FIFI on rescue mission: How our dogs are missing!

FIFI on rescue mission: How our dogs are missing!

In the idyllic Uckermark, they are real lifesavers: the trained rescue dogs that are used in the search for missing persons or in the case of natural disasters. So also the charming dwarf snout "Wilma", who has already tracked down countless missing people with his fine nose. Kerstin Stübling, the head of operations of the Thuringia rescue dog train from Bad Berka, emphasizes the excellent training that these four -legged helpers go through: "Each dog has individual properties that are particularly taken into account when training." Patience and love for the dog play a crucial role in this so that the team, consisting of dog handler and dog, becomes an inseparable unit that blindly understands. This is clearly shown by the working hours in Lychen, where the team trains regularly and prepares for various use scenarios, while "Wilma" immediately barks in a found "missing".

The training itself is not child's play. It takes an average of 1.5 to 2 years and includes much more than the mere search for and find. The rescue dogs and their dog handlers are trained in areas such as operational tactics, orientation in the field and even in dealing with radio devices. The team must be able to adjust to rough terrain and various environments, because the reasons for use are versatile. The basic medical training for humans and dogs, such as the training at the ASB, highlights in order to be able to react quickly and correctly in an emergency.

variety of training

The training methods are as diverse as the dogs themselves. Every dog, from little Jack Russel terriers to mighty Bernard, has its own approach. The dog handler must be able to correctly interpret the need and emotional situation of his four -legged partner. And this is only possible through trust that arises from countless common experiences. "This close bond is of fundamental importance for our work," explains Kerstin Stübling.

The number of women in this area is particularly noteworthy, since rescue dogs require patience and sensitivity. In total, the Thuringia rescue dog train currently comprises 20 members who meet twice a week for intensive training. The support of the city is always used, which not only recognizes the vital use of the dogs and their dog handlers, but also actively promotes. "Thanks to our region, we can create optimal training conditions!" Said Stübling.

a strong team in use

A prominent example of the success of the training is the Belgian German Shepherd "Oskar" and his dog handler. Oskar recently successfully mastered two exams for international work. Such high requirements are not unusual, and the training has to be refreshed regularly because the exams have to be repeated every two years.

The world of rescue dogs is not just a question of the breed, but rather a matter close to the heart. The joy of playing, the desire to eat and, above all, love for work make up a rescue dog. And so the rescue dog teams from Bad Berka and the surrounding area will continue to look forward to the upcoming challenges with a lot of vigor and operational readiness, because after all, they are always ready to save lives - not only their people, but also of the other ways of life in their environment. DRV rescue dogs explains that it is important to find suitable dogs and to train them individually.