CVSRT is very fortunate to have 6 qualified MRSDE Search dog handlers in the team, working 4 air-scenting search dogs, and two dogs in training (…possibly a third aspirant pup, but that’s another story, Sssh!!)

To maintain the search skills of the dogs, the handlers train with them twice weekly, searching for dogsbodies (volunteers hiding from the dogs), as well as regular training with the full team. Life in lockdown and adhering to social distancing guidelines obviously has its challenges when it comes to training, however search dog training is naturally a socially distanced activity with dogsbodies generally hiding 500mtres apart in remote locations, like moorland or rocky outcrops.

CVSRT always welcomes the opportunity (when appropriate), to work with other emergency services, neighbouring rescue teams and fellow rescue personnel visiting our operational area. Recently the team welcomed Stephan Rosenburg and Silvia Crowley, two search dog handlers from Rettungshundestaffel Fuerstenfeldbruck based near Munich. They were with their search dogs, Isa (Isa les Gardiens de l’ Esprit Hardi), a Beauceron and Arabella (Shamrock Shepherds’ Arabella), a White Swiss Shepherd.

During their visit, the couple attended a socially distanced, full team search training exercise at Norland Moor, which focussed on a 3k rapid path search for items left by an ‘exercise’ high risk missing person. The visitors also attended the twice weekly dog training at two locations around the region. This was a great opportunity to exercise the dogs, share knowledge and practise techniques, and enjoy the stunning views around the Calder Valley.

To find out more about our visitors please visit: facebook.com/bundesverband.rettungshunde or facebook.com/BRH.Rettungshundestaffel.Fuerstenfeldbruck/ or www.bundesverband-rettungshunde.de/en/

To find out more about MRSDE and to support the search dogs visit: mountainrescuesearchdogsengland.org.uk/fundraising/

To volunteer as a CVSRT dogsbody or training casualty, please email: enquiries@cvsrt.org.uk