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Show When the dog has been brought to the point of shaking with eagerness and search fever prior to the search mission immediately following, and when he rushes off with a happy " ringing of bells", he has been properly educated for avalanche work. The learning stages. The basic schooling is taught in 5 phases. Four of these differ from and complement each other. The fifth stage refers to increases in search difficulty. Preparation* If possible, a natural avalanche approximately 50 meters long and 20 meters wide, and with a moderate slope, is used as training field. In its center, at a distance of approximately 30 meters from the cone, a hole approximately 50 centimeters deep is dug in such a manner that two men can fit into it. ( Care should be taken that the hole is not dug too deep, because almost all dogs shy away from holes). At least 2 helpers are required for these exercises* Phase I* The dog leader delivers the leashed dog to the dog trainer, mentioning the dog's name at the same time, at the cone of the avalanche. The dog leader hurries along the line of fall to the already- prepared hole, enticing the dog to follow him. Then, he stands completely visible in the hole, calls out the name of his dog once more, loudly and impressively, and then disappears in the hiding place. Reaction of the dog: The dog believes he is losing his master. He whines, howls, and at once tries continuously to free himself so that he can rush after his master. F H A leader helper trainer - 26 - |