Frequently Asked Questions

How do you train your dog?

The training for a search dog takes an incredible amount of time and dedication. Training is a layered system and starts with a good foundation of the dog wanting to play tug. To the dog, a search drill is just a big game of hide and seek and taps into their hunt and prey drives. In the beginning of training there are very simple “runaway” drills- this involves a person showing the dog a toy, then running and hiding behind a tree, a simple snow cave or just hiding out of sight. As training progresses, the drills get harder. As the dog becomes more confident and experienced, drills progress up to having the dog find multiple people buried deep in snow caves by using their excellent sense of smell. Once the dog finds someone, they are rewarded by getting to play tug with the toy that is buried with the person. Playing tug of war is the greatest reward to a trained search dog.

How can I support the NRAC program?

The best way to help is to contact the dog programs at the NRAC member mountains. See NRAC Member Mountains page for links to their socials. Get in touch with the mountains individually- they each do fundraising efforts that support the dog programs. In some cases we may be looking for folks to help us by hiding in dog holes for training. Again, messaging the member mountains via social media is the best way to get more info about this.

What breed are avalanche rescue dogs?

The ideal rescue dog has a strong hunting or herding instinct and can be trained to work well around humans and other dogs. They are typically large enough to move well in deep snow but small enough to transport in the mountains easily. Labradors, German Shepards, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies are typical breeds for this job.

How do dogs find you or know you are buried?

A dog’s sense of smell is their greatest tool when it comes to searching. Dogs noses are 100,000 times more sensitive than a human nose. Because a dog’s nose is so powerful, they can smell and track human scent that is completely buried in avalanche debris. The dogs are trained to alert on any buried person within the search area.

Why use a dog when there are avalanche transceivers and RECCO?

Thanks to the amazing capability of a dog’s nose, they possess special talents that human rescuers do not have. Avalanche rescue dogs are a crucial tool that fits into the whole search operation and can work in conjunction with other rescuers. Not every person skis with an avalanche transceiver or a RECCO chip, therefore being found by an avalanche dog will be their best option for a rescue. Even if a skier has a transceiver and a RECCO chip, there is a possibility that this equipment could malfunction or be damaged in the avalanche. Without Recco or transceivers, a search line is the only other method of finding people buried in avalanches. An avalanche dog can cover an area in just a matter of minutes that would otherwise take searchers with avalanche probes hours to cover.

Can my dog be a search and rescue dog?

In order to meet the qualifications of becoming an NRAC member, a dog must first be associated and working for an approved ski patrol. Every dog that is part of the NRAC program works with a dedicated, full time handler as a rescue dog for a ski patrol. The current list of ski patrols that are part of the NRAC program includes: Silver Mountain, Schweitzer, and Whitefish. Additionally, avalanche rescue dogs are intentionally selected for the job when they are puppies, and training begins right away.

How do NRAC dogs get deployed to an avalanche?

NRAC dog teams are requested by the agency in charge of avalanche search and rescue incidents. This could be the county sherrif, a SAR agency, or a ski area. Incident leaders would contact NRAC personnel directly to request dog teams. By standardizing our testing and training, search leaders get a predictable, high quality search resource when NRAC dog teams are requested.

How long is a search dogs’ career?

The exact length of a working dog’s career will vary with each dog, and there are multiple factors that will affect the length of their career. Some factors include the dog’s breed, size, and overall health. However, if a dog can stay healthy then a typical working career will last around 8-10 years. All avalanche rescue dogs love their job, and they are excited to go to work each day.

Can I say hi to a dog and pet them if I see them on the mountain?

It is important to understand that when you see an avalanche dog at work on the mountain, they are constantly in training. Even if they are not in the middle of a search drill, the dogs are constantly working on other aspects of their job, such as obedience, transportation, and socialization. Please always ask the handler if it is an appropriate time to meet the dog. If the handler agrees to you saying hi to the dog, click out of your skis or snowboard before walking up and saying hi. Skis and snowboards have sharp edges that could easily hurt a working dog. If a handler politely asks you not to pet the dog, please respect their response and feel free to ask if there might be a better time.

Do avalanche dogs have special training to ride on chairlifts?

An important aspect of an avalanche dogs’ job is being able to be transported around the mountain. You may see a working dog on a chairlift, riding on their handlers’ shoulders, running alongside their handler, and riding on a snowmobile. Just like any other part of their job, this requires specific training. Avalanche dogs are trained in how to properly ride the chairlift with their handler, as well as how to evacuate the chairlift if the chairlift has a mechanical issue while the dog was on the lift. Having an avalanche dog on the chairlift requires certain pieces of gear, and many hours of training.