When people go missing, dogs can help. Canine search and rescue trainers capitalize on a dogs natural excitement and a keen sense of smell.  Using treats and toys, they train dogs to recognize  then find certain scents so that they can eventually track down lost people or lost pets.  Training is no easy task. It usually takes about one year of intensive training.  Some dogs like Blood Hounds are natural trackers. Working breeds like Labs, Border Collies  and German Shepherds also make great rescue dogs. The desire to work and please, intelligence and the ability to stay focused are very important qualities.  Poor pets sometimes make great trackers. Dogs that are hyperactive, chew or dig can also make very good rescue dogs. When they are trained, all of this energy is re-directed.  After all of that training he will sleep well in his dog bed!