Rescue Dogs Learning Lifesaving Skills Through Play

SQUAW VALLEY (CBS13) - Last week, search and rescued dogs were used to help look for missing hiker Cody Michael and his dog Bauer. Today we got an inside look at the training to get these dogs prepared to save lives.

It looks like playtime, but Watson is actually learning important skills. High atop the Sierras, a new generation of search-and-rescue dogs is being trained.

"We play tag, we play chase, we go through lots of treats to learn the basic commands," said ski patrolman Carl Davis.

At just 12 weeks old, Watson is the newest member of the team.

His trainer uses a gutting game that will be necessary for when he finds a missing person or a piece of clothing.

"When he gets into the hold, his job is to tug and pull what he finds," said Davis.

But first, it's almost two years of training. And it's not just Watson who needs the practice.

"It's more about training me. He can do the job. I have to focus his energy and drive into doing what I want him to do," said Davis.

Trooper is a little more advanced.

"This is a very simple version of how we start things," said search and rescue team member Steve Selander.

Trooper watches with excitement as someone goes to hide.

"That dog's nose is so much quicker and powerful than any tools that we have as humans," said Selander.

Trooper will eventually learn to find things like backpacks and people without seeing where they go. He'll hopefully help save lives.

"They'll typically come get us in a helicopter and then we'll have the dogs search from there," said Selander.

At the end of training, both the dogs and the trainer will need to become validated through a series of tests. Until then, the bonding continues.

The rescue dog program depends on private fundraising for training and education. If you'd like to donate, visit www.SquawDogs.com.