Austria: Avalanche rescue dogs put to the test in Tauplitzalm

A set of 11 rescue dogs specifically trained to operate in the circumstance of an avalanche were put to the test in Tauplitzalm on Saturday. The dogs along with two instructors completed drills and exercises to get them ready for any forthcoming incident as weather worsens across northern Europe.
Commenting on how the rescue dogs are trained for a rescue attempt, one instructor said: "For the motivation of the dogs we have two options: one is food-motivation and the second is game-motivation. For this reason, we use motivational objects which may range from a ball to a piece of leather or a biscuit."
At least 10 students from St Exupery de Lion School were caught in an avalanche, along with the teacher who was found unconscious in Les Deux ski resort in the French Alps on January 13. Over 60 people including mountain police, local police, two teams of police dogs, rescue and emergency teams and amateur skiers are searching for more victims.