Tests

A prerequisite for becoming a rescue due is the companion dog test in accordance with the Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH, German Kennel Club)/Deutscher Hundesportverband (dhv, German Dog Sport Association) or a test in practical obedience. After an internal squadron preliminary test, the main test includes the areas of rescue dog area search and debris search.

Later on, the tests in accordance with the International Testing Standards (ITS) of ITS-R A and B can be sat in all areas (rescue dog area search, debris search, tracking, and avalanches). These are approved by independent judges.

The mantrailing exam in the BRH consists of three parts, a town and countryside test and a negative test. The three parts must be passed within one year in order to attain operational capability. Subsequently, the town and countryside test must be repeated annually on an alternating basis, and the mantrailing negative exam biannually in order to retain operational capability. The mantrailing team gains approval by passing the mantrailing basic test (MBT); a companion dog test is not necessary.

Each year BRH squadrons organise over 50 test events in which approximately 1,000 individual tests are carried out. All participants provide a total of about 18,000 hours of volunteer work each year in reviewing and ensuring the efficiency of the teams.

The “Tests - BRH” page contains the basic data and a complete version of the BRH test regulations.

On the “Tests - ITS” page you can find a brief overview as well as the entire body of international testing standards.