Imagine being buried in the snow after an avalanche, with no way to call for help. Schweitzer’s avalanche rescue dogs can make all the difference when every second counts. With their incredible sense of smell—500 times stronger than a human’s—they can locate buried victims much faster than human searchers, even in extreme conditions.
Five dedicated avalanche rescue dogs are essential ski patrol members at Schweitzer Mountain. These highly trained canines and their handlers work tirelessly to keep skiers and snowboarders safe.
Meet Schweitzer’s Avalanche Rescue Dogs & Their Handlers
- Abbey – Handler: Steve P. (left)
- Murphy – Handler: Leigh B. (center)
- Annie (pictured) and Reba (not pictured) – Handler: Jeff T. (right)
- Maisie – Handler: Galen M. (both not pictured)
Choosing the Right Dog
Not every dog is suited for avalanche rescue work. Breeds most commonly chosen are Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds due to their high energy, confidence, strong work ethic, and intelligence. A rescue dog must be confident, obedient, and driven to work in harsh winter conditions.
Obedience and Socialization
Puppies are brought to the mountain at two months old (like Murphy and Reba were), and training begins immediately. They are trained in obedience, exposed to different environments, and well-socialized.
Scent Detection and Search Techniques
Training starts with searching for buried clothes and then advances to finding people in mock avalanches.
Each successful search is rewarded, often with a ball or tug toy.
This picture shows Maisie and Reba training.
Helicopter and Ski Training
The dogs are trained to ride in a helicopter and on snowmobiles, which is often how they travel when searching for a missing person.
They also learn to ride on their handler’s shoulders while skiing, quickly getting them off the mountain.
Ongoing Training & Certification
Even after initial training, the dogs practice throughout the year to stay in tip-top shape. Handlers regularly conduct drills, and dogs must pass certification tests to make sure they’re always ready for real rescues.
As Annie and Reba’s handler, Steve P., explains:
“They are never really done training. We are always doing something with them, even in the summer. It’s a 24/7 job.”
Bond Between Dog and Handler
The dogs and the handler must have complete trust in each other to work together to save the lives of those buried in an avalanche.
“The success of avalanche rescue dogs hinges not only on their exceptional abilities but also on the seamless collaboration between handler and team members,”
— dogdedicated.com
The Importance of Avalanche Rescue Dogs
Their ability to work in extreme weather and challenging terrain makes them necessary for avalanche rescues. Each of Schweitzer’s avalanche rescue dogs is an invaluable member of the ski patrol team.
Closing Remarks
Schweitzer’s avalanche rescue dogs and handlers show their dedication daily as they train, seek to keep people safe through education, and rescue those in need.
Next time you are at Schweitzer Mountain, thank the handlers and their dogs for what they do.
Click here to help support Schweitzer’s dogs by donating to their vet care.
