Man’s best friend; even on the slopes
Rescue dogs prove their worth in search for lost skiers
When it comes to searching for lost skiers in the mountains, an avalanche rescue dog can indeed be man’s best friend. Steve Morrison is a senior ski patroller at Fernie Alpine Resort and its Avalanche Rescue Dog Program co-ordinator. He is secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association.
What are dogs used for at ski resorts? I take it these are not pets?
Dogs are used at ski resorts for avalanche search and rescue as well as snow-immersion accidents (tree-well searches) and even area ground searches for missing persons. The majority of riders at ski resorts do not carry avalanche safety gear, which is why avalanche rescue dog teams are an integral part of the snow safety team and rescue net at many ski resorts.
Do certain breeds ever get cold?
Yes, the kind with no hair. These dogs will not likely become avalanche rescue dogs.
What was the name of your first dog, and what tricks did you teach it?
Well, we had a family pet growing up but my first avalanche rescue dog was Mojo, and he actually taught me some tricks — that dog was so smart. Sadly, Mojo crossed the Rainbow Bridge this past November, but he was a fantastic search dog. I was really lucky to be able to work with him.
Can kids pet the dogs or are they not supposed to be cuddly?
It depends on the dog handler’s philosophy, as well as the breed of dog and its temperament. There’s no set rule. I have found that being cuddly has not hampered either of my dogs’ ability to search. If you see an avalanche dog at a resort and want to interact with them, always ask the dog handler first. Please don’t go up to or call the dog to you — especially with skis or snowboard on. Those sharp edges can be deadly to a dog’s paws and nearby tendons.
How do you know if a dog is going to make a good searcher?
That’s the assessor’s job first, and evaluator’s, or validator’s, as we call them, beyond that. The dogs with good hunt and prey drive, with the ability to range from the handler and work somewhat independently, yet be in tune with the handler directing them will generally make a good searcher. Think of the team as the handler being the eyes and brains of the operation, and the dog is the nose and stamina/endurance component.