A dog’s sense of smell is an exceptional instrument. Indeed, it’s an instrument as it enables them to secure numerous roles!
For a moment, let’s set aside thoughts of our furry companions and friends. They’re already excelling at providing us comfort. Instead, let’s concentrate on those service canines we observe collaborating with humans.
The remarkable abilities of German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Belgian Malinois are quite familiar. It’s astounding what these dogs accomplish to support law enforcement and military services.
Yet, we frequently overlook a unique group of working dogs, those trained to locate and rescue individuals lost in mountains or trapped beneath avalanches.
Although these missions often do not conclude with positive results, we cannot disregard the valiant dogs involved in them.
In the Swiss Alps, there remain St. Bernards, giant life-savers that have rescued countless lives. At Mount Bachelor, various breeds are present. Surprisingly, a few Golden Retrievers, a Border Collie, and a black Labrador patrol this area. Let’s get acquainted with the avalanche dogs!
Masters Of The Rescuing Art
If you inquire with Shasta, Ruddy, Cashew, Mango, Banyan, and Riggins, they’ll affirm that nothing is more significant than rescuing those in distress. Trained from their early puppy days, these canines are fated to excel as rescuers.
A typical day in an avalanche dog’s life is anything but mundane. From the moment they awaken and set paw on the fresh mountain snow, it’s all action. The mountain ethos is woven into their very being. These dogs undergo specialized training and acclimatization to ensure they remain unaffected by the winter landscape.
They’re present for the task at hand, rather than to frolic in the snow, thank you very much.
One of the initial lessons a future avalanche dog must master is to refrain from dashing towards guests and skiers. Their trainers recognize how adorable and charming these pups appear, but they have an essential duty to fulfill. Please don’t be the guest who calls them for cuddles.
Avalanche dogs utilize ski lifts alongside their trainers. They conduct foot patrols and scrutinize the regions within Mt. Bachelor’s grounds. Furthermore, they are trained for worst-case scenarios, primarily focusing on avalanches.
Mishaps occur on mountains. It’s unavoidable. A significant percentage of accidents on US mountains transpire along ski trails. This reality is why more ski resorts are implementing avalanche dog patrols.
Humans find themselves helpless against nature’s harsh conditions. However, with a little support from our canine companions, we can resolve any challenge with a positive outcome.
The Importance Of Training
The successful career of an avalanche dog cannot be gauged by the volume of avalanches they navigate. True success is marked by a career devoid of any incidents. The ideal scenario is to engage in training, drills, and snow inspections merely for enjoyment and preparedness.
Nevertheless, these dogs must be equipped for any circumstance. Their training does not commence abruptly. Young pups are introduced to snow and all its elements from their first days. This includes playing various games in the snow, constructing real snow caves, and associating these experiences with positivity.
Every novice avalanche dog begins their journey by entering a small snow cave, playing there with their trainer, and acclimating to the fact that there is nothing wrong with the setting. Learning to identify scents and digging through snow to uncover them comes later.
Indeed, every step is conducted with a multitude of encouragement and positive reinforcement. Once the dog locates the victim, they receive praise and their favorite tug-of-war game with the trainer.
These dogs deserve recognition for their diligent efforts, and they certainly receive ample praise.
The contribution of avalanche dogs at Mount Bachelor should never be underestimated. These courageous beings clad in canine coats are the ones you will be anxiously seeking if something goes awry and you find yourself lost.
A solitary loud bark can save lives. Those paws will burrow deep through ice and snow, regardless of your age, gender, or ethnicity.
At the end of the day, when you’re weary from descending the slopes, reliable avalanche companions will remain on the trails, ensuring no one gets left behind.