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Show A. THE AVALANCHE DOG I. GENERAL The Dog. He is not an unlimited miracle tool for the avalanche search service, but is rather an additional and most dependable auxiliary agent; that is, if he is treated, cared for, and trained as such. Ho is able to locate people and property in the shortest possible time and thereby shorten the search missions and reduce the size of the search crew required. The limits of his service. As is the case with humans, the efforts of the avalanche dog are also limited. Some of these limits can be extended by man, but others cannot, where they depend on natural forces. Examples t a) long, difficult approach marches. b) volatilization ( loss) of human scent because of a prolonged time interval between the time of the accident and the rescue mission. c) embedding of the scent source in compact masses of avalanche snow ( moist and wet snow avalanches). d) total suppression of the scent by atmospheric pressure ( foehn). e) enormous cold or enow storms during rescue mission. f) chaotic ( confused) scent sources at the avalanche area. Usefulness. Even though the German shepherd has been the standard dog in the avalanche rescue service up to this time, other breeds of dogs should not be overlooked. Of course, the avalanche rescue service requires a suitable breed. An avalanche dog must be built in such a way that he is able to overcome manifold terrain obstacles. He must possess a weather- resistant fur, be able to endure hardships, be intelligent, spirited and willing to learn. All breeds that conform to these main requirements can be used - 2 - |