OCR Text |
Show boundary of the search field during the course of his retrieving, and whether or not this is connected with picking up a scent. Also, the dog leader has to observe whether the dog just " jabs" or whether he clearly points to a definite location, whether while retrieving the dog keeps on returning to a definite spot and sniffs at it, or whether he plays. In short, the dog leader must continuously observe his dog in order to be able to initiate any required measures at once. ( He rushes to him, helps him dig, he regulates him in his work, he gives him the proper search direction, etc.). It is completely wrong just to show the dog a spot on the avalanche and to have him dig there if, for example, the dog leader is of the definite opinion that something has to be deposited at that spot. This trains the dog to be an obedient searcher, one who digs always where his master wishes but not where his nose indicates he should. If the dog has indicated a spot and has begun to dig there, the dog leader rushes to his side and encourages him vigorously* If the dog has dug so far as to be standing deep in the hole, he should be called out and made to lie down alongside. The dog leader now shovels out the hole in such a way that a trench is formed down which the dog can continue to dig until he again reaches an uncomfortable position. In this way the dog and the dog leader take turns at digging until they reach the victim. The dog thus functions more as a direction finder, while the dog leader does most of the digging. Search work clearly shows that either the dog searches and digs while the leader observes, or the dog rests and the leader digs and probes. It is an unpardonable mistake if both work at the same time! However, this unpardonable mistake is committed over end over again. The live exercises in the avalanche dog courses regularly show up avalanche dog leaders who do not observe the dog sufficiently and who completely overlook the fact that the dog repeatedly and clearly indicates a certain location. - 67 - |