For the most part, SAR dogs (and similar working dogs) are trained to view specific toys as incredibly high-value. For whatever play they really enjoy - fetch,

For the most part, SAR dogs (and similar working dogs) are trained to view specific toys as incredibly high-value. For whatever play they really enjoy - fetch, tug-of-war, etc - they'll have a particular toy which only comes out in connection with "work" and always heralds praise and a play session with their trainer. Since SAR breeds are smart, high energy, and a bit intense, their reaction to that toy/event can be startlingly strong. The goal is essentially to avoid this issue: a dog toy is unlikely, but maybe the subject has a peanut butter bar in their pocket, and that shouldn't derail the rescue. So ideally the desire for the work reward will outweigh basically anything found during work (squirrels, food, other toys, or even bad stimuli like loud noises), even if those things would be awesome to the dog when they're not "on the job".