Monday, March 10, 2008
Avalanche Rescue Dogs
One good search and rescue dog can be better than twenty human search and rescue workers. Following its nose, an avalanche search and rescue dog covers a large area usually in a zigzag pattern. An avalanche dog can smell the human scent through snow. Once they have picked up the scent, an avalanche dog can zero in on where the smell is most intense. In many cases, the availability of good search and rescue dogs has been the difference between life and death for skiers, snowboarders, and other winter outdoor enthusiasts.
When considering what breed will make the best avalanche search and rescue dog, there are some key aspects to consider. A keen sense of smell is a must. The dog needs to have a thick coat to withstand the harsh winter temperatures associated with avalanche country. It also goes without saying that dogs of a certain body type will be better suited to long hikes in deep snow. Long legs, large paws, a muscular build, stamina, and an instinct to track things down are some necessary attributes that come together to create a good avalanche dog. Avalanche dogs have to be trainable and responsive to the direction and feedback that they receive. Finally, a rescue dog needs the inner drive to get the job done. Some breeds that fit the bill include Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Belgian Malinois, and Retrievers. This is not an all inclusive list, but instead just a few examples of breeds that have performed well as avalanche rescue dogs.
The training of an avalanche dog takes a specific breed of person as well. Training an avalanche rescue dog is both time and labor intensive. It can take two to three avalanche seasons or more. There is a lot of digging involved, a lot of hide-n-seek, and a lot of treats too. The basic idea is to start out simple and increase the level of difficulty gradually. Make sure, especially in the early stages, that the dog wins and makes a successful rescue. For example, a trainer might begin by walking a short distance away from the dog and hiding behind a tree while an assistant keeps the pup from immediately following. When the trainer is out of sight the dog is released and its curiosity takes over and the first rescue is made (usually in a matter of seconds). As the dog’s skills develop, the hiding area and places get larger and deeper, the digging begins. The training is progressive and the learning curve can differ from one breed to another or even from one dog to another. Patience, consistency, lots of digging, and plenty of treats and praises will eventually result in a dog capable of saving lives.
If you are interested in finding avalanche search and rescue dogs for sale, there are several breeds to choose from. Your specific needs and geographic area might lead you to a more specific breed. If you are willing and able to put in the time and effort necessary, the rewards can be immeasurable.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of dogs for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
When considering what breed will make the best avalanche search and rescue dog, there are some key aspects to consider. A keen sense of smell is a must. The dog needs to have a thick coat to withstand the harsh winter temperatures associated with avalanche country. It also goes without saying that dogs of a certain body type will be better suited to long hikes in deep snow. Long legs, large paws, a muscular build, stamina, and an instinct to track things down are some necessary attributes that come together to create a good avalanche dog. Avalanche dogs have to be trainable and responsive to the direction and feedback that they receive. Finally, a rescue dog needs the inner drive to get the job done. Some breeds that fit the bill include Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Belgian Malinois, and Retrievers. This is not an all inclusive list, but instead just a few examples of breeds that have performed well as avalanche rescue dogs.
The training of an avalanche dog takes a specific breed of person as well. Training an avalanche rescue dog is both time and labor intensive. It can take two to three avalanche seasons or more. There is a lot of digging involved, a lot of hide-n-seek, and a lot of treats too. The basic idea is to start out simple and increase the level of difficulty gradually. Make sure, especially in the early stages, that the dog wins and makes a successful rescue. For example, a trainer might begin by walking a short distance away from the dog and hiding behind a tree while an assistant keeps the pup from immediately following. When the trainer is out of sight the dog is released and its curiosity takes over and the first rescue is made (usually in a matter of seconds). As the dog’s skills develop, the hiding area and places get larger and deeper, the digging begins. The training is progressive and the learning curve can differ from one breed to another or even from one dog to another. Patience, consistency, lots of digging, and plenty of treats and praises will eventually result in a dog capable of saving lives.
If you are interested in finding avalanche search and rescue dogs for sale, there are several breeds to choose from. Your specific needs and geographic area might lead you to a more specific breed. If you are willing and able to put in the time and effort necessary, the rewards can be immeasurable.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of dogs for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: avalanche dog, canine rescue, patrol dog, rescue dog, rescue search dog, search dog, snow dog, working dog
Beauceron: The Working Dog
Beaucerons are loyal protective herding dogs. They are bred and known primarily for being sheep dogs in France and the surrounding area. A typical Beauceron adult stands about twenty-seven inches tall and weighs between seventy and eighty pounds. The coat of a Beauceron is medium in length and it is coarse to the touch. Beaucerons are usually black and tan in color with reddish fur on their legs and feet. The Beauceron breed resembles the Doberman, but has a longer tail and double dew claws.
Beauceron puppies are going to be on the rambunctious side for sure. Beauceron pups are going to do a lot of jumping, running, and chewing. Adult Beaucerons will display much the same behavior if they are not properly exercised and engaged on a regular basis. This breed has energy and stamina that seem to go on forever, and a keen instinct to make its owner happy. It takes a special owner, hopefully with a herd of sheep and a few acres, to develop a relationship with a Beauceron that is mutually beneficial to both owner and dog.
Beaucerons are not going to fit the roll of a typical family dog very well. It is also a rare and expensive breed outside of France and the surrounding area. In addition to needing plenty of exercise and interaction, the Beauceron breed often has strong instincts to chase catch and kill other animals such as cats or squirrels. While Beaucerons are very loyal to their owners, their herding tendencies can lead to biting or nipping incidents involving children or adults that are on the move.
The Beauceron breed of dog is spirited, independent, and hard working. Compared to most breeds, Beaucerons are easily trained but they are difficult to stay ahead of in the owner-dog relationship. A Beauceron is a smart dog and very effective at herding and guarding, but it may challenge its owners to continually prove who the lead dog is. In addition to their herding and guarding skills, Beaucerons were used to send messages in time of war and they were also used as hog hunting dogs.
Provided the right surroundings, owner, and opportunity, a Beauceron can make the ideal pet. If you are interested in a Beauceron or other dogs for sale, make sure to research temperament, size, and health to come up with the best match possible for you, your family, and your dog.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of dogs for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Beauceron puppies are going to be on the rambunctious side for sure. Beauceron pups are going to do a lot of jumping, running, and chewing. Adult Beaucerons will display much the same behavior if they are not properly exercised and engaged on a regular basis. This breed has energy and stamina that seem to go on forever, and a keen instinct to make its owner happy. It takes a special owner, hopefully with a herd of sheep and a few acres, to develop a relationship with a Beauceron that is mutually beneficial to both owner and dog.
Beaucerons are not going to fit the roll of a typical family dog very well. It is also a rare and expensive breed outside of France and the surrounding area. In addition to needing plenty of exercise and interaction, the Beauceron breed often has strong instincts to chase catch and kill other animals such as cats or squirrels. While Beaucerons are very loyal to their owners, their herding tendencies can lead to biting or nipping incidents involving children or adults that are on the move.
The Beauceron breed of dog is spirited, independent, and hard working. Compared to most breeds, Beaucerons are easily trained but they are difficult to stay ahead of in the owner-dog relationship. A Beauceron is a smart dog and very effective at herding and guarding, but it may challenge its owners to continually prove who the lead dog is. In addition to their herding and guarding skills, Beaucerons were used to send messages in time of war and they were also used as hog hunting dogs.
Provided the right surroundings, owner, and opportunity, a Beauceron can make the ideal pet. If you are interested in a Beauceron or other dogs for sale, make sure to research temperament, size, and health to come up with the best match possible for you, your family, and your dog.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of dogs for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: beauceron, farm dog, herding dog, pet dog, sheep dog, working dog, yard dog
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]