Training a dog is easy if you can think like a dog. Problem is most if us have trouble figuring out other humans let alone canines.

I think there are a number of primary rules no matter what you are training your breed to do.

They catch the scent, and then they're off. Both handler and canine learning the necessary skills to later help find a missing person.

"That could be anywhere from lost children, lost hunters, drowning victims or homicide victims, or people that are deceased," trainer and instructor, Mark Holmes, said.

After quick commands from their owners it was all business. Finding their target. No problem for most of the dogs.

Handlers immediately give treats and words of praise to let them know they did their job.

"Dogs can do a job that nobody else can...dog can do a job that we don't have any machine or device that can pick up somebody's trail," dog owner, Bud Rogers, said.

"I could just take one dog out and because of his great sense of smell we can go ahead and cover a lot more ground and be a lot quicker," Holmes said.

A great sense of smell even at the youngest age. The cutest puppies are getting some early training because it's never too early to start preparing.

"I can actually use the dogs to do something that's going to be very good for the community and it makes me feel good," Rogers said.

Oct. 6, 2004

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