Item: Handler Perceptions of Optimal Scenting Conditions for Avalanche Rescue Dogs
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Title: Handler Perceptions of Optimal Scenting Conditions for Avalanche Rescue Dogs
Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska
Authors:
- Ryan R. Gould [ Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, AK, United S tates ]
- Eeva Latosuo [ Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, AK, United S tates ]
Date: 2012
Abstract: Little research has been done to directly link environmental factors such as wind speed, humidity and air temperature to scenting conditions for avalanche rescue dogs. This study identifies ideal environmental factors based on handlersʼ practical experiences. Responding to an online survey, 61 handlers from throughout North America identified and ranked key factors that influence scent flow. The collective experience of the respondents totals over 1500 rescue training sessions and more than 350 avalanche missions. Responses to the survey yielded a significant amount of previously uncollected data of handler perceptions. In the preliminary results, the importance of wind was emphasized repeatedly. For example, when asked to rank environmental factors in order of importance, wind was indisputably the most important factor (average response 1.3; on scale 2=ideal, -2=problematic). Additionally, light wind speed was rated as an ideal wind condition (1.8; same scale). In open-ended questions, respondents echoed this point, with nearly 70% of handlers identifying light to moderate winds as the main factor present when dog worked well. More data analysis will be conducted through summer 2012 to determine conclusive and comprehensive results. Final findings will help develop objective experiments to further evaluate optimal scenting conditions.
Object ID: issw-2012-363-366.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): unknown
Keywords: avalanche rescue dogs, dog handlers, scenting conditions, environmental factors, practical experience
Page Number(s): 363-366
Subjects: rescue dogs avalanche search and rescue weather conditions
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