History of Idaho The Heroic Work of Idaho's Search and Rescue Dogs

Search and rescue dogs are crucial to emergency response efforts in Idaho and beyond. These highly trained canines can search for and locate victims in various situations. From missing persons to natural disasters, from wilderness areas to the urban setting. In Idaho and beyond, search and rescue dogs have played a key role in saving lives and aiding in rescue efforts.

In this blog post, we'll explore the heroic work of Idaho's search and rescue dogs, including their history, training, and impact on emergency response efforts.

The Role of Search and Rescue Dogs in Emergency Response

Search and rescue dogs are trained to use their keen sense of smell to locate victims in emergencies. These highly skilled canines are able to cover large areas quickly and efficiently, making them an invaluable resource in rescue efforts. Search and rescue dogs are often used in wilderness areas. They are also a valuable resource after natural disasters, building collapses and other emergencies.

A dogs strong sense of smell and can identify specific scents even amid other smells and distractions. We can teach them to use their natural ability to distinguish between human scent, and other “distractions”. They can also search in areas that may be difficult or impossible for humans to access, such as with building collapses or other hazardous areas. Their efficiency is also a huge asset. Locating victims early, allows the rest of the team to make time sensitive rescues.

The History of Idaho’s Urban Search and Rescue Dogs

The use of urban search and rescue dogs in Idaho dates back to 2005 when the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security established three technical rescue task forces. These teams were created to respond to complex emergency incidents, such as building collapses or other disasters. Members of these three teams received specialized urban search and rescue training. An impressive cache of equipment was purchased to provide this needed resource.

The federal urban search and rescue teams have utilized specially trained canines because they have been proven to be faster and more efficient in locating victims of these types of incidents. However, the cost associated with this resource was beyond the available funding the state had. To be able to have this critical resource available, two Coeur d’Alene firefighters created Idaho’s Urban Search and Rescue Canine Team. The canine team is able to deploy with Idaho Task Force 1 (one of the three teams established by the state). The canine component is the only USAR canine team in the state.

The Future of Search and Rescue Dogs in Idaho

Even with today’s technology, these dogs are still a much needed resource. Their natural ability is unmatched. That ability combined with their accuracy, dependability and speed makes them a critical resource that must be maintained for the state and beyond. Search and Rescue Dogs are much like the fire department; you hope to never need it, but if you do, you are glad they are there.

The Training and Care of Search and Rescue Dogs in Idaho

Search and rescue dogs undergo rigorous training to prepare them for meaningful work. The training process always included obedience and search training. These dogs must be able to work effectively with their handlers and other search and rescue team members. They will also receive specialized training, depending on what discipline of search and rescue they will be participating in

In addition to their training, search and rescue dogs require specialized care and support to ensure their health and well-being. This includes regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. Search and rescue dogs also require appropriate housing and facilities. Their handlers also require specialized training to work with their canine partners, and to safely work in these environments. The search and rescue dog becomes part of your family. They also become another full time job, to keep them well trained.

Training of Urban Search and Rescue Dogs

The training of urban Search and Rescue Dogs in Idaho is rigorous and thorough. Before a dog can become a certified urban search and rescue dog, it must undergo extensive training, which includes obedience, agility and specialized search and rescue training. The training typically takes around 18-24 months and involves a variety of exercises to develop the dog's skills. That timeline gets them able to pass a test, which is the minimum skill level required. They will spend the rest of their career improving after that.

Basic obedience training is the first step in training an urban search and rescue dog. This is important because the dog must be able to work off-leash and under the control of its handler. The agility training prepares them to be able to work on rubble, and unstable surfaces. Learning things like ladders and rappelling, also prevents the rescue dog from being unable to access certain areas during a search. Urban search and rescue dogs also receive specialized training for searching in the urban environment. Part of that training is to avoid distractions and locate human scent that is buried under rubble with many other scents.

The Impact of Search and Rescue Dogs in Idaho

Idaho Search and rescue dogs have significantly impacted emergency response efforts. These heroic canines have helped to locate missing persons, save lives, and aid in disaster recovery efforts. Their specialized skills and training make them an invaluable resources in emergency situations.

Amazing Rescues

Over the years, Idaho’s search and rescue dogs have been involved in many amazing rescues. Each rescue is invaluable to the person and their family. One of the most famous rescues occurred in 2006 when a search and rescue dog named Koda helped rescue a woman who had been buried under an avalanche for 36 hours. Koda could locate the woman by detecting her scent from under the snow and was instrumental in her rescue.

Over the years, search and rescue dogs have played a key role in emergency response efforts in Idaho. In 2014, for example, a search and rescue dog named K-9 Riggins helped to locate a missing hiker in the Craters of the Moon National Monument. Riggins and his handler searched for the hiker for several hours and eventually discovered him in a remote park area. The hiker was dehydrated but otherwise unharmed.

Conclusion

The work of search and rescue dogs in Idaho is genuinely heroic. These amazing animals are trained to locate and rescue people who are lost, trapped, or injured. Their sense of smell is so strong that they can detect the human scent even when it's buried under snow or debris. In addition to their incredible sense of smell, search, and rescue dogs are also trained in their specific discipline. A wide variety of specialized skills are taught, such as climbing ladders, tunnels, teeter totters, rappelling, swimming and more. They, indeed, are heroes, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their service.