Comments on: Avalanche Beacons on Dogs?

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:04:15 +0000

Came across this article as I was contemplating putting my old beacon on my dog. All of the reasons in the article were running around in my head, but I think there are a few differences. I ski solo a lot, so it would be nice to be able to find her on my own if needed. Wouldn’t do it with my usual group with me though.

Also, screw the comments on splitboards. I ski and splitboard, and if it takes any splitboarder 20 mins to switch, they should be practicing a hell of a lot more. It takes me, maybe 2 mins while talking and grabbing a bite to eat. In a search scenario, and I’ve practiced, you can usually board down to the point of last scene and then jump out of the board and get mobile without skis. Or, split the board without skins, which takes about 45 sec to go from board to touring.

Grow up, that mountaineering instructor just doesnt like snowboarders, that much is obvious.

By: Lou

Lou — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:49:06 +0000

SAR, so, avalanche rescue dogs work in the right situation. I agree. But extending your take, are you saying that we all should travel with at least one avy rescue dog in each group of skiers? Otherwise, I don’t understand how dogs can effectively save lives in the case of most avalanche burials, since in most accidents they wouldn’t be there quickly enough.

As for the philosophical take of sacrificing a human for a dog’s life… I think most people in our culture tend to have the same answer to that perplexing moral dilemma.

As for digging, I do know that dogs dig and dig well. To an extent. But I’m curious how they would throw snow up out of a 5-foot deep pit on level ground. I’ve had many dogs of my own, and watched them dig in both snow and dirt. The lack of shovel is eventually a problem.

By: SAR Dog Trainer

SAR Dog Trainer — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:28:31 +0000

canfireskier -”Hey let me know when your dog can dig me out from under even a meter of snow”

ANSWER: NOW. My dog can find your scent under METERS of snow and will immediately start digging. I guess you didn’t know that. Not just digging but POUNCE digging. There is nothing an ava dog wants more than to unbury the human subject because that is what they are traind to do. By the time we two legged rescuers get there, the dog will be half way to you if not already have reached you. If you are a lucky enough bastard to have an ava dog on your scent.

I challange anyone who is skeptical on this to go to your local avalanche dog reacue group and volunteer to be buried for an avalanche exercize. Seeing is believing and if you don’t have the education as to what these dogs are and do you really don’t have an educated response to this post.

By: canfireskier

canfireskier — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:03:32 +0000

“As for pets wearing transmitters, I’d be inclined to agree with you. However, SAR dogs are an asset to humanity beyond measure. Dig up a SAR dog and more lives will be saved. How many lives are you planning on saving if we dig you up and let my dog die?”

Hey let me know when your dog can dig me out from under even a meter of snow. I know i they do an improtant job but they are a tool out there and do not take the place of a human and a shovel.

By: Johann Slam

Johann Slam — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:05:00 +0000

Just ordered 2 of the Pieps TX600 units and will put them through some testing.
I for years have tried many different options for my various working dogs. Orotovox used to make a Ski mouse which worked well when attached to the dog harness/collar, but it does not match the current beacon abilities. I also used the SOS sled bug unit, but not much luck on it. I stopped using the skier freq for my dogs with a variety of send only units years ago, when someone first raised the issue and I agree that although I value the life of my dogs alot- the human life will come first. I’ll also put forth that dogs that are in the mountains must be trained. A dog chasing wildlife, setting it’s own track where I don’t wanna be or raising the risk level for my groups is unacceptable and just like a person- would not be welcome in my group.