REDOG, the Swiss search and rescue dog association, is a Swiss organisation that provides comprehensive training for search and rescue teams comprising dogs and humans that search for missing persons and disaster victims. Volunteers without their own dogs can help in the Technical Detection unit.

The training for most of the units takes place in the 12 regional groups. The entry conditions differ from location to location and depend on the individual regional groups.

Videos with some of our dog handlers (in French & German)

The training to become a deployable search and rescue dog team takes three to four years, depending on unit. The training often starts when the dogs are still puppies or young.

Requirements for dogs

Dogs of different breeds and sizes can be trained as search and rescue dogs. These requirements are mandatory for every dog:

• Enthusiastic and tireless workers
• Physically agile
• Resilient to stress
• Confident and friendly when meeting unknown people
• Great social interaction with other dogs

Additionally, for dogs deployed for terrain searches: Great love for running and stamina.