Animals performing search and rescue work in mountainous area, serve in any, even the most unfavorable weather conditions, after earthquakes, avalanches and other emergencies. Over the entire history of their existence, they managed to save thousands of people. In this work, high speed and organization are very important, since minutes count and the lives of the affected people are at risk. The reliability of the rescue operation depends on the working qualities of the dog.
Search dog tasks
The main goal search dog in mountainous areas is to detect victims in a short time and indicate their location by barking.
In addition, he must be able to:
- contact the guide, understand his commands and tasks and obey unquestioningly;
- if necessary, conduct rescuers, medical workers, other dogs to the scene of the incident and respond adequately to them;
- firmly grasp and carry special diarrhea in your teeth;
- be as focused and concentrated as possible on the task at hand in order to detect victims even at a depth of 10 meters, and at the same time not be distracted by extraneous irritants, for example, the smell of burning.
What qualities should a rescue dog have?
In order to raise and train a dog that will competently perform search and rescue work, it is necessary to select the best one, which has a number of necessary qualities. The following requirements are put forward for dogs saving human lives:
- 1. strong constitution, muscular physique;
- 2. endurance and excellent physical fitness to overcome any difficulties and obstacles;
- 3. balanced nervous system, increased stress resistance to withstand heavy psycho-emotional stress;
- 4. healthy sense organs: nose, eyes, ears and, accordingly, well-developed sense of smell, vision and hearing - necessary assistants in finding victims and wounded;
- 5. strong-willed character and ability to make decisions independently;
- 6. the ability to navigate the terrain, adapt to different weather conditions (heat, cold, snowfall, etc.) and adjust to the desired rhythm;
- 7. high intelligence;
- 8. lack of fear of various obstacles and trials;
- 9. excellent ability to train and teach even the most complex commands;
- 10. obedience and complaisance;
- 11. good nature, sympathy for people, adequacy;
- 12. high level socialization, the ability to make contact with strangers and other animals.
There is one more recommendation regarding the external characteristics of the dog: the animal serving on the search expedition should not be too large, since it will have to make its way through rubble and penetrate small holes. To avoid damage skin covering To avoid getting entangled and injured in caves, the walls of which are often covered with powerful plant rhizomes, the dog should have medium-length hair, but long-haired or short-haired breeds are not excluded, but the risk of injury is quite high.
Breeds of mine rescuers
There are varieties of dogs that help rescue dozens of people every year and have a number of innate qualities necessary for successful work at height. But experts say that search and rescue skills can be imparted to absolutely any member of the canine family, provided they have the necessary inclinations.
With a correctly selected and trained dog Search actions take about 10 minutes. For comparison, twenty specialists from the Ministry of Emergency Situations can complete the same amount of work in 4–5 hours.
The top three breeds are presented below.
Saint Bernard
This is the most efficient dog at work at heights.
The ancestor of this ancient breed is considered to be the Tibetan mastiff. In the 11th century, the monastery of St. Bernard was established on the territory of the Swiss Alps, which received the status of a shelter for travelers. The monks living there have been breeding large guard dogs for many centuries.
In the 18th century, the natural and climatic conditions in these parts began to change, frequent avalanches occurred, which not only caused irreparable damage, but also caused death. It was then that St. Bernards began to be used as rescue dogs, easily finding victims among mountain rubble.
They were trained to find victims of natural disasters buried in snow or fallen through the St. Bernard Pass, and long time warming them with their bodies and frequent licking of their faces and hands until their relatives brought help.
One of the features of dogs is their impressive size. The height of adult individuals varies from 68 to 90 cm, and weight - from 70 to 100 kg. Nevertheless, this dog is still the most popular and indispensable rescuer who has helped out many mountain climbers. For this, the St. Bernard has all the necessary qualities:
- coat - short or medium, close to the body, but with abundant undercoat, which allows the dog to easily tolerate temperature changes typical of mountainous areas and work effectively in difficult weather conditions (frost, snowfall, etc.);
- the physique is powerful, muscular, with strong limbs;
- high intellectual abilities and learning ability, quick wits;
- the highest reaction speed, the ability to make independent and quick decisions;
- a unique ability transmitted at the gene level - excellent orientation in space, which allows dogs to always return home despite the harsh conditions of the area;
- natural endurance, allowing you to walk dozens of kilometers without rest;
- strong character and fortitude, increased resistance to stress, lack of fear and panic even in the most extreme situations;
- willingness to help, using physical and mental abilities to the maximum;
- goodwill, especially towards children, and an adequate attitude even towards strangers, which is observed in dogs from birth;
- good obedience, devotion, contact.
The most famous mountain rescuer of the 19th century was a St. Bernard named Barry. During twelve years of service, the selfless four-legged hero saved more than 40 people in the Alps, including children.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of the most famous and... ancient breeds. According to one version, its ancestors are northern wolves, from which the species inherited such qualities as endurance and great physical strength. These dogs have proven themselves to be the best service and detection dogs, excellent guards and, of course, search engines. Therefore, such a versatile species is successfully used both in service and on guard, to protect livestock and assist in rescue operations, to search for climbers who find themselves in unexpected situations on mountain slopes.
According to standard data, the weight of shepherd dogs ranges from 22–40 kg, and their height is 55–66 cm. For working in the mountains, these dogs have the following useful qualities:
- good physical shape, strong physique, with a developed muscle corset, powerful paws;
- coat with abundant undercoat, giving the dog the opportunity to work effectively even with low temperatures and snowfall;
- high mental abilities, according to official data, shepherd dogs are among the three most intellectually developed dogs;
- easy to learn, prone to obedience;
- excellent sense of smell and hearing, helping with navigation;
- friendly character, ability to get along with people (including small children), desire to come to the rescue in dangerous situations;
- the ability to lead victims to a safe place, to be a guide even for the blind;
- fearlessness, strength, dedication, allowing the dog to help out everyone who is in dire need of his help
Shepherd dog Ajax saved more than a dozen people from snow captivity, working for 96 hours straight without rest. Even when her paws were frostbitten and worn down to the bone, she continued to scrape the tightly compacted snow and did not calm down until she freed the last survivor from under the rubble.
Alaskan Malamute
One of the oldest breeds native to Alaska, used for riding and carrying heavy loads in harsh conditions. climatic conditions, which once helped to conquer both poles of planet Earth. Along with this, the Malamute was also used in search and rescue expeditions.
The height of these dogs varies from 57 to 63 cm, and their weight does not exceed 38 kg. Other performance characteristics include the following:
- The outer, medium-length coat with a soft undercoat has waterproof properties. Allows the dog to work even in the worst weather conditions.
- A strong constitution with powerful paws and well-developed muscles is the basis for the strength, power and endurance of dogs. Malamutes are capable of transporting loaded sleighs weighing up to 400 kg. It will not be difficult for them to deliver a wounded person home if necessary.
- Strong-willed character, ability to make decisions independently without command from the owner. This quality has more than once saved people’s lives in the harsh northern expanses.
- High efficiency. Dogs tolerate even increased physical activity very well.
- Good orientation, choosing the right road to the house. Malamutes move freely on snow crust, overcoming high snowdrifts and drifts, and pass in places where neither other dogs nor people can pass.
- Increased friendliness even towards strangers, especially children, excessive kindness and compassion. A dog will never leave a person in trouble.
- High intelligence. The animal can remember commands the first time. However, against the backdrop of natural stubbornness, difficulties with education often arise. This breed is trained only by competent specialists.
The love for digging deep holes is precisely this property that is often used by search and rescue expeditions. In a short period of time the dog digs a hole large sizes thanks to his dexterity. It is not at all difficult for him to dig out a victim from under the rubble in a matter of minutes, without causing any harm.
Other suitable breeds
With proper training, the following breeds can be recruited to participate in high-altitude search and rescue expeditions.
| View | a brief description of | Photos of species representatives |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | This is a fairly compact and agile dog with well-developed muscles and a proportional build, capable of crawling under any rubble. Its weight varies from 25 to 36 kg, and its maximum height at the withers is 57 cm. Retrievers are considered the most good-natured and compassionate breed in the world. That is why they can often be found among search and other rescuers. In addition, the breed has the following necessary qualities:
| |
| Australian Shepherd (Aussie) | In the rocky western regions of America, where there are frequent changes in altitude, farm dogs that are insensitive to this phenomenon have appeared, capable of managing huge herds even in difficult weather conditions. Aussies are of medium height (up to 58 cm), weighing up to 25 kg, with a muscular and balanced build without being loose. She has earned enormous popularity thanks to her selfless devotion and willingness to serve people. In addition, the breed has the following useful characteristics:
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| Leonberger | The ancestors of Leonbergers, according to one version, were mountain Pyrenean dogs. The famous rescuers, the St. Bernards, also took part in the formation of the breed. These are huge, but proportionally built, powerful dogs, not devoid of elegance and grace. Despite their impressive size (height at the withers 65–78 cm, weight up to 78 kg), they are characterized by agility and amazing plasticity, which allows them to jump perfectly and move easily and freely over any terrain. The numerous talents of lion dogs are used in search and rescue activities, including on water and in the mountains. The breed has the following advantages:
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| Spaniel | Spaniels are medium-sized dogs (height at the withers in different subspecies does not exceed 50 cm), with a lean build, increased activity and agility. Their excellent sense of smell, designed for hunting, is also used in search and rescue activities. All spaniels have the following positive qualities:
In the 90s of the 20th century, the spaniel Lenka was used in the service of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, who saved many people from under the rubble, including small children. He accurately determined whether a person was alive or dead, and notified rescuers of the location of the victims either with a loud bark or a quiet whine. |  |
| Drathaar | The best of the pointing breeds comes from Germany, with a height at the withers of up to 68 cm, and a weight of up to 32 kg. Despite the fact that this is a hunting breed, people have learned to use its agility and energy for search and rescue purposes. The features of this type include the following:
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| Rottweiler | Rottweilers are powerful dogs with a balanced constitution and balanced character. Height can reach 68 cm, and weight varies from 42 to 50 kg. The role of this breed in the process of its development changed periodically. It was also used for driving livestock, guarding, transporting goods, and as a service dog. In Scandinavian countries, Rottweilers are intended for mountain and forest rescue and search operations, since they have the following necessary qualities:
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| Doberman | One of the most common breeds with a muscular, harmonious build, whose height can reach up to 72 cm and body weight up to 45 kg. Inextinguishable energy and endurance, the desire to be useful to humans, speed, strength and agility have made this breed a versatile working dog. Marines used these dogs to perform the most difficult special missions, they were trained for reconnaissance, security, message delivery, mine detection and cave exploration in mountainous areas. TO positive properties Dobermanns are also classified as:
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| Laika | Laikas come in various subspecies (average height reaches 58 cm, weight up to 30 kg), but they all have one common feature- fearlessness. These rescue dogs will no doubt risk their lives to help a person in trouble. The northern breed is a universal breed, used for transporting goods and as a riding, herding or hunting dog. Thanks to your positive qualities Laikas also become excellent rescuers. They are endowed with the following qualities:
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| Border Collie | A very good option for search service, because this is one of the most smart breeds in the world, ranking first in intelligence. These small dogs(maximum height up to 54 cm, weight up to 21 kg) are able to work independently, being at a great distance from the guide, which allows them to be used as security guards and rescuers in any terrain, including in the mountains. Borders have the following important qualities:
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Dogs have long been used as strong and resilient rescuers. Thanks to their excellent sense of smell and hearing, they find people under snow rubble, in a burning building, in water and under the rubble of destroyed buildings.
The incredible works even in smoke and fumes. By and large, a dog’s sense of smell is akin to a sixth sense, since a dog can smell a person even under a nine-meter thick layer of snow. Dogs are more effective search engines in rescue operations than humans.
For example, in the same room, twenty people will need about four people to search for victims, and one dog will only need 10 minutes.
Rescue Dog Breeds
There are quite a lot of such breeds. On this moment the most popular are
- Belgian and German shepherds,
- doberman,
- spaniel,
- rottweiler,
These are the dogs most often used by rescue services. Best breed Newfoundland is considered to be used to save drowning people, which is why its second name is “diver”. These dogs are not afraid of frost and can swim calmly even in icy water. The Newfoundland's body features (special structure of the ears and paws, membranes between the toes, third eyelid) allow it to swim up to 20 km and dive to a depth of 30 m.
He has a very powerful unconditional instinct to save a person. The dog will rush into the water as soon as he suspects that someone is drowning. In all mountains where there is snow, the rescue team always includes a dog. These rescue dogs can be any breed, but the most commonly used are St. Bernards. They are very hardy and easy to train.
Along with St. Bernards mountain rescuers Shepherd dogs also often work. After earthquakes, dogs are the best way to search for people. They are able to get through where a person cannot get through, and they can smell the victim under a large thickness of rubble. Thus, two spaniels became famous for saving 35 people from the rubble after the Neftegorsk earthquake.
Neither the smells of ruins, nor medicines, nor the intense heat bothered these dogs. Rescue animals worked 7 hours a day, studying piles of concrete centimeters at a time and pointing out to rescuers where a person might be.
Rescue dog skills
It is not enough to have a natural sense of smell and stamina. Each rescue dog is specially trained in its craft. Such a dog must find the victim, inform his guide about this by voice and lead the rescuers to the place where the victim is located. To do this, she must have a number of qualities.
For example, it is important that such an animal is very well socialized. That is, he treated people kindly, was obedient and flexible. Also, a rescue dog must be very hardy and have a strong constitution.
Loyal four-legged friends serve their owners in exchange for their care, affection and love. This has been the case since ancient times, when wild animals, which were considered relatives of wolves, relentlessly followed primitive hunters to feast on scraps from the main prey.
Taking help from a four-legged pet for successful hunting of wild animals, the ancestors modern man achieved greater safety and comfort. Over time, domesticated animals were increasingly used on the farm. The dogs began to scare away uninvited guests from the house, warming the owner with their warmth in severe frosts.
With each new generation, the descendants of tamed animals became closer and closer to their owners, and over time changed their appearance - this is how the features of more modern dogs. Thousands of years have passed. Domesticated dogs often acted not only as loyal allies, but also hardy, strong guardians person. This is how the first rescue dogs appeared.
Man and dog have complemented each other since ancient times. And if the first used a high level of intellectual abilities for his survival, showing general care towards his pet, then the second had high-quality hearing, a good sense of smell, fast legs, lightning-fast reactions, sharp teeth and the claws of a real beast.
Constantly demonstrating selfless love for its owner, the dog was able to save his life many times not only during battles with enemies, but also during fires and floods; in some cases, she found people in avalanches and saved their lives by pulling them out of the rubble.
A devoted animal can intuitively sense a threat, use its sense of smell to sense the scent of a person under layers of snow at a depth of several meters, sense the approaching burning of fires in the steppe and forest, and find a safe place during natural disasters.
Gallery: rescue dogs (25 photos)
A very hardy breed, very intelligent, easy to train, considered obedient Labrador Retriever. Such dogs are used not only as rescuers, but also as guide dogs. Dobermans are used to search for people in difficult conditions and rescue them during extreme situations. Rottweilers- excellent sappers. Eat a large number of other breeds with unusual features of real rescuers.
What is the training process for rescue dogs?
- Training a rescue dog requires owners to have a lot of endurance and patience. And for an animal to successfully understand and learn, it requires complete obedience, ability to work and development of technical skills during the search, detection and rescue of a person. Four-legged friends are taught to overcome various obstacles, climb stairs, and also develop skills for safe movement through various ruins.
- The animal handler also has to learn how to provide first aid to the injured, use a compass and an additional map. He must learn the rules of behavior and learn to quickly and soberly assess the situation during a disaster. While completing the training course, you also have to take an annual exam.
- The rescue dog's execution of the main commands should be brought to automatic mode during the gradual transition from simple to complex type. Soon a certain skill will develop that will become real conditioned reflex. Techniques and general behavior are first developed and then reinforced in accordance with strict training standards.
What abilities do rescue dogs have?
High-quality scent and high endurance of purebred dogs, which they inherited from nature, as well as as a result of a long process of crossing and selection best views, are not the only qualities a rescuer needs. Specially trained pets must be able to speak correctly in the right situation while searching for victims. It's not all that easy.
To begin with, it is necessary that the pet is well socialized, even if it is friendly and especially flexible.
Among the required skills, it is worth highlighting two main ones - to find a victim who has fallen into difficult situation and needs help, and then report this to your colleagues - that is, people.
Of course, some especially strong dogs are required to directly deliver a person in trouble to a safe place, pull them out from under the rubble, dig them out of the snow, but in most cases they still need the help of specialists. In addition to a fine sense of smell, physical strength and a frantic desire to work and save people, other requirements are imposed on the dog:
- Having a stable psyche. A working dog should not react to distractions, but be fully focused on its goal and perform certain actions.
- Kindness and friendliness. A four-legged rescue friend must be glad to find the victim, he must rejoice at him, and not growl, get scared and show aggression. In addition to all this, most often during an emergency the scene of events is filled with a large number of people - doctors, rescuers and other personnel. During this time, the dog should remain good-natured and show increased alertness and self-control.
- Ability to make decisions independently. During an incident, when a person is not nearby, the dog is obliged to act without waiting for a command from employees.
- Obedience. Dogs that are ready to run away as soon as they feel even a modicum of freedom or notice another dog are absolutely not suitable for serious and dangerous work. In such work it is necessary to use only those breeds that have special discipline and carry out the assigned tasks at any cost.
Famous Rescue Dogs: Balto
In 1925, an incident occurred in the small town of Nome in Alaska: a diphtheria epidemic suddenly broke out. It was not possible to deliver the vaccine from Anchorage, because Nome was buried in snow far from civilization. Children began to die from the rapidly spreading infection, and then doctors had to take extreme measures. They assembled a special relay expedition, which included about 150 dogs and 20 mushers. The final stage The delivery of the vaccine - a distance of 52 miles - was entrusted to the Norwegian Gunnar Kaasen and his team of Siberian huskies.
The leader of the team was young, but extremely strong dog Balto. In very harsh and hazardous conditions the whole team had to fight their way to their goal: -51 degrees below zero, a strong snow storm.
Kaasen lost his bearings and the thick snow began to blind him. Gunnar simply had no other choice but to completely entrust the direction to the leader.
Balto continued to confidently lead the whole team, and as a result, they delivered a valuable vaccine to Nome, which was able to save a large number of lives.
After completing his mission, Balto gained enormous fame, and a special bronze monument was erected in his honor in one of the public gardens in New York.
Attention, TODAY only!
WATER RESCUE SERVICE
Published in Vienna in 1994
These rules have been adopted by the international organization IRO (International Recsue Dog Organization). IRO unites national organizations and clubs, whose members are amateur dog breeders ~ on a voluntary basis, train their dogs according to various types rescue services. Dogs that have undergone special training work as guides for the blind, together with mountain rescue teams they come to the aid of travelers buried in avalanches, and search for people buried under the rubble - victims of earthquakes, fires and other disasters.
IRO also unites clubs that train water rescue dogs. If dogs are used for other rescue services different breeds and outbred, then practically one breed is used for water rescue - Newfoundland. This is not only a tribute to a centuries-old tradition, but also the result of worldwide recognition of the unique working qualities of four-legged swimmers.
Water rescue training includes four levels of difficulty. Training begins at the bottom level and ends with passing tests.
Water rescue dog tests (RH-W) can be passed sequentially, according to the course of each subsequent stage, but not earlier than 26 days after the next test, provided the dog reaches the required age.
Age of dogs required to pass the RH-W test
1st stage (A) -- 15 months
2nd stage (B) -- 24 months
3rd stage (C) -- 36 months
Stage 4 (D) -- 37 months
During the test, the trainer can perform with several dogs in succession. A dog can only be controlled by one trainer. The trainer gives short commands to the dog (commands can be given in any language). It is allowed to pronounce the dog's name along with the command.
Bitches in heat are allowed to take the test, but must be isolated from other dogs and are tested last.
Dogs that fail the test are allowed to retake the test after a minimum of six days.
Sick dogs and suspected carriers of infection are removed from testing.
Before the start of the tests and during them, the judge observes the behavior of each dog. He must record any shortcomings he notices in his grade book.
Deviations from normal behavior are considered:
insufficient resistance of the dog to external influences;
inability to cope with challenging testing conditions such as long periods of work, multiple dogs working together, extreme heat or cold, loud noise, etc.;
weakness nervous system and the associated aggressiveness, malice and associated cowardice and the like.
Each trainer must have a test book with him, which he hands over to the judge before the start of the test. The instructor writes it down in a book and the judge signs the test results. Test results are expressed in grades and points received for each exercise. In the final calculation of individual scores to determine the score for each individual exercise, fractional numbers are rounded up.
Number of points required for award
ratings, and their percentage expression
RH-W Stages A, B, C, D
Scores: Number of points 300 100%
excellent 300--286 more than 95%
very good 285-270 95-90%
good 269-240 89-80%
satisfactory 239--210 79--70%
not enough 209--110 69--36%
unsatisfactory 109--0 35--0%
The test is considered passed if the dog scores at least 70% of the possible points in each individual exercise.
The test results are entered into an evaluation sheet, which is filled out in four copies. The original is given to the trainer along with the record book.
Copies are sent to:
referent of the national rescue dog training organization;
to a national organization;
trial judge.
Tests may be administered by licensed judges. One judge has the right to judge no more than 30 dogs per day. The judge cannot evaluate the performance of his dog. Overhead costs for judging are determined by the national organization. The judge's decision is final.
The safety of people and dogs must be guaranteed during testing.
Testing dogs for water rescue service.
Stages A, B, C, D(RH-W)
Obedience
The highest score is 50 points.
Moving nearby on a leash 5 points.
Free following next to the trainer
with turns and passage through a group of moving
people, consisting of at least four people 10 points.
The command “Sit!” 5 points.
The command “Lie down!” with a call to the trainer 5 points.
Command "Stop!" with a call to the trainer 5 points.
Importation on land 5 points.
Team "Forward!" 5 points.
Exercising on the command “Lie down!”
(checked individually or in a group) 10 points.
Requirements for performing techniques
At the discretion of the judge, obedience trials may be conducted individually or in a group of a maximum of three dogs. The dog must obey commands quickly and willingly.
To points 1 and 2
Moving side by side on a leash and freely following the trainer is carried out with turns to the right, left, in a circle, as well as changing the pace of movement (slow, normal walking and running). At the direction of the judge, the trainer and his dog walk through the group of people, making at least one stop. People in a group move in different directions. While leading the dog on a leash, the trainer unfastens the leash during the last stop and continues moving. The trainer can call the dog and give commands only at the start and at the moment of changing the pace of movement. During movement, the dog's shoulder is constantly located at the trainer's left knee. For running ahead, lagging behind, deviations of the dog to the sides, as well as uncertain execution of turns by the trainer, points are deducted. Only a dog that is indifferent to distracting external stimuli can receive the highest rating. Aggressive and cowardly dogs are excluded from testing.
To point 3
The trainer leaves the starting point with the dog walking next to him without a leash at his left leg. After walking 10 steps, he gives a command, according to which the dog must quickly sit down, while the trainer follows forward, without turning around or slowing down the pace of movement. After walking 30 steps, the trainer stops and turns to face the dog. At the judge’s signal, the trainer approaches the dog and takes the starting position.
To point 4
The trainer leaves the starting point, the dog moves without a leash at his left leg. After 10 steps, at the command of the trainer, the dog must quickly lie down, while the trainer follows forward, without turning around or slowing down the pace of movement. After walking 30 steps in the same direction, the trainer stops and turns to face the dog. At the judge's signal, the trainer calls the dog to him. The dog must approach willingly and quickly and sit in front of the handler. Then, on command, the dog takes the starting position.
To point 5
The trainer leaves the starting point, the dog moves without a leash at his left leg. After 10 steps, at the command of the trainer, the dog must quickly stop and remain standing in place, and the trainer follows forward, without turning around or slowing down the pace of movement. After walking another 30 steps, the trainer stops and turns to face the dog. If the dog tries to leave the place, points are deducted. At the judge's signal, the trainer calls the dog to him. The dog must approach willingly and quickly and sit in front of the handler. Then, on command, the dog takes the starting position.
To point 6
Importing an object. A dog sitting without a leash next to the trainer must, at the trainer’s command, quickly run up to an object thrown by him at approximately a distance of 10 m, take the object and quickly bring it to the trainer. The dog must come close to the trainer, sit in front of him, hold the object in his teeth for several seconds and, on command, give it to the trainer. Then, on command, the dog takes a place next to the trainer. During the entire time the dog brings and serves the object, the trainer does not leave the starting position.
To point 7
At the judge’s signal, the trainer with the dog following next to him without a leash walks several steps in a certain direction. With a directing hand gesture, the trainer sends the dog forward, while he himself remains standing.
The dog must quickly cover approximately 40 steps in the indicated direction, after which, at the command of the trainer, it immediately lies down. At the direction of the judge, the trainer calls the dog to him, stands to the right of it and the dog, on command, takes the starting position.
To point 8
Before the next dog goes to the start, the trainer puts his dog down with a command, without leaving any object near it. Remaining in the dog's field of vision, the trainer moves away from it about 40 steps, turns to face the dog and remains standing motionless. The dog must lie quietly, without any influence from the trainer, all the time while the other dog is performing exercises 1-7. When testing endurance in a group, distracting influences are applied to the dog. During the 2nd exercise, the trainer joins a group of moving people, after which he independently returns to old place. At the judge’s signal, the trainer approaches the dog, stands to its right, and the dog, on command, takes its starting position. After this, the trainer takes her on a leash.
Stage A(RH-WA)
Stage A consists of the following exercises:
2. Importation from the water
3. Obedience 50 points
General rules
Test rules
Required participants:
judge, shore instructor, motorboat driver.
Required equipment:
1 motor boat, 1 buoy, 2 retrieval items (pieces of floating boat rope with a diameter of 5 cm and a length of 30 cm).
Swimming 200 m
The trainer and the dog get into the boat, which sets off and stops 200 m from the shore. Having given the command, the trainer orders the dog to jump into the water. It is allowed to provide assistance to the dog. The boat is heading towards the shore. The dog should calmly swim to the shore. The trainer can encourage the dog with commands and gestures. The dog should not show signs of fear or fatigue. This exercise evaluates her swimming ability.
Fetching from the water
1. The retrieval object is thrown from the shore. The trainer throws a floating object from the shore into the water at a distance of at least 15 m. After making sure that the object lies calmly on the surface of the water, the trainer sends the dog after it. The dog must swim to the object, take it and deliver it to the trainer along the shortest route. A dog can release an object from its teeth only at the command of the trainer.
2. The retrieving object is thrown from the boat, the dog starts from the shore. The trainer with the dog is in the starting position on the shore. The retrieval object is thrown in a direction parallel to the shore from a boat that is approximately 25 m from the shore. After making sure that the object lies quietly on the surface of the water, the trainer sends a dog after it. The dog must swim to the object, pick it up and deliver it to the trainer along the shortest route. A dog can release an object from its teeth only at the command of the trainer. Two attempts are allowed.
After pronouncing the command, it is allowed to make a gesture that attracts the dog’s attention.
Obedience (see above) - 50 points.
Stage B (RH-W B)
Stage B consists of the following exercises:
1. Swimming distance 100 points
2. Working in water
(The minimum acceptable score is 75 points.
If you try again, 10% will be deducted.) 150 points
3.Obedience 50 points
Maximum score 300 points
General rules
When taking tests, safety rules must be observed.
During all exercises, two motor boats must be in the water. All people sitting on boats must wear life jackets or wetsuits.
Dogs must have special equipment for working in water: a harness with a handle firmly attached to the back, with which you can easily lift the dog out of the water.
Tests can be carried out in bodies of calm water. In case of unfavorable weather conditions or strong roughness on the water, the judge has the right to postpone the test if it is impossible to carry it out normally.
Test rules
Required participants:
judge, shore instructor, assistant (drowning person), motor boat driver.
Required equipment: 1 motor boat, 2 buoys, 1 board (surfing).
Swimming 400 m
The trainer and the dog get into the boat, which sets off and stops 200 m from the shore at the first buoy. Having given the command, the trainer orders the dog to jump into the water. The boat follows. The dog must swim after the boat. At the second buoy (300 m) the boat turns and goes back to the shore. The dog, following the boat, must also return to shore.
This exercise evaluates jumping into the water and swimming behind the boat.
Working in water
1. Towing a surfboard with a person lying down. The trainer with the dog takes the starting position on the shore. In the water, 30 m from the shore, there is a surfboard on which the assistant lies. At the trainer's command, the dog swims to the board. A man lying on a surfboard gives the dog the end of a rope, she takes it in her teeth and tows the surfboard and an assistant to the shore. On the shore, the dog releases the rope only at the command of the trainer. Two attempts are allowed.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
2. Rescue of a drowning man, the dog starts from the shore.
The trainer with the dog takes the starting position on the shore. The assistant sets sail in the boat. Approximately 30 m from the shore, the assistant falls into the water, and the boat follows further. The assistant pretends to be a drowning man, waves his arms, but does not have the right to call the dog to him. At the command of the trainer, the dog swims as quickly as possible to the drowning person. As soon as the drowning man has the opportunity to grab the dog's fur, the dog turns and tows him to the shore. The dog itself should not actively grab the drowning person with its teeth. Two attempts are allowed.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture. The exercise is considered completed after the trainer reports to the judge and the latter is awarded a mark.
Obedience (see above) - 50 points.
Stage C (RH-W C)
Stage C consists of the following exercises:
Work in water 250 points
For exercises 1 and 4 minimum
60 points are awarded
For exercises 2 and 3 minimum
65 points are awarded
Obedience 50 points
Maximum score 300 points
General rules
When taking tests, safety rules must be observed.
During all exercises, two motor boats must be in the water. All people sitting on boats must wear life jackets or wetsuits.
Dogs must have special equipment for working in water: a harness with a handle firmly attached to the back, with which you can easily lift the dog out of the water.
Tests can be carried out in bodies of calm water. In the event of unfavorable weather conditions or strong rough water, the judge has the right to postpone the test if it is impossible to carry it out normally.
Test rules
Required participants:
judge, shore instructor, 2 assistants (drowning people), motor boat driver.
Required equipment:
1 motor boat, 1 lifebuoy, 1 retrieval item (a piece of floating boat rope with a diameter of 5 cm and a length of 30 cm).
Working in water
1. Towing an unconscious person; the dog starts from the boat.
The trainer and the dog, together with an assistant, get into the boat, which then moves away from the shore about 50m. The helper falls into the water, and the boat goes on for another 20 m. At the command of the trainer, the dog jumps into the water and swims to the helper, who, at the moment of her approach, lies motionless on the water. The dog grabs the helper's wrist with his teeth and tows him to the boat. The man and then the dog are lifted aboard. Two attempts are allowed.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
2. Towing two people; the dog starts from the shore.
The trainer and the dog stand in the starting position on the shore. Two assistants in a boat sail 50 m from the shore. One assistant, while moving, falls out of the boat, which continues to move parallel to the shore for another 20 m. The second assistant, a lifeguard, jumps into the water while the boat continues to move along the shore. The rescuer swims up to the drowning man and calls the dog to him. At the command of the trainer, the dog swims towards people in the water. The rescuer, who supports the drowning person with one hand, grabs the dog's fur with his free hand, after which the dog tows both of them to the shore. The dog should not grab swimmers' hands with its teeth. Two attempts are allowed.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
3. Towing the boat to the shore.
The trainer and the dog, accompanied by four other people, get into the boat, which departs approximately 50 meters from the shore, after which the engine turns off. At the trainer's command, the dog jumps into the water. The trainer puts a rope in the dog's teeth, and it tows the boat to the shore. Two attempts are allowed.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
4. Importation from the shore lifebuoy.
The boat moves away from the shore about 40 m. The assistant falls from the boat into the water, the boat continues to move on. The assistant pretends to be a drowning man, waves his arms, but does not have the right to call the dog to him. The trainer with the dog is on the shore in the starting position. On command, the dog takes the rope to which the lifebuoy is tied in its teeth and swims to the drowning person. The drowning man grabs the circle, and the dog tows him back to the shore. Two attempts are allowed.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
The exercise is considered completed after the trainer reports to the judge and the latter is awarded a mark.
Obedience (see above) -- 50 points.
Stage D (RH-W D)
Level D consists of the following exercises:
Swimming distance 100 points
Importation 100 points
For exercises 1.1 and 1.2, or 1.3,
or 1.4 minimum 50 points awarded
Delivery 100 points
For exercises 2.1 and 2.2, or
2.3, or 2.4 minimum 50 points awarded
Maximum score 300 points
General rules
When taking tests, safety rules must be observed.
During all exercises, two motor boats must be in the water. All people sitting on boats must wear life jackets or wetsuits.
Dogs must have special equipment for working in water: a harness with a handle firmly attached to the back, with which you can easily lift the dog out of the water.
Tests can be carried out in bodies of calm water. In the event of unfavorable weather conditions or strong rough water, the judge has the right to postpone the test if it is impossible to carry it out normally.
Test rules
Required participants:
judge, shore instructor, 2 assistants, 2 motor boat drivers.
Required equipment:
1 motor boat, 1 lifebuoy, 1 retrieval item (a piece of floating boat rope with a diameter of 5 cm and a length of 30 cm).
From the number of exercises from 1.1 to 1.4 and from 2.1 to 2.4, each test participant is required to complete only four exercises by lot. The draw is carried out by the instructor before the start of each participant. Only one attempt is allowed for all exercises.
Distance swimming (endurance test)
At the discretion of the judge, this exercise can be performed simultaneously by several (maximum three) participants.
Trainers and dogs are taken in a boat to a distance of approximately 1000 m from the shore so that the dogs can then swim behind the boat for about 20 minutes. The boat stops, and at the command of the trainers, the dogs jump into the water. The boat turns towards the shore, leaving the dogs alone, but does not move further than 20m so that the dogs remain constantly under observation. Dogs should swim calmly and fearlessly to the shore. They can go with the flow and do not have to come ashore exactly at the starting point. The instructor monitors the return of the dogs, meets them on the shore and takes them to the starting point.
After the endurance test, the dog should be allowed to rest for at least an hour before proceeding with further work.
Importation
1. Rescue of a drowning person (start from a boat).
The trainer and the dog sit in one boat, the assistant, portraying a drowning man, in another. Both boats move away from the shore and stop at a distance of 40m from each other. The assistant falls into the water. At the command of the trainer, the dog jumps into the water and swims to the drowning man, takes him by the wrist with his teeth and delivers him to the boat in which the trainer is located. A drowning man and a dog are lifted aboard the boat.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
2. Rescue of two drowning people (start from the shore).
The trainer with the dog stands on the shore in the starting position. Two assistants are sailing in a boat. 30 meters from the shore, first one assistant falls into the water, then, after about 20 m, - second. At the trainer's command, the dog swims to the first drowning person. He grabs her fur with his hand. The dog then swims to the second drowning man, grabs his wrist with his teeth and tows both people to the shore.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
3. Towing a surfboard with a lying person (starting from the shore).
The trainer with the dog takes the starting position on the shore. In the water, 30 m from the shore, there is a surfboard on which the assistant lies. At the trainer's command, the dog swims to the board. A man lying on a surfboard gives the dog the end of a rope, she takes it in her teeth and tows the surfboard and an assistant to the shore.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
4. Towing a drifting boat (starting from the shore).
The boat is towed 30 m from the shore. There she is left adrift with a rope hanging from the side, while the second boat returns to shore. The trainer with the dog stands in the starting position on the shore. At the command of the trainer, the dog swims to the drifting boat, finds a hanging rope, takes it in its teeth and tows the boat to the shore.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
Delivery
1. Delivery of a lifebuoy (launch from a boat).
The trainer with the dog and one of the assistants get into the boat. After the boat moves 40 m from the shore, the assistant falls into the water. The boat floats along the shore another 20 m and stops. The trainer throws a lifebuoy in the middle between the boat and the drowning man, who waves his arms and calls for help, but does not call the dog to him. At the trainer's command, the dog jumps into the water and swims to the life buoy. She grabs the rope of the lifebuoy with her teeth and delivers it to the drowning man. The drowning man holds on to the circle, the dog tows him to the boat. A drowning man is lifted aboard. The boat returns back to the shore. The dog swims to the shore after the boat.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
3. Delivery of a small inflatable boat to a drowning person. Forty meters from the shore, the assistant falls into the water from a boat, which immediately moves away. The trainer with the dog stands in the starting position on the shore. The trainer puts a short rope in the dog's teeth, the other end attached to the bow of a small inflatable boat. The dog swims to the drowning man and delivers him a boat, into which he climbs. A dog tows a boat with a man sitting in it to the shore.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
4. Delivery of rope from one boat to another.
The trainer and the dog get into a boat containing a 30-meter rope. This rope should unwind easily. The boat moves away from the shore, accompanied by a second boat, then both of them stop at a distance of 20 m from each other. At the trainer's command, the dog jumps into the water. She is given the end of a rope, and with the rope in her teeth she swims to the second boat, where she gives the rope to the driver. The dog then returns back to the first boat and is lifted aboard. The boat heads towards the shore, with the second one in tow.
The trainer can accompany the command with a gesture.
The exercise is considered completed after the trainer reports to the judge and the latter is awarded a mark.
It is unlikely that a more loyal creature will ever appear in the history of mankind than a dog. And now, when an unpleasant, or maybe even tragic, event can happen in everyone’s life, our four-legged friends come to our aid.
Thanks to their devotion and dedication, the concept of “service dogs” appeared in human usage. They are ready to serve us until their last step, until exhaustion, until their dying breath, forgetting about everything in this service. They help everywhere: be it searching for lost wanderers during a snowstorm, searching for those doomed to certain death under rubble (snow or after a disaster) or rescuing on the water - all this is within the power of our sometimes so defenseless comrades. Where do they get the strength to overcome such difficult challenges?
Finding those lost in the storm
The very first rescue dogs, who began their work several centuries ago, searched for travelers lost in a storm. Surely you have ever seen paintings depicting large shaggy dogs with a barrel around their neck. Service dogs of the St. Bernard breed, thanks to their endurance and excellent physical qualities, found and warmed with a strong drink brought in a barrel, and then brought lost travelers to people. The most famous of these rescuers was St. Bernard Barry, who even had a monument erected in a Paris cemetery. During his life, the dog saved forty people, and the forty-first person saved, mistaking him for a bear (the dog lay down to warm the victim with its body), stabbed him. The dog survived, but he could no longer save anyone.
Searching for people under the rubble
Distinguishing the smell of a person from the mass of other odors under the meter-high rubble is considered the most difficult job. But our devoted friends also cope with this task. Everyone knows the events of September 11, 2001 in the United States, but how many people know about the heroes who helped save and saved people’s lives. For example, guide dog Dorado saved his blind owner, computer scientist Omar Eduardo Rivera. After the plane crashed into the tower, Rivera unhooked the leash and gave the dog the command to leave, wanting to save at least the dog. A crowd of fleeing people carried the Labrador several floors below, but after some time the owner felt his pet nuzzling his feet. With the help of a dog and a colleague, the man went outside, after which the building collapsed. Rivera feels he owes his life to his devoted dog.
Along with the Labrador Dorado, another tailed worker worked at the scene of the tragedy for 12 hours a day - service dog named Brittany. As part of the Texas Ground Zero search and rescue team, the two-year-old dog helped save the lives of people in trouble.
Rescue of drowning people
As they say, saving drowning people is the work of the drowning people themselves, of course, but even here we can rely on our faithful four-legged comrades. The handsome Newfoundlands have excellent qualities for performing this service. These dogs are physically strong, they are not afraid of any waves, their powerful tail, like a rudder, helps them accurately choose the direction, and their long hair with a dense, waterproof undercoat makes it possible to work in icy water. What can we say, even if Napoleon was once saved by a Newfoundland.
Service dogs help us at every step; at critical moments they are simply irreplaceable. And the effort it takes to raise a rescue dog is worth it. One trained dog saves the work of dozens of people.
