The Use of Labrador Retrievers As Search and Rescue Dogs

The Labrador Retriever is a loyal, intelligent breedglass and ruptured gas lines make the work of a
with a reputation for bravery and initiative.disaster dog extremely dangerous. These dogs
Whether they are putting their friendly and socialput themselves in incredible danger in order to
nature to work as therapy dogs, using theirsave the lives of others.
intelligence to help the visually impaired navigateThe calm and gentle nature of the Labrador
busy streets as a guide dog or putting their noseRetriever makes it especially well suited to this
to work for the police as a cadaver dog, thekind of work. As a retriever, they naturally enjoy
Labrador can be found helping people all over theholding objects in their mouths. It is said that a
world. Arguably one of the bravest and mostLabrador can hold an egg in its mouth without
noble jobs this breed has been known to performbreaking it. While a soft and tender bite may
is the work of a search and rescue dog.make the Labrador unsuitable for work as a police
The work of a search and rescue dog, alsoprotection dog, it is ideal for helping pull a person
known as a disaster dog, is a long, exhausting andto safety from an icy river as a search and
often very dangerous process. It requires intenserescue dog. Alongside the Labrador Retriever,
concentration and a keen sense of smell.Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Belgian
Earthquakes, avalanches, land-slides, terroristMalinois are breeds that also make excellent
attacks and any other number of disasters cansearch and rescue dogs. Large-scale rescue
leave people trapped and injured. It is the searchefforts often include a mix of these breeds.
and rescue dog's responsibility to navigate theHowever, as a cultural icon, the Labrador
dangers of a disaster site, locate survivors, andRetriever remains a symbol of humanitarian effort
aid disaster-relief workers in bringing people toon behalf of all canines.
safety. Thick smoke, dust, burning debris, broken