The Canine Units of the Italian Alpine Rescue Corps

Introduction

The Canine Unit of the CNSAS comprises a partnership between a dog and its handler, working in synergy during search operations. A distinguishing feature of the The Canine Units of the Italian National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS) ) is their capacity to navigate challenging terrain with confidence in both winter and summer conditions. The process of becoming an operational Canine Unit is rigorous and demanding, requiring an average of two years of intensive training.

The CNSAS develops four primary specializations:

• Surface Search Canine Units

These dogs are trained to locate missing persons in rugged terrain by identifying scent sources in the environment and distinguishing between individuals who are moving independently and those who are incapacitated and in a passive position. The dog must possess exceptional mobility skills. The handler, in addition to technical expertise, must be proficient in GPS navigation, cartography, and radio communication with the operations base. Furthermore, they must be able to interpret terrain effectively to optimize their dog’s search performance.

• Avalanche Canine Units

Avalanche Canine Units serve as the only hope for avalanche victims who are not equipped with an ARVA (Avalanche Victim Detector). Time is a critical factor—after 15 minutes of burial, the chances of survival decrease drastically. Avalanche dogs are trained to detect individuals buried beneath the snow by following the scent cone that rises to the surface. These units are stationed at air rescue bases to ensure rapid deployment.

• Disaster Search Canine Units

Disaster Search Canine Units are specifically trained to operate in debris fields and intervene in the aftermath of earthquakes, landslides, or structural collapses.

• Scent-Specific (Molecular) Canine Units

This specialization, developed more recently, involves training dogs to follow the unique molecular scent of an individual, distinguishing it from all others. Using an item belonging to the missing person (such as a piece of clothing or a personal object), these dogs can trace the precise path taken by the individual, even days later and under adverse environmental conditions.

The Training Process

For puppies between the ages of two and six months, the CNSAS has established a specialized program to lay the groundwork for future operational tasks. Through play, the puppy is gradually introduced to search work, with an emphasis on developing key attributes essential for its future role: motivation, autonomy, mobility across diverse terrains, and socialization with both humans and other dogs.

The next phase is the "Class A" course, designed for dogs between six and eighteen months old. This stage represents the first formal evaluation and requires the dog to demonstrate the ability to conduct short searches for missing persons in varied terrain with motivation and autonomy. The handler must exhibit effective interaction with their dog, respecting its individual characteristics and fostering the independence required for search work.

The final stage, "Class B," certifies the full operational capability of the Canine Unit. At this level, the team must be capable of managing complex searches over extensive areas, with the handler coordinating both the dog and the available technical resources. The dog must exhibit a high degree of autonomy, maintain sustained focus over prolonged periods, and demonstrate a reliable alert response across various situations and environments.

For Canine Units deployed at air rescue bases, an additional specialized course is required, conducted in collaboration with the National School of Alpine Rescue Technicians.

Not all dogs meet the criteria to become CNSAS Canine Units. In addition to specific breed selection, candidates must possess particular behavioral traits that enable them to endure the physically and mentally demanding nature of search operations, which can sometimes extend over several days.

Regarding training methodologies, behaviorist principles serve as a fundamental foundation but are not sufficient on their own. To establish a strong bond capable of withstanding the diverse operational situations encountered in the field, a more integrated approach—incorporating ethological theory—is essential.

Conclusion

The CNSAS Canine Units represent an indispensable component of Italy’s mountain and rugged terrain rescue operations. Their ability to rapidly cover vast search areas, locate individuals buried under snow or debris, and track scent trails where technology proves insufficient renders them irreplaceable in many rescue scenarios.

Each intervention is the culmination of years of rigorous training, an exceptional bond between handler and dog, and the dedication of volunteers who invest their time, energy, and resources to be ready when needed.

The Canine Units embody the very spirit of alpine rescue: expertise, dedication, and a deep commitment to saving lives, even in the most extreme conditions.

The original Italian version of the article can be found here