MAR Dual Purpose Dogs

What They Do: MAR Dual Purpose dogs are trained to search for BOTH lost cats and lost dogs. If an outdoor cat is lost, these dogs are used (just like MAR Cat Detection dogs) in an "area search" mode in an attempt to detect the scent of any cat that is out there. If a dog is lost, these same dogs can be deployed to track (trail) the scent trail of a lost dog (or other animal) using scent discrimination trailing techniques (just like MAR Trailing dogs) in an attempt to establish a direction of travel.

Dogs who have both an intense interest in cats and who become hyper excited when another dog runs and hides can be trained as MAR Dual Purpose dogs.

How They Are Trained: MAR Dual Purpose dogs are trained to alert on the scent of cats as well as trail the scent of dogs (and other animals) using the same methods used to train both MAR Cat Detection dogs and MAR Trailing dogs. Typically, MAR Dual Purpose dogs are worked with different equipment and different commands to help them differentiate when they are expected to detect lost cat scent versus tracking the scent of a lost dog. The handler first trains the MAR Dual Purpose dog in preliminary trailing work through the point of scent article transition. Once the dog is no longer watching the target dog and is working with a stationary scent article, cat detection training can begin.

Advantages: The primary advantage of training a MAR Dual Purpose dog is that you end up with a versatile dog that can search for both lost cats and lost dogs.

Disadvantages: There are two disadvantages to training a MAR Dual Purpose dog. First, the pool of potential dual purpose candidates is limited because you are looking for a unique dog -- one that is hyper-excited about both cats and dogs. Second, because you cannot train your MAR Dual Purpose dog to ignore the scent of cats, you run the risk that he or she will become distracted on cat scent while you are in the middle of tracking the scent of a lost dog. Although you will use different commands and equipment for cat detection work versus trailing work, there is always the risk that your dog's natural excitement (for kitties) will override his or her training (to stick to the lost dog scent trail).

MAR dogs even receive training in water recovery in the event a missing pet has fallen into a pond, river, or frozen lake.

Best Dogs For This Job: Only dogs that have a superior level of excitement to lick and play with cats and that get hyper-excited to play with other dogs will excel as MAR Dual Purpose dogs. Review the descriptions for both MAR Cat Detection and MAR Trailing dogs and when you find a dog that fits both of these descriptions, you have found a perfect candidate for dual purpose work!

How They Are Certified: The certification test that Missing Pet Partnership administers for MAR Dual Purpose dogs is a combination of the tests we give for MAR Cat Detection and MAR Trailing dogs. It includes the following components:

MAR Cat Detection Test

Dog being tested must find a concealed jar of cat decomposition and indicate by pawing or digging at the jar;
Dog being tested must show no fear or aggression towards humans, cats, or other dogs;
Dog being tested must locate a cat that is crated and concealed within a specific five-acre search area;
Handler must demonstrate their dog is trained to "check this";
Handler must be able to read their dog's body language when it detects cat scent;
Dog being tested must give a predictable indication (tail wiggles, lays down, whines, jumps on handler) when it locates a cat;
Handler must demonstrate proper search strategy; and
The handler will not know where the crated cat is located.

MAR Trailing Test

Dog being tested must find a concealed jar of cat or dog decomposition and indicate by pawing or digging at the jar;
Dog being tested must show no fear or aggression towards humans, cats, or other dogs;
Dog being tested must work an urban scent trail, a portion of which is laid in a residential area. Trail must be at least 24-hours old, at least 2 miles in length, and have at least three intersections with at least three turns in direction. Search dog will be given ninety minutes to locate the target dog. The handler will not know where the scent trail is;
Handler is able to read their dog when it is on the correct scent trail and when it loses the scent trail; and
Dog being tested must locate the target dog within the allotted time (90 minutes).

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