls.

Rubble was great. Two completely concealed holes that you could NOT distinguish from the other rubble. All concrete. I think the longest time was 12 minutes, and the BC got them both in less than 5 minutes! (The only dog that ever really left the victims at all was the test dog.) We saw dogs that sniffed and then barked, with no hesitation. More like sniff/bark. Not even a pause after getting scent!

So - thanks to your experience with the new test - we learned from it and had a good test. I also passed out evaluations of the evaluators for the handlers to complete about the test. I got 6 of 8 back. I will put results in next DOGTALK (see article page 2)

Anne

P.S.
Regarding the 8 of 8, Joe said to me, "I am glad you were there to see it for yourself, because you wouldn't have believed it otherwise…"

More Info....

My name is Lyn and I am a dog handler from British Columbia, Canada. I'm assisting Robert Teather in writing a book of stories about service dogs and police service dogs. Bob has written 4 books and is now 
retired from the R.C.M.P. and from their Dive Team. Bob also lectures on Underwater Death Investigations. I'm looking at trying to contact as many handlers from all over the world for stories. If you would like 
more information on what kinds of stories for the book or any other questions you may have, please feel free to contact me at my email address (abull24@hotmail.com ) or at maryplischke@shaw.ca

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Lyn Hurren & K9 Abull

FYI........

CSSCP = Disaster Search Canine Readiness Evaluation Process

It does not stand for Dogs Scramble across the Rubble in an Effort to locate People

~~

Click here for a downloadable copy of the CSSCP policies. These policies are meant to help clarify the CSSCP
~~~                        

UPCOMING TESTS 

UPCOMING TESTS

Type I & II September 20-21 Orange County Area (SoCal) Apps.due by 8/11/03

Applications, with a $25 testing fee attached can be sent to: Lynne Engelbert, 19327 Northampton Dr., Saratoga, CA 95070-3330. Checks should be made out to: National Disaster Search Dog Foundation or NDSDF with CSSWG Account indicated on the "memo" line.

Type I & II October 10-12 Indianapolis, IN Apps. due by 9/14/03
Space is limited in the Type II Evaluation to 16 applicants, and space is limited in the Type I Evaluation to 18 applicants. Mail applications to: Anne McCurdy, 7389 N. 875 W., Indianapolis, IN 46259. 
Phone is 317-962-8558 or 317.835.8330 and e-mail amccurdy@clarian.org

Lodging has been arranged at the Red Roof Inn South, 5221Victory Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46203. The cost per one adult is $ 37.99 per night plus tax, and $ 42.99 for 2 adults. The rooms have been reserved under the name FEMA/Indiana Task Force, BLOCK #B013000580. Candidates are expected to contact the hotel and reserve their accommodation by September 8, 2003. Phone number is 800.733.7663.


Type II November 15-16 Miami FL 


Type I & II December 6-7 San Francisco Bay Area Apps. due by 12/10/03
Applications, with a $25 testing fee attached can be sent to: Lynne Engelbert, 19327 Northampton Dr., Saratoga, CA 95070-3330. Checks should be made out to: National Disaster Search Dog Foundation or NDSDF with CSSWG Account indicated on the "memo" line.

For information on California tests, contact: Lynne Engelbert 
FAX (650) 604-7051 or (650) 604-0994 
Work - (650) 604-3112 
Home - (408) 257-1784 
--------------------------------               

2003 California Test Schedule:

September 20-21 Orange County Area (SoCal)   Apps. Due no later than  8/11/03

December 6-7    San Francisco Bay Area (NoCal)   Apps. Due no later than  12/10/03

Applications, with a $25 testing fee attached can be sent to:  Lynne Engelbert, 19327 Northampton Dr., Saratoga, CA  95070-3330.  Checks should be made out to:  National Disaster Search Dog Foundation or NDSDF with CSSWG Account indicated on the "memo" line.

CA and re-certifying (CA & out-of-state) teams have priority with out-of-state testing teams welcome to fill remaining slots, if available.  For information on California tests, contact: 

Lynne Engelbert

FAX  (650) 604-7051 or (650) 604-0994 
Work - (650) 604-3112
Home - (408) 257-1784

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The National Certification List of FEMA Certified Disaster Canine Search Teams is provided by Lynne Engelbert. (Lynne's e-mail: lengelbert@mail.arc.nasa.gov) It is available on this web page.  To view it - click here.

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KUDOS TO.......

                                                 

KUDOS TO…… 

DOGTALK is pleased to announce that the following Canine Search Teams have recently gained certification (or re-certification) as FEMA US&R Type I or II Canine Search Specialists:

Harrisburg, PA Results - March 2003
Type II Certified: Kelly Clark & Digger (OH-TF1), Sharon Grant & Asyk (PA-TF1), Laura LaPresti & Osa (NJ-TF1), Bob Sessions & Sky (PA-TF1) and Bobbie Snyder & Willow (PA-TF1)

Tinton Falls, NJ Results - April 2003
Type II Certified: Laurie Clemmo & Blitz (NJ-TF1)

Type I Certified: Kristian Catapano & Fancy (FL-TF1), Gary Hay & Freddy (IN-TF1), Sonja Heritage & Drako (VA-TF1), Elizabeth Kreitler & Nero (VA-TF1), David Richards & Cowboy (UT-TF1), Amy Rising & Louie (NE-TF1), 

Boulder, CO Results - May 2003
Type II Certified: Nancy Hachmeister & Ivey (UT-TF1)

Denver, CO Results - May 2003
Type I Certified: Carrie Henger & Doc (CA-OES), Jeaneen McKinney & Aja (NM-TF1), Cathy Schiltz & Malachi (MO-TF1) 

Virginia Beach, VA Results - June 2003

Type II Certified: Lisa Berry & Gabe (VA-TF2), Norman Charbonneau & Sam (?), Richard Grant & Austin (PA-TF1), Tommy Kelley & Zip (TN-TF1), Billy Kidd & Tenshi (FL-TF1), David Paananen & Karl (MA-TF1), Rick Ruppe & Boomer (VA-TF2) and Ron Sanders & Ondo (VA-TF2)

Los Angeles, CA Results - June 2003
Type II Certified: Jon Cain & Gunny (UT-TF1), Teresa Ortenberger & Mars (CA-OES), Mike Taul & Hopi (CA-OES)

Memphis, TN Results - July 2003
Type II Certified: Mike Conners & Hobbes (FL-TF1), Elena Lopez de Mesa & Streater (FL-TF1), Robert Milner & Buzz (TN-TF1), Roger Piccard & Jessie (FL-TF2) and Danny Spry & Zip (TN-TF1)

Tacoma, WA Results - July 2003
Type II Certified: Mike Agnew & Kenya (NE-TF1), Jim Boggeri & Recon (CA-OES), LaFond Davis & Rose (WA-TF1), A.J. Frank & Zara (WA-TF1), Susan Martinez & Breley (TX-TF1), Stephani Cordero & Gabriel (WA-TF1), Ann Wichmann & Merlin (CO-TF1) and Todd Young & Joe (WA-TF1)

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UPCOMING SEMINAR:


For other events see web site calendar

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ROTATIONAL SCHEDULE

see next issue

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FEMA SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE

Wow--a lot has happened since the last DT in March. We have met twice face to face, and convened via numerous conference calls. We have inundated Roxanne Dunn, our gracious Webmaster for disasterdog.org, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for the time she donates to our cause. In addition to the minutes, the website now includes the "official" revised CSSCP as well as the General Policies. These Policies will be reviewed annually at the end of each calendar year. To aid Task Forces in hosting a test, we have compiled SOPs which can also be found on the website. 

While the minutes are posted for your information, we understand that sometimes things are a bit vague. That is because the issue in question is in that mushy, nebulous stage. For example the HRD issue--it didn't even make it to "agenda" status, thus it had to be addressed in the form of a proposal for consideration. To reiterate, FEMA has not changed its mission statement to include recovery, so we cannot approach the details of testing and rostering HRD dogs at this point. 

The other point that has raised some questions, not to mention eyebrows, is the single-certification K9. While the idea has enough merit to warrant exploring, it is still in the "idea" stage and is not likely to affect any canine currently in the system. In other words, no Type II team is going to suddenly be uncertified. The idea behind this proposal is to supply a uniform training regimen to be implemented at the Task Force level. The pretest will be all-important as it will be the criteria for sending teams to test Type I, which would be the only certification for canine teams. This puts a lot of responsibility on the Task Force as we do not want to devalue the basic elements of the Type II as an integral part of training and qualification. I repeat, this idea is predicated on the implementation of a quality training program.

FEMA is now sponsoring our tests and supporting the Evaluators, as well as our training. At the expense of losing valuable expertise in the form evaluators, handlers and instructors, FEMA must consider the risks involved with the use of non-system personnel in FEMA sponsored events. We were asked to formally address this issue due to potential tort liability and workers compensation problems.

Please continue to review the information we post on the website and contact web author with any questions or comments. (Like you guys ever hold back!)

FEMA Canine Sub-Group UPDATE Continued:

And now--just in time for the Evaluator Conference Calls--the newly approved Evaluators!

Type II:
John Gilkey PATF1 Handler
Sam Balsam MDTF1 Handler
Ron Wechbacher CA OES handler
Rex Ianson CA OES STM
Diane Whetsel NMTF1 Handler
Tony Sirgedas WATF1 STM
Jeaneen McKinney NMTF1 Handler
Julie Noyes COTF1 Handler
Robert Milner TNTF1 STM

Type I:
Hilda Wood FLTF1 Handler
Lee Turner MOTF1 STM
Teresa MacPherson VATF1 Handler

Teresa MacPherson, 
Secretary, Canine Sub-Group
8-15-03

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Please forward any news, scheduled events, letters to the editor, or other info you want disseminated via DOG TALK, the underground canine newsletter to Anne Trout:  amccurdy@clarian.org

Also remember to notify Lynne Engelbert of any changes regarding you or your pooch. Lynne and I have an especially hard time keeping up with new email addresses!!! I removed the following people from the DOGTALK mailing because their test email bounced: Lisa Ott, Chris Christianson, Lisa Sosa, Eric Jones, Gail Perks, Mike Blaylock, Jay Pugh, Jeanne Kauffmann, Lee Dunn, sar-dogs@usa.net, Wendee Brunish, Carla Collins, Barb Altum, Eileen Walravan, Mark Lynch, Tony Sirgedas, Jayni Goodwin, Rachel Olbrys, and usardog@aol.com

If you know them, please let them know.

REMINDER-The new CSSCP is AVAILABLE - CLICK HERE
If you would like me to email you the document an attachment , please let me know.

Look forward to seeing everyone in Indianapolis in October!

Anne