RUFF
work
Avalanche Rescue Dogs
INTRODUCTION
Area Program Development + overview links
The MISSION of this web site is to foster the acceptance, use and performance of Avalanche Rescue Dogs
This site was originally conceived as an extension of Ski Area avalanche control and protection work [avalanche.org]. There are some references to Area Management acceptance and support, items unique to ski patrol dog teams, perhaps, but vital to the creation, development and maintenance of a reliable rescue capability in that work environment.
Teams, other than ski patrol dog teams, also train for this skill and Dog Training isn't limited by this organizational boundary so, hopefully, all of you interested in Avalanche Rescue Dog work will feel welcome here.
The PERSPECTIVE is from the PUPPY to the MISSION READY AVALANCHE DOG TEAM.
Readers may be at various points on this path and hopefully the organization will make it easy to find items that may be of value for your team's development.
Training an Avalanche Dog involves: 1st training a dog; then training for avalanche searching.
Included are sources of information regarding dog psychology, training theory and methods and items from various disciplines (e.g. Obedience work, utility field trial, Schutzhund, etc.). A broader base of knowledge can help in developing that Great Dog Team.
A "GOOD DOG" takes a lot of work. A "GREAT DOG" involves a lot more.
Responses … Welcome & Wanted
All elements of this site are open to comments, corrections, criticisms, etc.
Any suggestions, including plans for a major revision to a category, addition of a new category; or a desire to take over and maintain elements of the site will be happily considered.
"TRAINING THOUGHTS" --this section will be added soon
responses can be posted to the Discussion Forum.
If you have pictures, drawings, etc., send them by email to be posted to the site.
Area Program Development + overview links
The MAKEUP of this site assumes that you have some knowledge about what an Avalanche Rescue Dog does and how it fits into a Rescue Plan for avalanche incidents. Included below are a couple of links to sites that fill this basic Introduction/Overview gap and more.
Introduction to Avalanche Rescue Dogs by Kim Gilmore
Avalanche Dogs! (and more) by Dan Comden
Many of the viable, management supported programs in existence today were started by a patroller who wanted to create this additional skill and add it to their rescue operations / capability. This wasn’t seen as a way to bring their dog to work. It was an analysis of the potential hazard and a presentation of a plan for additional coverage.
Initially the effort and expense was borne by the patroller. Over time management recognition of the viability and value of this additional capability has led to varying forms of support, adoption and integration. The Professionalism, work ethic and dedication of these innovators has been an essential part of this acceptance. And like dog training, it needs to be maintained.
Whether you are starting a new program, or have one in place, it can never be assumed that everyone has the same jingoistic attitude about Avi Dogs as you. Included are some items that may be of use in presentations you might make to garner support for your program. Feel free to use any of these pages if they can help.
SEE CONTENTS
What—How—Why
Valuable
SEARCH TIMES
HANDOUT
TEMPORARY LINKS