Behind-the-Scenes: The Avy Dog Program
If you've ever visited a ski resort, you may have seen some very special workers patrolling the slopes: Avalanche Dogs. These highly trained canines play a crucial role in keeping the mountain safe. I recently had the opportunity to interview Drew Clendenen, a Mountain Patrol Supervisor and leader of the Avalanche Dog Program at Mt. Bachelor, for a behind-the-scenes look at how our Patrol Team selects, trains, and maintains our canine companions.
The Selection Process: Choosing the Right Handler and Dog
When a new dog is brought into the program, the first step is selecting a handler. This is no small task. Handlers typically come from our existing dog program and are usually active patrollers who have been involved in training or serving as secondary handlers for other dogs. These handlers are responsible for the dog’s training, care, and ultimately its performance.
To become a certified patroller, handlers must pass nine discipline tests. It's a challenging process, but one that's essential to ensure the handler is ready for the demands of both the job and the dog. There’s no fixed time commitment to becoming a patroller, but most have been part of the team for three to five years before they’re ready to take on the responsibility of a dog.
The Funding and Time Commitment: It Takes a Village
What many people don’t realize is that handlers actually own their dogs. They are responsible for the costs associated with adopting and caring for the dog, which can be significant. Thankfully, funding from sponsorship’s like Subaru help offset the costs of training, vet bills, food, and health insurance. Additional assistance for the program comes via the sale of Avy dog apparel, and a local sponsorship from Ruff Wear for the dog’s uniforms.
It takes our entire patrol team to raise and train a successful avalanche rescue dog. Training a dog into the program from start to finish takes about three to four years, which is a big commitment for any handler. Right now, our current dogs include Ruddy and Shasta, both of whom have just passed their certifications, and Cashew and Jetty, who are still in training and expected to take their tests within the next couple of years.
Choosing the Right Breeds: A Perfect Match for the Job
Our patrol team primarily relies on working dog breeds, and while they currently have a strong presence of Golden Retrievers, any working breed is a great fit. Golden Retrievers are valued for their easy trainability, strong prey drive, and natural retrieval instincts. Shasta, Cashew, and Jetty, all from the same breeder in Washington, each possess hunting retriever instincts that align perfectly with the demands of mountain search and rescue. The team also includes a Border Collie, Ruddy, who was bred by a different breeder but brings valuable herding instincts that complement the job requirements. Drew also noted that while German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Duck Tollers can be excellent candidates for avalanche dog work, they tend to be more independent and can present a greater challenge when it comes to training.
Training: From Puppies to Professionals
The training process starts early. At just 8 to 12 weeks old, puppies begin their acclimation to both their new homes and the mountain environment. They are exposed to snow, wind, snowmobiles, chairlifts, loud noises, and more. This early exposure is crucial in ensuring the dogs grow accustomed to the varied conditions they’ll encounter on the job.
The first six months to a year focus on obedience training—basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel. As the dog grows, the team will start incorporating more complex tasks, such as fetching and digging through snow caves. Their training follows the Swiss Method, which gradually builds the dog's ability to search and locate buried victims in snow.
One of the highlights of this method is the progressive difficulty—starting with rewarding a dog for finding a treat, then gradually increasing the complexity by building walls of snow and having the dog search deeper and deeper for the reward. It’s both mentally and physically challenging for the dog, but it’s essential for real-world application. Their training takes place primarily on Mount Bachelor, where Mountain Patrol simulates real-world scenarios, including going to off-summit locations and using avalanche debris areas.
The Role of Trainers: A Lifelong Learning Process
Even though our handlers are deeply involved in the training, the team also relies on external avalanche dog trainers from Washington and Canada. These trainers help fine-tune the dogs’ skills and introduce new methods and techniques. Handlers are also continuously working to improve their skills by attending avalanche dog schools and participating in training programs across the country.
The Lifestyle: Protecting the Mountain, while Living the Bend Life
While we train these dogs for real avalanche rescues, the reality is that they’re typically used in preemptive searches or to clear zones, not for active rescues. However, it’s reassuring to know that when the time comes, these dogs will be ready. And while these Avy Dogs play a vital role in keeping our mountain safe, at the end of the day they're just a few Bend locals who share the same enthusiasm for the great outdoors. Whether it's hitting up the groomers in winter or hiking along the biking trails and paddleboarding on the river in summer, these pups embrace the same adventures as any true Bendite.
An Avy dog's career typically spans 8 to 10 years, but even in retirement, they remain a beloved presence on the mountain, usually wearing their retirement jackets. Take Mango, for instance—this retired Mt. Bachelor Avy dog can often be found curled up by the fire at the Nordic Lodge.
