Honor search and rescue dogs

#MiddleburyCT #Dogs #SearchAndRescue

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m writing to ask if you can call attention to search and rescue dogs who do heroic work every day – from the recent fires in southern California to avalanche rescues and more. I just think they’re amazing. – Carlo in Missoula, Montana

DEAR CARLO: You’re absolutely right: Search and rescue (SAR) dogs do amazing work nearly every day in the U.S. and around the world. They are unique, highly trained working dogs, often specializing in types of rescue or recovery.

SAR dogs must be energetic but even-tempered, as they often work long hours in chaotic environments. They must be confident, motivated and responsive to their handler. Most are selected when they’re puppies, after a period of observation and interaction, and not every SAR candidate makes the cut, even at this early stage. Training can take at least two years, and most SAR dogs retire before they’re 9 or 10 years old, as the physical requirements can be demanding.

There are two types of SAR dogs: air-scenting and trailing. An air-scenting dog detects and follows airborne or wind-borne scents over a large area (up to 150 acres or a quarter mile in some instances) and follows them as close to the source as possible; cadaver dogs are one example. They frequently work off-lead and return to their handler to lead them to the source. A trailing dog can discern a specific scent, such as that of a missing person, and follow the exact track of that scent; they usually work on-lead with the handler, proceeding more slowly.

These dogs are so effective that they’re used in 70% of rescue missions worldwide, entering dangerous areas ahead of human teams to pinpoint survivors. So, hats off to search and rescue dogs! And to their dedicated trainers and handlers.

Is there a working animal you’d like to highlight? Tell me at ask@pawscorner.com.

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