K9 Deployment Etiquette
Deploying with your USAR Canine
Deploying with your urban search and rescue (USAR) dog is a crucial responsibility that requires strong awareness of the environment and the people around you. While your dog plays a vital role in the team’s success, it’s important to ensure that their presence doesn’t cause unnecessary disruption. Here are some key etiquette guidelines to help ensure that you and your dog maintain a respectful and productive presence during deployment.
Crate Your Dog and Help Out
Working and caring for your dog is your primary job on a USAR deployment, but it is not your only job. Most USAR deployments are complex operations and most parts of them do not require your dog. When they aren’t working, they should be crated and you should be helping out the team with other taskings. This could be assisting with organizing gear, completing documentation, cleaning the Base of Operations, or even assisting in other roles if you are cross trained.
Keep Your Dog Out of Food Areas
It may seem obvious, but it’s critical to keep your dog away from areas where food is served or consumed. Food areas are meant to be spaces for people to relax and eat, and not everyone is comfortable being around dogs during these times. Additionally, keeping dogs out of these areas helps maintain hygiene and minimizes the risk of allergic reactions, especially for those who may have sensitivities to pet dander.
Be Mindful of Other’s Preferences and Allergies
Remember, not everyone working with you is a dog lover. Some team members may have a fear of dogs, or worse, may be allergic. You should always be conscious of your dog’s impact on others and work to minimize it. Your dog should remain controlled on leash when in shared spaces. This means being mindful of where you allow your dog to roam and ensuring they aren’t in areas where their presence may cause discomfort or health issues for others.
Respect Shared Sleeping Spaces
During deployment, shared sleeping spaces are a reality. It’s important to keep your dog off cots as a courtesy to others. You may not know if the next person who uses the cot has allergies, or if they simply prefer not to have dog hair on their bed. Keeping your dog off the cots also helps maintain hygiene and ensures everyone gets the rest they need to perform their tasks effectively.
Cleanup After Your Dog
One of the most important responsibilities you have when deployed with a USAR dog is keeping the environment clean. Always clean up after your dog, whether it’s their waste or their hair. This rule applies to the vehicle, the base of operations, or any forward operating base. If your dog relieves themselves, make sure to dispose of waste properly — take it to a dumpster, not to trash cans near building entrances, meeting spaces, housing areas, or eating areas. These high-traffic locations are not only unpleasant to walk by when they have dog waste nearby, but they can also attract unwanted pests.
Also, be mindful of where your dog urinates. Repeated visits to the same areas can damage landscaping, and the smell of urine can become noxious over time. Show respect for your deployment site and your fellow team members by keeping the area clean.
Create a Comfortable and Low-Traffic Space for Your Dog
At the Base of Operations, it’s important to ensure your dog has a quiet, low-traffic area where they can rest comfortably in their crate. This should ideally be near a door, as this makes bathroom breaks easier without disrupting others. Having your dog in a low-traffic zone helps them settle and prevents them from getting overstimulated. The goal is to make sure your dog can rest and recharge for the next task, just like the rest of the team.
Respect Quiet Hours and Lights Out
During lights out, it’s essential to respect the sleep of others. If your dog needs to be let out for a bathroom break, be considerate of how this might affect the other dogs or the humans around you. Dogs can easily become excited and disruptive if they’re woken up, so try to keep your dog’s nighttime routine as quiet as possible. Additionally, avoid feeding your dog during lights out time. The sound of kibble being poured into a bowl or your dog eating can disturb other dogs, especially those that are already resting. Keeping your dog’s routine quiet will help ensure a more restful environment for everyone.
Help Your Dog Settle with a Crate Cover
If your dog has difficulty settling down when surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a busy deployment, consider covering their crate with a sheet. This can help block out distractions and create a more peaceful environment for your dog to rest. Working dogs need plenty of rest to stay sharp, so creating a calming space for them is an important part of their overall well-being during deployment.
By following these simple etiquette guidelines, you can help ensure that your dog’s presence during deployment doesn’t disrupt the important work you’re doing or cause discomfort to your fellow team members. Taking responsibility for your dog’s behavior and being mindful of the shared space and environment is key to maintaining a smooth and successful deployment.