Pet rescue: the family dogs trained to save lives in Scotland鈥檚 hills
17 April 2019
When someone goes missing in the mountains, the length of time it takes to find them can mean the difference between life and death.
That’s why rescue teams call on dogs to help them reach their target. Not only can they cover ground faster than the teams on foot, they can expertly scent out a person in distress.
This makes them crucial members of search and rescue teams. But, as Landward discovered, it can take two years’ of tough training for a dog to hone its skills and be considered reliable enough to take part in emergency call-outs.
And what makes these life-saving pooches all the more remarkable, is that while they’re not playing the role of man’s best friend in the hills, they’re doing so at home in their everyday job of humble family pets.
The family dogs trained in mountain rescue skills
Anne Lundon gets the lowdown from the Search & Rescue Dog Association Scotland.
The lure of the hills
On 大象传媒 iPlayer
-
![]()
Landward
Dougie Vipond celebrates Scotland鈥檚 mountains.
Latest features from 大象传媒 Scotland
-
![]()
'Wild swimming helps me process the grief of losing my son'
The benefits of cold water therapy.
-
![]()
Winter adventures are appealing, but an expert advises caution
Trips in winter require particular knowledge and skills.
-
![]()
The rescuers: Why volunteers risk their lives in mountain emergencies
Landward meets members of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
-
![]()
鈥楲ook for the light鈥� 鈥� practical tips to help you through another winter with SAD
Useful advice and tips to combat low moods at this time of year.
-
![]()
How you could be a binge drinker without even knowing
Binge drinking is classed as fewer units than many people may realise.
-
![]()
How chocolate biscuits and drama classes helped one man leave prison behind
The healing power of creativity.
-
![]()
'When people believe in you, it鈥檚 life-changing'
Author Graeme Armstrong revisits the man who helped turn his life around.
-
![]()
The 'breath-taking' display of US birds swept on to British soil
Recent storms have brought rare birds to our shores.
-
![]()
Six things we learned about Alan Cumming on Take the Floor (Spoiler: includes accordions)
The actor spoke to Take the Floor's Gary Innes.
-
![]()
How street gangs trap young men in a dangerous cycle of violence
The almost inescapable pull of life in a gang.
-
![]()
Why stylist Gok Wan believes there's no such thing as bad fashion
The fashion expert says we should stop following rules and do what feels right.
-
![]()
Is sending a CV still the right way to apply for a job?
They've been central to job applications for years, but are they worth it?
