ASTM F1879-14(2020)

Standard Guide for Demonstrating Obedience and Agility in Search and Rescue Dogs

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide establishes the minimum level of obedience and agility required for canines to perform safely and effectively on a search dog team or crew.  
4.2 Obedience skills ensure that a dog is under the control of the handler, that it will not interfere with other resources such as search team members, rescue personnel, other search dogs, and members of the public, it can be left without the handler’s supervision, and it can be evacuated by someone other than the handler.  
4.2.1 All search dogs shall demonstrate the on-lead obedience skills defined in this guide.  
4.2.2 All search dogs that work off-lead shall also demonstrate the off-lead obedience skills defined in this guide.  
4.2.3 Off-lead obedience skills shall be demonstrated in the vicinity of a group of people and other dogs, with the accompanying noise and confusion common to search and rescue operations.  
4.3 Agility skills demonstrate the dog’s ability to negotiate terrain and obstacles that may be present in a search area. They also demonstrate the dog’s ability to work in an unfamiliar environment with unstable or loose objects underfoot.  
4.3.1 All search dogs shall demonstrate the agility skills defined in this guide.  
4.3.2 Off-lead search dogs shall perform all agility skills off-lead. On-lead search dogs may perform agility skills on or off lead, at the discretion of the handler. The use of a lead shall neither enhance nor diminish a dog’s ability to demonstrate its agility.  
4.3.3 Spotters should be provided for dogs demonstrating agility skills. The spotters, however, should neither enhance nor diminish a dog’s ability to demonstrate its agility.  
4.4 Handlers shall direct the dog with minimal commands.  
4.4.1 Continuous commands, or excessive talking to the dog, shall not be allowed.  
4.4.2 Occasional reminder commands and some praise shall be acceptable.  
4.5 This guide may be used by units, handlers, and requesting agencies to evaluate canine search resources. It ...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum obedience and agility expected of canines that are part of a search dog team or crew.  
1.2 Further training is required for a canine before it may perform as a member of a search dog team or crew.  
1.3 This guide applies to canine members of all search resources classified in ASTM F1848 Standard Classification System for Canine Search Resources.  
1.3.1 The advanced obedience and agility skills required for canine members of Kind D (Disaster/Collapsed Structure Search) dog teams or crews are not defined in this guide.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 13.200 - Accident and disaster control
• ICS: 65.020.30 - Animal husbandry and breeding
• Technical Committee: F32 - Search and Rescue
• Drafting Committee: F32.02 - Management and Operations

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F1848-98(2012) - Standard Classification for Search and Rescue Dog Crew/Teams
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM F2209-10 - Standard Guide for Training of Level I Land Search Team Member
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM F1633-97(2008) - Standard Guide for Techniques in Land Search (Withdrawn 2017)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM F1848-98(2005) - Standard Classification for Search and Rescue Dog Crew/Teams
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2005
• Refers: ASTM F1633-97(2003) - Standard Guide for Techniques in Land Search
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2003
• Refers: ASTM F2209-03 - Standard Guide for Training of Level I Land Search Team Member
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Refers: ASTM F1848-98 - Standard Classification for Search and Rescue Dog Crew/Teams
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-1998
• Refers: ASTM F1633-97 - Standard Guide for Techniques in Land Search
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997

Overview

ASTM F1879-14(2020), Standard Guide for Demonstrating Obedience and Agility in Search and Rescue Dogs, establishes the minimum level of obedience and agility required for canine team members who participate in search and rescue (SAR) operations. Developed by ASTM International, this guide ensures that SAR dogs can work effectively and safely in varied operational environments, under the control of their handlers, and in the presence of other people, dogs, and distractions.

This standard applies to all canine search resources classified under ASTM F1848 and provides foundational requirements for evaluating the readiness and safety of SAR dog teams. The guide is intended for use by units, handlers, and agencies responsible for fielding and assessing search dogs, though it does not define the advanced requirements for disaster/collapsed structure operations.

Key Topics

Obedience Skills

• Ensures SAR dogs remain under control of the handler at all times
• Dogs must not interfere with team members, rescue personnel, or the general public
• Dogs should not display aggressive behavior towards people or other animals
• Both on-lead and off-lead obedience are addressed, with specific skills demonstrated in noisy, distracting environments

Agility Skills

• Demonstrates the dog's ability to negotiate obstacles and varied terrain common to search environments
• Dogs must show confidence moving through unfamiliar or unstable footing
• Both on-lead and off-lead performance is evaluated; use of leads should not affect evaluation
• Spotters should be present during agility demonstrations to ensure safety, but must not influence the dog's performance

Handler Requirements

• Handlers must issue minimal, clear commands
• Continuous or excessive commands are not permitted; brief reminders and praise are acceptable
• Teams must show that dogs can be safely managed and, if needed, evacuated by someone other than the handler

Evaluation and Use

• This guide is used to evaluate canine search resources, develop local performance guidelines, or assist in the creation of training programs
• The standard does not serve as a training manual, but supports programs designed to meet its criteria

Applications

Practical Use Cases Include:

• Evaluation of SAR Dogs: Agencies, teams, and handlers use this standard to verify that their canine resources meet minimum safety and performance criteria before deployment.
• Resource Request and Deployment: Requesting agencies can reference this guide to ensure deployed teams include dogs with proven abilities.
• Training and Assessment Programs: This guide provides a baseline for the development of training curricula and performance assessments for SAR dogs.
• Community Safety: By setting standards for obedience and agility, the guide helps ensure public and responder safety during search operations.

In practical terms, following ASTM F1879-14(2020) helps organizations reduce risk, improve reliability of canine search capabilities, and promote professionalism in SAR operations.

Related Standards

When implementing ASTM F1879-14(2020), consider the following related standards and guidelines:

• ASTM F1848 - Standard Classification System for Canine Search Resources
• ASTM F2209 - Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
• ASTM F1633 - Guide for Techniques in Land Search (Withdrawn)
• SWGDOG SC1 Terminology - for standardized terminology in canine detection
• International standardization practices under the World Trade Organization (WTO) TBT Committee

Keywords: search and rescue, SAR dogs, canine agility, obedience, ASTM F1879, evaluation, search dog standards, canine search, dog training, handler control, agility skills, search operations

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1879 − 14 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Guide for
Demonstrating Obedience and Agility in Search and Rescue
Dogs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1879; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 Other Document:
SWGDOG SC1 Terminology
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum obedience and
agility expected of canines that are part of a search dog team or
3. Terminology
crew.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.2 Further training is required for a canine before it may
3.1.1 about turn, n—an abrupt 180° reversal of direction
perform as a member of a search dog team or crew.
performed by a dog upon the command of the handler.
1.3 This guide applies to canine members of all search
3.1.2 aggressive behavior, n—attempted or actual unpro-
resources classified in ASTM F1848 Standard Classification
voked attack on another canine or person. A canine may also be
System for Canine Search Resources.
evaluated as aggressive if it exhibits significant warning signs
1.3.1 The advanced obedience and agility skills required for
of imminent unprovoked attack (continuous growling,
canine members of Kind D (Disaster/Collapsed Structure
snarling, fear-barking, etc.)
Search) dog teams or crews are not defined in this guide.
3.1.3 agility, n—an aspect of a dog’s physical condition that
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
characterizes the dog’s dexterity and ease of movement.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.4 obedience, n—an aspect of a dog’s behavior that
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
characterizes the dog’s ability to follow instructions.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.5 off-lead, n—a working mode for a dog where the dog
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
and handler are not connected physically, and control of the
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dog is established through audible commands or visual signals.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3.1.6 on-lead, n—a working mode for a dog and handler
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
physically attached by a leash.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2 Definitions of terms not defined in this standard can be
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
found in Guide F1633, Guide F2209, Classification F1848, and
SWGDOG SC1.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1633 Guide for Techniques in Land Search (Withdrawn
4.1 This guide establishes the minimum level of obedience
2017)
and agility required for canines to perform safely and effec-
F1848 Classification System for Canine Search Resources
tively on a search dog team or crew.
F2209 Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
4.2 Obedience skills ensure that a dog is under the control of
the handler, that it will not interfere with other resources such
as search team members, rescue personnel, other search dogs,
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and
Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.02 on Management and and members of the public, it can be left without the handler’s
Operations.
supervision, and it can be evacuated by someone other than the
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
handler.
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F1879 - 14. DOI:
4.2.1 All search dogs shall demonstrate the on-lead obedi-
10.1520/F1879-14R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ence skills defined in this guide.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal detector Guidelines, FIU -
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on MMC, Miami, FL 33199, http://casgroup.fiu.edu/pages/docs/1062/1335294274_
www.astm.org. SC1_Terminology_%28abcdefghijk%29.pdf
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1879 − 14 (2020)
4.2.2 All search dogs that work off-lead shall also demon- 5.2.2 When a person approaches and engages in conversa-
strate the off-lead obedience skills defined in this guide. tion with the handler while the search dog is at heel or sitting.
4.2.3 Off-lead obedience skills shall be demonstrated in the 5.2.3 When finding or approaching a person in the field.
vicinity of a group of people and other dogs, with the
5.3 A search dog that works primarily on-lead shall demon-
accompanying noise and confusion common to search and
strate that it will perform t
...