N.U.T. the dog, is an unfortunately named black Lab. He is a
member of both Kirkby Stephen and Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Teams.
He started training with SARDA (England) in March 2005, completed his registration
test in May 2005, and is now working towards his Stage 2 indication test.
Like most SARDA dogs N.U.T. uses air sent to locate "dogbodys"
and runs between the body and the handler barking to indicate a find. He is then
rewarded with some playtime using a special toy only associated with search finds.
If and when N.U.T. completes his training, he will be tasked to clear areas
of ground where missing persons are suspected to be. It is therefore essential
that standards are maintained and searchers can be sure that areas are "clear"
after a dog has passed through them without a find.
Although keen to work and never happier than running free on a fell side (all
SARDA England dogs are stock tested before they are accepted for training), N.U.T.
is essentially a pet, and lives at home with his handler and family.
As
for likes and dislikes, as a typical Lab, N.U.T. likes anything that is remotely
edible, and will have a go at 99% of things that aren't. He also really likes
lady dogs!! (Misty not included). Dislikes include Cats, Hoodies, Greyhounds and
he's not so fussed about Helicopters either.
|