Rescue dogs learn to overcome their fear of helicopters

Aircraft manufacturer Airbus helps canine units get used to the sound, vibrations and downwash of the rotors so they can travel to the areas where they are needed.

The initially nervous dogs of the Nordschwaben District Association of the Bavarian Red Cross are introduced to an H145 aircraft at Donauworth, the German headquarters of Airbus Helicopters.

They are then taken to the helicopter while the rotors are turning to get used to the sensations.

Airbus said Friday (Aug. 14): "The vibrations and downwash of the rotor unsettle the dogs. The closer they get, the more they cower. All that can help now are kind words from their human partner and a few treats from their pockets at the right moment.

"When the rescue teams go on search missions, there are usually helicopters in the air, flying over the area, which is why the dogs need to overcome their fear of them."

Airbus said that five dogs took part — Miko, Odin, Bella, Mia and Hugo — with four overcoming their fear.

It added: "But that's not a problem, since area search dogs don't normally fly with the helicopter. They are deployed in locations where the terrain can also be accessed by car."

Sina Raab, head of the unit, said missions can include helping "older people with dementia, children, suicidal people, and people in general who find themselves in a helpless situation."

She added: "Last year, we were deployed in fifty-five missing person searches. We are alerted by the police via the integrated control center at any time of day or night."

A rescue dog team on duty consists of a dog handler, a dog and at least one helper, who can search an area covering about 45,000 m2.