Northumberland mountain rescue dogs: Training a new generation

A volunteer “dogsbody” is an essential part of canine mountain rescue training.

They must spend anywhere from a few minutes to numerous hours hidden in the wilderness during training exercises, while eager rescue dogs seek them out.

Volunteers must enthusiastically praise the dogs when found, particularly in the early stages of training when the dog is young.

“The ‘bodies’ have to play with the dog, get the dog excited,” explains retired handler Ian Thompson.

“What we want to do is to get to get our dogs what we call body-focused.”

Video produced by Alex Challies.