Archive: September, 2011
K9 Water Rescue Training
While there have been numerous reports of dogs rescuing humans on their own accord, it wasn’t until recently that canine water rescue training became organized – and highly specialized. Today’s water rescue K9s can rescue even a very large unconscious man from moderate currents. However, they are also being trained to work jointly with human rescuers such as lifeguards, to tow small water craft and to bring buoys, ropes, rings or other equipment either to shore or to a boat or person from shore.
K9 Search & Rescue Training: Tracking, Trailing and Air Scenting
Canine search and rescue training involves a variety of highly specialized skills on both the part of the dog and the handler. While in recovery situations this calls for the use of a cadaver dog, live target situations require a K9 that can locate an individual using one or a combination of three locating techniques: Trailing, Air Scenting and Tracking. Each has its own very specific applications and one should not be confused with the other.
K9 Rescue Training: High Altitude and Avalanche Rescue Dogs
High altitude and avalanche rescue canines are some of the most highly trained and capable dogs in the world. At ski resorts and in mountainous regions all over the world, K9 avalanche rescue dogs are a critical part of improving the survival rates of the inevitable buried hiker or skier. Because most victims survive if they are rescued within half an hour, the extremely sensitive scent receptors of a fully trained and certified avalanche rescue dog may be the only thing standing between a speedy rescue and tragedy.