Several stations had to be mastered: At the club’s internal dressing area, obedience and skill had to be demonstrated, sometimes under extreme distraction. In the Volksheim, the dog handlers had to complete a knowledge quiz with specific questions about rescue dog work, and in the forest adjacent to the training area there was a search by two dogs at a time.
In the waste collection center in Heidenreichstein, provided by the municipality, the dogs had to confirm their search ability under difficult odor conditions and distractions. In the Trainingigswald in Litschau, extensive path and area searches were practiced at two stations. This large area of forest is made available to rescue dogs by the owner and sponsor Markus Dlouhy and is also used by rescue dogs from various blue light organizations.
Members of the rescue dog brigade must complete such a state exercise annually in order to remain operational. In addition, a rescue dog test for surfaces or rubble must be completed, with the minimum rating being “satisfactory”. In addition, a successful operational exercise by the search team over a period of two days is required, in which operational scenarios must be successfully completed day and night.
A “knackwurst” as a reward
Since this state exercise was carried out on Carnival Sunday, there was also a special discipline in which the dogs had to deal with a “Knackwurst station”. On an obstacle course there were many distractions with toys and treats for the rescue dogs and their handlers. Afterwards, a “knackwurst” had to be retrieved without the dog eating it. Only later was this the reward. A proof of the dog’s enormous obedience.
A total of six groups took part in the exercise. Everyone completed the tasks in an exemplary manner; the weekend was excellently prepared and organized by the ÖRHB’s Heidenreichstein squadron. The training leader was squadron leader Markus Sailer. What was particularly impressive was the cooperation between dog and handler and the obedience of the animals. There are 13 dog squads in Lower Austria, the one in Heidenreichstein is the only one in the region on the part of the ÖRHB. The Red Cross operates a search dog team in Weitra.
When and how the dogs are used
In principle, any emergency organization can aim to alert the rescue dogs. Operations can only take place in cooperation with the district administrative authorities and the police. Operational readiness can be achieved in around an hour, with operational times ranging from a few hours to a few days. The Heidenreichstein squadron has ten handlers with nine dogs. The dogs’ training takes two to three years. All assignments are voluntary and free of charge. However, donations can be made for this activity.
The rescue dog units strive for international cooperation: a squadron from the Workers’ and Samaritans’ Association from Central Thuringia, Germany, will be visiting Reingers from May 1st to 6th. For smaller exercises, we are also happy to practice with other rescue organizations from the region.
2024-02-19 19:00:00