WBR attends Steven's Pass dog school.

       Thanks to Sundance Ski Patrol and WBR angus and I were able to attend the Steven's pass dog school this year with Chris and his dog Ike. It was a great learning experience and has helped us come away with new ideas on how to approach our training regiment. The week began with Angus and I flying up to the SeaTac airport, and meeting up with Chris and Ike to drive to the resort. When we arrived we were greeted by Chris Hunter ( The organizer of the Steven's Pass school) and shown to the cabin we would be staying at.

      Because of the Forest Service permit there is no lodging at the resort, with the exception of a few privately owned cabins which were built in the 30's.  One of these cabins, known as the Swiss house, graciously hosted all of the handlers and their dogs for the week.  The first night we had a meet and greet with the Swiss instructor's, Marcel and Christoph, as well as the other handlers and were briefed as to the weeks itinerary and goals.  We were also split into two groups with Marcel leading one and Christoph leading the other. 

     The first real day of on hill training was an introduction into the Swiss four phase progression and centered around learning how to dig proper holes and figuring out where each team was at in the progression.  We also used this time to prep two sites with 4-6 holes each that we could rotate through each day.  Over the next few days we would head up to our work sites and run each dog through a series of progressions.  Christoph always emphasized with our group that you want to go forward then step back in your training, and always end on a solid success.  Instead of doing large scenarios we would do short quick drills, but spaced throughout the day.

     Our daily routine consisted of a quick meeting in the morning around breakfast and then heading up to our work site, tying the dogs down, and running drills until a little after twelve.  We would then return to the cabin, eat lunch and then head back out to the sites to learn the next phases of the progression. We would then return to the house around six for dinner and a debrief.  After dinner we would have a short class on varying topics which would be followed up by a quick overview of the next days events.  Meal times were great opportunities to get ideas and feedback from our Instructors and fellow handlers on a one on one basis, not to mention enjoy the excellent food prepared by one of their patrol supervisors (who is also a very accomplished chef). 

      One thing that I learned quickly is that the Swiss method is a very slow well thought out method, but one that produces very good results and a rock solid base for dogs to build on.  The dogs develop a strong foundation rooted on strong digs, victim loyalty, and confident ranging.  It also doesn't hurt if you have a highly food motivated dog, since the Swiss use sausage for the reward.

        Marcel gave an excellent presentation one night on avalanche site management using examples and things he has learned from over 53 accidents that he has responded to.  The last day Marcel and Christoph put together a ranging demonstration using targets and of course sausage.

         This was a great experience for both Angus and myself.  Not only was I was able to meet handlers and dogs from the Tahoe area clear up to northern Washington and every where in between, but just being able to travel with Angus via car, plane, etc to an unknown place was invaluable for us as a team.   Even though we were there to learn the Swiss method of avalanche dog training it was very useful to hear a variety of view points and questions from such a diverse group of handlers and organizations.  We both came away from this school with added tools that will help us and the other teams here at Sundance to continue to progress and improve.