How are lifesaving search dogs trained?

Proteus, the search and rescue dog of the team that arrived in Adıyaman from Mexico after the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, lost his life during studies of the remains.

Continuing their work in Adiyaman, where earthquakes caused destruction, the Mexican team held a moment of silence and a ceremony in memory of Proteus. Proteo was one of 16 dogs that came to Turkey from Mexico as part of search and rescue activities.

While the news caused great sadness, the Mexican newspaper El Financiero wrote how and how long it takes to train search and rescue dogs.

EDUCATION STARTS AT 4 MONTHS YET

These dogs, which are trained by the Mexican Secretary of Defense, are microchipped at the age of 3 months and their identity is stripped. From the age of 4 months, the dogs begin to train by joining the search and rescue teams and their training continues until they are one year old.

Then the dogs are divided into several specialties in the army. One of these specializations covers the rescue of people in natural disasters.

Proteus takes his name from Proteus, son of Poseido in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Proteus can predict the future.

PROTEO COACH: I’M PROUD OF YOU

Villeda, Proteo’s field trainer and officer-in-charge, said after the dog’s death: “I want to say I’m proud of you because you’ve always been a strong, hard-working dog who never gives up. Unfortunately you won’t be able to come back to me, always. I will remember you. I hope that all of Mexico always remembers you, never forgets you. We will see each other again one day,” he said. (DHA)