*** Booties for SAR Dogs ***

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 1997 01:11:22 -0500
To: Martin Colwell <sarinfo@mindlink.bc.ca>
From: northcoastk9s@mail.pc.centuryinter.net (Jeanette Evans/Luther Smith)
Subject: Re: [Fwd: dog boots and cadaver work]


I use booties on my search dog only for specific times:

In Oklahoma city, I used them on him (leather ones) when we went in a
couple of buildings (former bars) that were nothing but glass slivers on
the inside. It is important not to tie them too tightly, because when
working the dogs, they will lose circulation in their feet if they're too
tight.

Another instance is when there is a burned building, and there might be
some hot spots still, I put thick leather booties on him at that time. It
protects his pads and prevents a loss of time and workability in the event
he encounters areas that are still hot. (the search would be for missing
persons in the rubble, presumed dead.

I understand people use booties for possible chemical hazards, too, but if
that is a concern, none of us should be there in the first place, I feel.
Especially if we are NOT looking for a survivor, but rather the remains of
someone. Safety first.

On normal rubble piles I do NOT use booties. This includes areas with
broken glass (such as broken windows), rebar, wood pieces and slivers, etc.
We may end up with them once a year at most. That means we have to train
with them once in a while, so that the dogs are familiar with the feel of
them in a real situation. The use of booties cuts down their ability to
"grasp" their terrain with their paws, and increases slippage.  

The use of booties is an exception, and rare for this K-9 team.

Jeanette Evans
NASAR's SAR Dog Alert

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