Rescue dogs in the dark: Prignitz trains for emergencies!

Rescue dogs in the dark: Prignitz trains for emergencies!

Something is happening in Prignitz: a proud 42 rescue dog teams from all over Germany gathered at the Perleberg city depot on August 15, 2025. The occasion? The Prignitz rescue dog camp, which is taking place for the seventh time this year. The teams spend a week together training their rubble search skills - and not in the best conditions. The practice scenarios are designed to really challenge the team and their four-legged helpers.

A pure, fictitious gas explosion causes several people to go missing. Among the trainers is Mel Schulz-Drost, who gives the dog handlers valuable tips for orientation in the dark. They not only have to rely on their dogs, but also on their own sense and ability to find their way in confusing terrain.

Challenges and training methods

The training conditions are anything but easy. Darkness, obstacles such as loose roof parts, and turned off gas and electricity sources make for a real adventure. The teams are also confronted with smoke bombs and loud music to promote the dogs' resistance to stress. The example team consists of Angela Krüger and her Australian Shepherd Casey, who together search for missing people in the winding buildings. After each successful search, the dogs receive a reward in the form of treats or toys.

All teams work in groups and learn how to use their dogs effectively. Another developer of the training methods is Jonas Zado, whose dog Zasu is also in use. A typical training area includes forests, former airfield sites and rubble dumps, perfect for training.

Readiness and training

The camp has established itself in the region and helps to increase the operational readiness of the rescue dog teams. There are currently three such teams operational in Prignitz. The last successful operation took place in June when a missing senior citizen was searched for in Wittenberge. The training period for a complete team is at least 1.5 to 2 years - a process that requires patience and perseverance. After a long night of practice, teams return to camp ready for the next challenge.

The further training and shared learning in these camps are of central importance not only for the dogs, but also for their people. If everyone gives their all and the cooperation between humans and animals is perfect, then a big step towards operational capability has already been achieved. You can already say that not only is training taking place here, but friendships for life are also being made.

The Prignitz rescue dog camp impressively shows how important the work of rescue dog teams is and at the same time offers an insight into the intensive training methods that are necessary to be best prepared for an operation. Participating in such camps is good business for everyone - after all, the dogs benefit from exciting experiences while their handlers gain valuable knowledge.

For further insights into the valuable work with rescue dogs, take a look at [tagesschau](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/brandenburg/rbb-wie-hunde-fuer-die-suche-nach-vermissten-ausbildung- Werden-102.html), discover and bbc.