What is bodying?

The most important training resource SARDA South Wales has are the "bodies" who help in regular training sessions. This group hide on the hillside, pretending to be casualties, so that the dogs have a human scent to practice finding. Bodies need to have some experience of hill walking for safety, and their own basic equipment such as boots & waterproofs. All other equipment is provided for training by SARDA.

We always have a need for bodies for our weekly training, as well as dog assessments. If you would like to help us, please contact us. Body is a very rewarding experience, and can even be a great opportunity to have a snooze on the hill if you have a bit of a hangover! All of the search dogs are very friendly, and on a wet day will happily try to jump inside your sleeping bag with you to keep warm. Bodies are also kept busy after a successful find playing with the dogs as part of their reward.

View from the body's hideout: