These searches are conducted in wooded or dense brush areas or can consist of an open field

Cadaver Search

These searches deal with seeking bodies or body parts. These may be burned or hidden from view. In this type of search the dog work close to its handler. They can alert on the scent in the soil, and have been used to find charred remains. These searches are more time consuming and more precise. The dogs can be trained by using a variety of scent carriers such as hair clippings, finger nail clippings, and artificial scents.

Water Searches

These searches are used to find the body of a drowned victim. The dogs work from a boat or from the shore. Due to currents and winds, it is often possible for the dog to alert away from the body. Scent IS heavier than water and travels somewhat straight above the object, but it can be carried away.

Disaster Searches

These searches consist of working areas that have been affected by a disaster, natural or man-made. When working a disaster, agility and control over the dog is important. These can be unstable areas and the dogs may need to work with heavy machines and with many types of workers.