Search and rescue dogs visited our Bili-Vorkurs

In our bilingual class we learned about avalanches and how people can be rescued by dogs. So we were all excited when we had the possibility to meet our teachers’ two search and rescue dogs, Charlie and Luna, at the SMG.

When the dogs arrived, they were lovely and also let us pet them. At the beginning our teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Streda, explained everything to us:

- what type of clothes you wear in a mission,

- how the vests for the dogs work

- and the use of toys and treats.

We also learned why the dog handlers use soap bubbles and baby powder. It is there so you can know which direction the wind blows. You blow soap bubbles or pour baby powder and the direction they are blown indicates where the dogs can sniff the human scent.

Then there was a map of a forest drawn onto the ground with chalk, so we could see and learn how the dogs are able to search big areas. After that we moved on to hiding ourselves.

First Mr. Streda hid and Charlie found him and barked at him to get the treats, then some other students also hid from the dogs. Later, we moved onto a larger area behind the gym.

Some students hid with Mr. Streda and one student led the dog with Mrs. Streda. The first dog that searched was Luna and then Charlie. When the dogs found us, we could give them treats and throw a toy and they would run after it. After some time the students could also hide alone.

All in all it was a fun experience and everyone had a great time!

Katja Bock, Hümeyra Hasan, Sara Cakor - Klasse 6a