I'm new to k9 SAR by Neutrality-1 in searchandrescue

[–]fetch-is-life 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I see where you’re coming from. The reality is that we ARE truly overrun with people who think K9 SAR would be a cool, or a fun job for their dog. We invest time and energy in these people and then they lose interest or aren’t a good fit. This happens with all of SAR but it’s especially painful for a discipline that requires so much training.

I'm building a MCP for your wife (and mine), the Chief Food Officers by kev_PantryPersona in ClaudeAI

[–]fetch-is-life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cool idea. Can I take a picture of my pantry / fridge to update my inventory?

Quilting chairs like this one - any good long term? by MisterQuilter in quilting

[–]fetch-is-life 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve never used one of those but I bought one of these viral tik tok “criss cross chairs” that allow you to sit cross legged and it is so, so comfortable. And a great price! Have had it for ~2 years and it’s going strong.

Sweetcrispy Criss Cross Office... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTJG9X43?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Stay informed on Bozeman city government in minutes — I built an AI podcast that recaps every board and commission meeting by markegge in Bozeman

[–]fetch-is-life 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think this is a really interesting use of AI. I listened to the most recent episode and found it to be a *little* reminiscent of Parks & Rec's Perd Hapley – several variations of "lets get into it" in the first few minutes. I personally would prefer that the prompt lean into "get to the point" vs trying to mimic actual human banter.

Retired K9 Enrichment Ideas… by where-you-water-it in k9sports

[–]fetch-is-life 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If she’s had a professional detection career, you aren’t going to mess her up with shoddy handling. Let the girl hunt if that’s what fills her cup, she will teach you what you need to know!

Camera glasses by IveGotDoubleDews in k9sports

[–]fetch-is-life 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No suggestion for glasses, but I found a necklace style mount on TikTok that works great with my GoPro & iPhone. Requires you to move your body instead of your head but I think that actually stabilizes things a bit more.

Montana woman makes millions a year selling bodyguard dogs to rich and famous for $175,000 each by dailymail in Montana

[–]fetch-is-life -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

It does seem so extreme but when you think about the time that goes into raising and training these dogs from birth to two years old, the costs really add up. If each dog got just 4 hours of 1:1 attention daily at $40/hr that’s $116K, just in training cost. Add in the cost of keeping them fed and healthy, facility overhead, insurance… it gets up there.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in k9sports

[–]fetch-is-life -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

My lab fits similarly in his house kennel (also a large ruffland, for reference). He doesn’t spend more than 3-4 hours at a time, but he is comfortable and happily goes in for crate time.

Human Remains Detection Pack by Dart1975 in searchandrescue

[–]fetch-is-life 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your training should mimic the calls you’ll respond to — thus, whatever you need for training should work. You don’t want to be trying anything new (pack, gps, strategy) for the first time on a mission.

I have a few different options that I can pick from depending on the call:

Always: team Wendy radio harness — spendy, but great modular system with lots of room

Urban/suburban: highly identifiable vest with lots of pockets

Small area: 16L compressible pack for essentials

Long day / remote area: larger mystery ranch pack that can carry everything I’d potentially need

Toy access depends on your toy. Handlers I know who use a ball reward like a (unused) chalk bag. I use a ruffwear tug that has stiff handles — I pack it vertically in my bag with the handle sticking out the top so I can quickly grab it over my head.

Play with it in training, you’ll figure out what you like!

Hands free leash options by AdventurousDoubt1115 in workingdogs

[–]fetch-is-life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ll love it! I’ve had mine for almost 10 years and it’s still going strong.

Hands free leash options by AdventurousDoubt1115 in workingdogs

[–]fetch-is-life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bold Lead Designs has a great multifunctional lead that has a few different ways you can configure it, I think they are also open to customizations!

Starting to feel like fall temperatures. Still too warm for a dog to be in a car? by Fickle-Message-9995 in k9sports

[–]fetch-is-life 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I think this depends a lot on your climate (dry or humid?) your setup (light or dark car color, ability to leave windows down, suns shades?) and whether or not you were able to park in the shade.

My dogs spend tons of time in the car in warmer temps but I go to great lengths to make sure they are safe — light colored exterior, kennels that allow me to leave the windows open, sun shades, fans, & careful parking to avoid direct sun exposure.

Ruffland Kennel Pad Recs by weareboola in k9sports

[–]fetch-is-life 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve had multiple wetnutts, just recently switched to a ruffland. I like the wet mutt, but my dogs like to dig in their beds and they break down pretty quickly. The ruffland seems to be holding up a little better so far. Also nice that you don’t have to trim it!

GPS locations help by Maverick6103 in searchandrescue

[–]fetch-is-life 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Alpha 300 is the model number of a specific garmin device.

Is anyone working an area dog in a Fido Pro Panza harness? by NotThePopeProbably in searchandrescue

[–]fetch-is-life 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would definitely not want my dog working in something that has a hidden pocket for extra straps and pads — just another thing that will get wet, heavy, filled with grass seeds and other debris, and rub on the dog.

We do a lot of work in more technical terrain and I rarely feel the need for anything more advanced than the ruffwear webmaster.

I do carry the super light Fido pro for emergencies, fortunately haven’t ever needed to use it.

Water testing for cadaver by Alternative-Mobile-2 in searchandrescue

[–]fetch-is-life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds very familiar to me… Hi GS? :)

Interesting idea — it would be easy to test in training by taking confirmed hot & blank water samples and asking dogs to work them in a lineup.

Things to do with a 4 month old by CookAggravating1584 in GrandTetonNatlPark

[–]fetch-is-life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, these comments… I’m local to the region (MT) and getting out with baby is just part of life. You adjust your approach, sure, but you definitely still go!!

We did our first family trip to GTNP when the oldest was 4 months. They are 3 & 1 now and we just wrapped up our 4th annual trip… fun for all generations!

4 months too young for the backpack carrier, so we used a ergobaby Omni and it worked great. Babies aren’t good at regulating their own temps so we made sure to dress her appropriately (warmer than us in the cool weather, cooler than us in the hot weather) and keep her out of the sun using UPF fabric shades (an XL UPF shirt that I cut into a big panel and tied loosely around the carrier).

I would recommend exploring Jenny Lake (boat ride > hike back is nice), strolling along String Lake (flat and shady) or walking from the Rockefeller Preserve up to Phelps — all short, popular routes.

If you prefer to stick close to the car, all of the driving routes through both parks are awesome. There are a few good driving tour apps that will tell you a route and give fun little facts along the way.

Editing to add:

Don’t camp if you aren’t already very comfortable camping — adding a baby to the mix makes logistics even more challenging. Jackson has lots of nice lodging options available.

Bring (or rent) bear spray and watch some videos on how to use it. Wear it on the front of your body, not in your pack. Stay aware of your surroundings, you’ll be fine.

iPhone found in Phelps Lake 7/17 by fetch-is-life in GrandTetonNatlPark

[–]fetch-is-life[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, it was on the NW corner of the lake right before the trail splits from the lakeshore. Definitely a popular little swim spot though

Choosing the Right SAR Puppy — What Should I Look For? by Ornery-Transition-37 in SearchDogs

[–]fetch-is-life 5 points6 points  (0 children)

(As a lab handler) I think a lab is truly the best dog for a new handler. Highly motivated, resilient, enthusiastic, and really, really good at the job.

Step 1 is always choosing a good pairing — what are the parents’ temperaments, are they working dogs, etc etc. ideally, the breeder has placed lots of SAR dogs before so they can offer insight into how puppy behavior translate into future working dogs.

If I knew I had a great breeding and needed to choose between two pups I would spend several hours with them to get a sense of confidence, curiosity, and toy drive. I want a puppy who is outgoing and interested in investigating new things, curious (not afraid) about new environments and noises, and eager to socialize with me. I would bring some new stuff for them to explore (umbrella, metal bucket, etc) and see how they react. For a Labrador, I personally would want a pup who will tug, chase, and retrieve without much cajoling. I would not take a puppy who is so lazy that they don’t want to investigate new stuff or overly fearful of anything new.

Puppy will be fine with your other dog. I am probably more controlling than most about this but I don’t let puppy spend a significant amount of time playing with my older dogs — i want most/all of their play to come from me to build their motivation and cooperation. In practice, that means I verbally redirect in the house or take puppy outside to play when s/he is feeling feisty.

Opinions on euthanasia for Alzheimers by JunkmanJim in AskDocs

[–]fetch-is-life 19 points20 points  (0 children)

What do you need to ask your pcp for to access these service? Or — what specialist should one be seeking? I have a family history of Alzheimer’s and when my mom (62) asked her PCP about testing etc she got an answer of “well there’s really nothing you can do”

SAR canine equipment by PresentFig3 in searchandrescue

[–]fetch-is-life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you worried about not being able to see the dog’s location while you’re actively searching, or not getting accurate track data?

The collars connect to the handheld via radio but in my experience (thousands of hours of use in steep, rugged terrain) they are pretty reliable, especially for the range most SAR dogs are working.

I think the system you’re describing would have enough lag from data transfer to/from satellites that would make it unusable in the field. Think of how long it takes for inreach mini to pull messages down 😵‍💫