Fifi on a rescue mission: How our dogs find missing people!

Fifi on a rescue mission: How our dogs find missing people!

In the idyllic Uckermark they are real lifesavers: the trained rescue dogs that are used to search for missing people or during natural disasters. This also applies to the charming miniature schnauzer “Wilma”, who has tracked down countless missing people with his keen nose. Kerstin Stübling, the operations manager of the Thuringia rescue dog train from Bad Berka, emphasizes the excellent training that these four-legged helpers undergo: “Every dog ​​has individual characteristics that are particularly taken into account during training.” Patience and love for the dog play a crucial role so that the team, consisting of the handler and the dog, becomes an inseparable unit that understands each other blindly. This is clearly evident during the working hours in Lychen, where the team trains regularly and prepares for various operational scenarios, while “Wilma” immediately barks loudly when a “missing person” is found.

The training itself is not child's play. It lasts an average of 1.5 to 2 years and involves much more than just searching and finding. The rescue dogs and their handlers are trained in areas such as operational tactics, orientation in the terrain and even how to use radio devices. The team must be able to adapt to rough terrain and a wide variety of environments because the reasons for deployment are varied. Basic medical training for people and dogs is particularly important, as the training at Asb emphasizes, in order to be able to react quickly and correctly in an emergency.

Diversity of training

The training methods are as diverse as the dogs themselves. Every dog, from small Jack Russel Terriers to mighty St. Bernards, has their own approach. The dog handler must be able to correctly interpret the needs and emotional state of his four-legged partner. And that is only possible through trust, which comes from countless shared success experiences. “This close bond is fundamental to our work,” explains Kerstin Stübling.

The number of women in this field is particularly remarkable, as rescue dogs require patience and sensitivity. In total, the Thuringia rescue dog train currently has 20 members who meet twice a week for intensive training. The support of the city is always relied upon, which not only recognizes the vital commitment of the dogs and their handlers, but also actively promotes it. “Thanks to our region, we can create optimal training conditions!” says Stübling.

A strong team in action

A prominent example of the success of the training is the Belgian Shepherd Dog “Oskar” and his handler. Oskar recently successfully passed two tests for international use. Such high demands are not uncommon and the training must be refreshed regularly as the exams have to be repeated every two years.

The world of rescue dogs is not just a question of breed, but rather a matter of the heart. The joy of playing, the desire to eat and, above all, the love of work are what make a rescue dog. And so the rescue dog teams from Bad Berka and the surrounding area will continue to look forward to the challenges ahead with a lot of enthusiasm and commitment, because after all, they are always ready to save lives - not only of their people, but also of other life forms in their surroundings. DRV Rescue Dogs explains that it is particularly important to find suitable dogs and train them individually.