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There’s something undeniably joyful about watching dogs frolic in the snow, especially when they’re dressed in their iconic red vests marked with the white ski patrol cross. These cheerful canines are not just for show; they play a crucial role as working dogs. Specifically, avalanche dogs are trained to locate skiers and snowboarders trapped beneath the snow.
Numerous ski resorts across the western United States have integrated these four-legged helpers into their teams alongside human patrollers. According to Andy Van Houten, President of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue (WBR), this partnership exists because these dogs excel at search and rescue operations. WBR is a non-profit organization responsible for training and certifying avalanche dogs for 11 ski resorts throughout Utah.
The ability of these dogs to find buried individuals just outside resort boundaries or in backcountry areas can significantly impact rescue efforts, potentially saving lives during urgent missions or providing closure to families during recovery operations—where time is often of the essence.
Regrettably, many missions involving these canine heroes tend to be recovery efforts due to the inherent risks associated with backcountry skiing. While resorts implement extensive avalanche control measures on their premises, backcountry regions remain perilous and prone to avalanches, making exploration there considerably more dangerous.
Additionally, backcountry locations are typically remote from established resorts. This distance necessitates assembling a rescue team that may require helicopter transport before even beginning their search for victims buried under snow—a process that can take up to an hour according to Van Houten.
Fortunately, response times improve dramatically when a dog is part of the team; searches can be completed within minutes rather than dragging on for days. For instance, during Utah’s particularly tragic avalanche season in 2018, one highly trained dog located a victim’s body within two and a half minutes—a task that would have taken human rescuers days without canine assistance,” Van Houten recalls.
The success of WBR-certified avalanche dogs stems from rigorous training programs that hone their natural abilities into near-perfect search machines equipped with exceptional agility on snow and an extraordinary sense of smell.
The Foundation: Training
Training begins early in life for these pups—primarily Labrador Retrievers but sometimes including breeds like German Shepherds or Border Collies. They arrive at their designated resort at around 49 days old each September under the care of handlers who will train them while also treating them as cherished pets.
During their first winter season at the resort, puppies acclimate themselves by experiencing all aspects of resort life—the sights, sounds, and smells integral to being effective rescue animals. Handlers introduce them gradually by skiing with them tucked inside jackets or riding lifts together while familiarizing them with fellow staff members and guests alike—all while exposing them safely to helicopter rides and explosive sounds used in avalanche control measures.
By season’s end comes obedience training coupled with practice drills designed not only for skill enhancement but also motivation through playfulness! As explained by Van Houten: “Puppies learn how-to-find hidden humans via tug-of-war games.”
Initially familiarized with human scents through interaction time spent alongside handlers—these pups engage in what’s termed “runaway drills.” In this exercise format after getting excited enough about it—the handler hides away after instructing “stay” then calls out “search!” prompting eager pups off towards locating where they’ve hidden!
Scent Detection Skills: A Canine Advantage
Their remarkable olfactory capabilities make it possible! Dogs possess an astonishingly acute sense-of-smell which allows them unparalleled proficiency when searching out people trapped beneath layers upon layers snowfall! Although researchers debate exact figures regarding sensitivity levels compared against humans—it remains clear they outperform us significantly concerning locating drugs explosives & even missing persons solely based upon scent alone—even amidst snowy terrains!
This effectiveness arises partly due skin rafts released continuously from our bodies—Van Houten explains—that consist primarily dead skin cells emitted roughly every minute (30-40 thousand). These lightweight particles rise above ground level collecting atop surfaces creating pools detectable once handlers guide trained pooches into those zones where scent concentrations peak directly above any buried skier below!
The Importance Of Agility
Dogs’ agility provides yet another advantage—they navigate treacherous terrain effortlessly compared against humans who struggle maneuvering deep powdery snowscapes filled obstacles such downed trees etc., making swift movement nearly impossible even equipped properly gear-wise! Conversely furry friends bound gracefully over challenging landscapes showcasing innate abilities anyone witnessing firsthand could attest too!
Additionally unlike people needing multiple protective layers specialized equipment—they thrive naturally adapting harsh weather conditions rendering themselves ideal candidates serving vital roles assisting rescues whenever necessary without requiring additional gear beyond basic necessities needed stay warm safe outdoors!
Your Safety Comes First
If you plan venturing into mountainous regions during winter months whether skiing boarding hiking don’t rely solely upon expertly trained animals save your life instead always carry essential tools such beacon probes shovels consider utilizing technology like RECCO locators ensuring maximum safety enjoyment throughout entire season ahead!
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