After our last feature on Dorset Search Dogs in the Spring/Summer catalogue, we caught up again with handler Serena Field and search dog Rufus taking the next steps to search in water. Find out how they got started and what it means to them being part of the team.
How did you first get started with Dorset Search Dogs?
Rufus came from a gamekeeper, and we initially started gundog training. I was fascinated by the German Wirehaired Pointer breed and happened to see online that they were a good temperament to be a search dog, so I googled and found the local team. After watching a live demonstration of a search dog completing a short search sequence and barking at the handler to indicate they had found someone, I was hooked. I started by training as a Search Technician and supported Dorset Search and Rescue for 4 years as a foot searcher before qualifying with Rufus.
What was Rufus like on day one?
He absolutely loved it. At just over a year he was still so puppy-like running around after a volunteer with a toy, it was just a challenge to get the toy back! He was always toy-driven and would play with a tennis ball all day long - it’s that drive and obsession that makes him perfect as a search dog. As a puppy he was quite reactive, from travelling in the car to lunging at bicycles, he also had boundless energy. With behaviourist training we desensitised him to his reactive triggers, but it was becoming a search dog that gave him a real job and kept him truly focussed.
What does being part of Search Dogs mean to you personally?
I’m so proud of the team and what we do, it really adds something to your life. I’ve always loved being outdoors and it’s a joy to meet likeminded people and feel like you’re giving back to the community. It’s also very special seeing the potential of working dogs and partnering with them. For Rufus it’s all one big game of hide and seek, but it could be lifesaving. He’s not a fan of unpleasant terrain with lots of prickles, but he works so hard on every search and fully deserves a full day of sleeping after working through the night.
How do you separate yourself from more emotional situations?
We fully support each other within the team, and if needed have access to counselling through the police. Everyone has that one search that stays with them, mine motivates me to respond and keep the hope for a positive outcome. We benefit from experience within the team, from those with a service background to others with great practical or technical skills. Our team is also made up of completely different types of people, from motherly to tech-y. Everyone is very committed with a can do attitude, and we always ‘find a way’ without giving up.
How has Dorwest helped?
We have a new project to train our dogs to find people in water, so require a huge amount of technical kit including specialist dry suits and buoyancy aids. Dorwest’s donation has helped towards equipping the team for water training. Rufus also uses Dorwest products daily, including: Omega Star® for his coat, Keeper’s Mix® for his all-round health and MoveWellia® for much needed joint support.
What’s next for you and Rufus?
To work towards qualification to search on water. The team have undergone water search technician training and the next stage is to get dogs on the boat. We need to learn how to build search patterns to find scent as we do on land where we can see the change in the dog’s demeanour and body language. The next phase of training will ensure that we can read these signs on a boat as we do on land.
If you’d like to volunteer or donate to Dorset Search Dogs, please visit www.dorsetsearchdogs.org.uk.
