04/22/2026
Ohio Special Response Team K-9s Qualify in HRD-Water
Besa and Augie, with handler/mom Sarah Gentry, just passed their recertification in HRD-Water through IPWDA. This credential is critical to Ohio search and rescue since a majority of our searches include multiple water features. A credentialed and experienced K-9 has the ability to locate human remains underwater at a fraction of the cost of divers and watercraft with side scan sonar.
The International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA) recertification exam for Human Remains Detection (Water), took place recently. This certification exam includes an obedience control test, a shoreline test and a boat test. The obedience requirements include tasks like a 5 minute down stay while the handler is 20 feet away, walking across an elevated plank without assistance, allowing a stranger to load the K9 into their vehicle and ability to ride calmly in a boat.
The shoreline test includes an area no larger than 300x12 feet of moving water. The K9 must perform the trained final response within 10 feet of the source location. The final test is in open water. The area must be over 250x250 feet. The source must be out of site below the water level. The K9 must perform the trained final response within 20 feet of the source.
