Lifeguard is not a breed, it is a vocation!
No, they will not be able to provide first aid; they cannot give life-giving moisture to a person and will not relieve pain. But rescue dogs are able to give more - life, finding the victim in a timely manner and notifying people about it. Representatives of what breeds can be engaged in much-needed and important activities, and what skills and abilities should they have?
Breeds of rescue dogs
In general, the story keeps a lot of evidence of the devotion and fearlessness of our four-legged friends. They showed remarkable courage and ingenuity during hostilities, saved people during floods and other weather disasters, sacrificed themselves for the sake of children. Moreover, these heroic acts are sometimes not at all related to the breed of dog.
But still, to work in harsh conditions and in connection with the specifics of the activity, the dog requires certain innate qualities that the following breeds possess:
- St. Bernard - this breed has long been intended for rescue work in the highland areas, it is no wonder they can anticipate the avalanche in a few hours and notify people about it. The second name of this breed is “avalanche dogs”. They can dig a person buried under the snow and drag him to a safe place, or bring rescuers to this site.
- Newfoundland - these representatives work in conditions of another element - water. Their anatomical structure and physiological properties are designed to find the animal in the water, even ice, without damage to health. This is the third eyelid, paws and auricles of a special structure, interdigital membranes and not wetting coat. Newfoundlands have incredible diving and swimming abilities, as well as an amazing instinct - to rush to the aid of the slightest sign indicating that a person is in trouble.
- The German Shepherd - for a long time protecting livestock from predator attacks, and living in harsh conditions, representatives of this breed acquired a lot of qualities necessary for survival. Naturally, without developed intellectual abilities in this matter is not enough. Becoming a practically universal dog, the German Shepherd dog showed itself in rescue work.
- Labrador - the history of the breed is such that from its very origins dogs have already been lifeguards. They helped fishermen to catch fish and also searched for people during storms. In addition, due to their strength and endurance, they were pigeon animals and helpers during a hunt. Modern intellectual abilities allow these dogs to memorize two hundred teams!
Of course, this is not the whole list, and representatives of other breeds are often involved in rescue operations. But these dogs, whatever you say, and the saving instinct is in the genes.
Rescue dog skills
Among the skills required of rescue dogs, two main ones can be distinguished - it is to find a person who is in trouble and to inform his colleagues about it. Of course, some strong dogs are able to get victims from under the rubble, dig them in the snow, but more often they still need the help of specialists. In addition to the subtle scent, physical strength and desire to work, a number of other requirements are imposed on the dog:
- Stable psyche . A working dog should not react to what is happening around, but be fully focused on the task being performed.
- Good humor and goodwill . The four-legged rescuer should be happy to see the victim, whom he found, and not growl and grin, scaring. In addition, usually during an emergency, the scene of the incident is filled with many people - doctors, lifeguards, etc., and the dog should not be wary or aggressive.
- The ability to make decisions on their own . In critical situations, when a person is not around, the dog must be able to act without waiting for the command.
- Obedience . Dogs who love to run away, sensing freedom, or seeing another dog, are absolutely not suitable for the role of lifeguards. This work requires strict discipline and the fulfillment of the task at any cost.
Needless to say, a dog may be the only chance for salvation, risking himself and not demanding anything in return? These smaller friends can perform heroic deeds, which once again confirm their dedication and fearlessness.
See how rescue dogs train: