May 14, 2010. California Karelian's Star earned the distinction of being the first Karelian Bear Dog to be certified as "mission ready" by CARDA, the largest search dog group in the nation.

As an Area Search dog, California Karelian's Star is trained to work off-leash covering large areas to find any human scent in the area. Her final test required Star to, within four hours, find three "subjects" who were well hidden in unknown lodations in a 113-acre area.

Established in 1976 CARDA has 116 currently certified dog teams spread throughout the state. CARDA teams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as other public service agency requests.

CARDA dog training

Representing a wide variety of breeds, CARDA search dogs must be extremely well socialized animals. CARDA dogs are exposed to a wide variety of conditions and are expected to function in almost any environment they are placed in. Minimum dog training requirements include socialization, obedience, and helicopter orientation.

As a team, the dog and handler must pass a series of search tests to become "mission ready." On average, it takes one-and-a-half to two years for a handler to become "mission ready." Teams must participate in on-going training throughout the year and annual recertification.

CARDA handler training

CARDA dog handlers must continually update their skills and knowledge. The minimum training requirements for all CARDA handlers include:

* Advanced first aid

* CPR

* Map and compass navigation

* Survival

* Radio communications

* Helicopter operations

* Crime scene preservation

* Mantracking