SARDA Southern Scotland

We’ve been training search and rescue dogs since 1984.

Search & Rescue dogs have been in use in Great Britain for over one Hundred years. From searching battlefields for wounded soldiers in WWI, to their modern day use on the mountainside, they are credited with saving thousands of lives with their incredible ability to detect human scent. Although recognised for their use in finding missing persons, it wasn’t until 1964, that the first training course in the UK took place. Organised by the legendary Hamish MacInnes, it’s success led to the establishment of the first SARDA the following year. Since then it has expanded into a network of dedicated and highly skilled individuals which we are proud to be a part of.

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Founded by Bill Jenison in 1984, SARDA Southern Scotland have trained…

Coming soon.

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Being a handler is an incredibly fulfilling role, but it requires a significant commitment—one we gladly embrace because of our passion for it. This training allows our dogs to challenge both their minds and their bodies. Each month, we train in various locations across Scotland, staying attuned to our dogs by observing subtle changes in their behaviour or body language that indicate what they are detecting. Handlers must set up search areas and effectively coordinate bodies to ensure the training goals are met.

The role is demanding, as handlers are part of both a mountain rescue team and the search dog team. This involves two sets of training—usually over a weekend and a couple of additional days each month—along with callouts once qualified. On top of that, handlers invest considerable time in ongoing training throughout the rest of the month.

Our dogs dedicate hours to searching for missing or injured individuals, motivated by the reward at the end—whether it's a favourite toy or some treats. We collaborate closely with our team of bodies to maintain the dogs’ engagement and enthusiasm, using games and fun to sustain their drive. The bond forged between handler and dog through this work is truly extraordinary.

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Being a body. Our bodies play the role of a lost or injured person on the mountainside. They willingly endure all weathers and tackle difficult terrain. They can spend hours remaining ‘hidden’ in place, so that our search dogs can train in realistic scenarios and diverse conditions.

Armed with a bivvy bag, a radio and a rucksack full of food, hot drink and warm clothing, they make our training weekends far more effective and rewarding for our search dogs.