Rescue dog Dexter discovers missing people in the basement in a flash!

Rescue dog Dexter discovers missing people in the basement in a flash!

In Prignitz there is currently high pressure - with a very special focus on rescue dogs. Five-year-old Border Collie Dexter recently demonstrated what he was capable of when he discovered a missing person in the basement of a building during an exercise. The little hero announces his discovery by barking loudly and is rewarded by his handler Katja Korff, which consists of both treats and a round of games with his favorite toy. A reason for joy and motivation in the intensive training to become a rescue dog!

The Prignitz rescue dog team is currently training on the grounds of the Imperial Barracks in Perleberg. This location is a true paradise for such exercises: long corridors, winding rooms and basements provide the dogs with realistic training conditions. The dog squad has been active since August 9th and trains various groups at different locations in Prignitz. Seven dogs are used to complete their tasks in turn. So does Dexter, who masters the exercise with flying colors and finds Yvonne Mennesclou, who was hiding in a basement room, in just a few seconds.

Training and deployment

Training to become a rescue dog usually takes between two and three years. It is ideal to start training early in the dog's life in order to develop a trusting bond between dog and handler. Positive reinforcement, such as food or toys, is used to teach the basics of rescue dog work. This training includes various facets: area or rubble dog training as well as the very specific mantrailing, in which the dog follows the scent of a single person.

An important aspect of the training is finding people in deep hiding places. The training involves the dog remaining in place and barking towards the missing person to provide accurate information to rescuers. Dexter is currently ready for use as an area search dog, and Katja Korff has big plans: She would like to take on the demanding rubble test with Dexter in the fall. The requirements for training include the dogs' health, temperament and basic motivation.

Motivation and reward

Rewards play a crucial role in training. They not only increase the dogs' motivation, but also help to strengthen the bond between humans and animals. According to the trainers of the Prignitz rescue dog team, the dogs' operational capability is checked regularly so that they can work reliably in an emergency. Dexter, as a prime example of this type of training, shows that Border Collies are ideal for use as rescue dogs due to their size, willingness to work and their build.

So it remains to be hoped that the intensive exercises carried out by the Prignitz rescue dog team can help many people when it matters. If things have to happen quickly in an emergency, helping paws like Dexter's are worth their weight in gold! For those interested in learning more about the training and possible uses of rescue dogs, Rettungshunde Prignitz offers valuable information and insights into their work.