On February 17, 2024, Europa-Park became the venue for an extraordinary event: More than 200 rescue dogs from the region utilized the European-themed areas for specialized training before the official start of the season. Among the participants were 15 renowned rescue dog squads, including the DRK county associations of Ortenau and Emmendingen, as well as the Johanniter from Baden-Karlsruhe.
Ideal Conditions in the Amusement Park
Europa-Park, known as Germany's largest amusement park, offers a plethora of challenges for canine rescuers. With its winding paths and a wide variety of scents, the park creates realistic conditions that are invaluable for the training of rescue dogs. The teams, including the squads of BRH Breisgau-Ortenau and Rastatt-Mittelbaden, benefited from this unique training environment.
Training Range for the Four-Legged
The comprehensive training program included area and building searches as well as mantrailing. Training attractions included “Adventure Atlantis” and “Arthur – in the Kingdom of the Minimoys.” The dogs demonstrated their skills in queue areas, green spaces, and even in the park's nursery. For their successful efforts, the sniffers received rewards in the form of play or treats.
Commitment and Recognition
Florian Hebding from the DRK county association Ortenau expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to use Europa-Park as a training ground. He emphasized the significance of the training opportunities for the education of the rescue dogs and their handlers. The voluntary commitment of the rescue dog squads, which invest over 800 hours annually in their training and missions, is an essential contribution to the community.
Indispensable Preparation for Emergencies
The training in Europa-Park is an exemplary project that illustrates the importance of practical experience for rescue dog teams. Through the collaboration between the amusement park and the rescue dog squads, the teams receive indispensable preparation for their missions. This initiative highlights the significance of volunteer work and the constant readiness to assist people in need.
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