The SAR Dogs /search and rescue/ of the Tyrol has a long tradition. Already in the 1960’s, young puppies were brought and trained to search for people buried by an avalanche. The importance of avalanche dogs in spite of modern technology still are.
Suchhundeteam Tirol - dog handlers together with their four-legged companions
Suchhundeteam Tirol - dog handlers together with their four-legged companions
Not every kind of breed has the right disposition to become a SAR-dog. Even with the right genes, very intense training is necessary before a dog can be used to search for missing persons. Already as puppies, the dogs are being prepared for their future task in a playful way. It is the goal to extend the search phase step by step and to increase the level of difficulty. Whenever the dog does a good job, it gets rewarded with a food treat.
Suchhundeteam Tirol, Siggi and dog Stanley
About dog Stanley Click here
Unlike with electronic detectors, the work with SAR – dogs is a very time-consuming task. It is not possible to just turn a dog on and off if needed. In order for this collaboration to work in a case of emergency, it is important that the dog is trained all year round. Six training courses per year are obligatory for SAR – dogs. As soon as winter comes around, the training units are getting intensified.
Unlike with electronic detectors, the work with SAR – dogs is a very time-consuming task. It is not possible to just turn a dog on and off if needed. In order for this collaboration to work in a case of emergency, it is important that the dog is trained all year round. Six training courses per year are obligatory for SAR – dogs. As soon as winter comes around, the training units are getting intensified.
Suchhundeteam Tirol
Most of the SAR – dogs are exclusively trained to detect avalanche victims. Some of them, however, can be used all year round in order to search for missing persons. After the dogs have traced the tracks of the missing, they signal – depending on the kind of training they have had – by either barking or going into the “sit” position.
Suchhundeteam Tirol, Michael, chairman
Suchhundeteam Tirol
The dog learns to show victims - Hund lernt Opfer anzeigen "gezogene Anzeige"
Suchhundeteam Tirol
Suchhundeteam Tirol
Suchhundeteam Tirol
Suchhundeteam Tirol
All photos by Elisabeth Fazel: training near Friedensglocke, Mösern, Tirol Mitte, Austria. More photos: Click here
Text based on: www.kaikkialla.com
