Meet Louis, future rescue dog handler

Sarah, Brand Content Manager: Hello Louis, please could you introduce yourself?

Louis M., ski patroller: My name is Louis, I’m 24 and I live in Bozel. Since 2019 I have worked in ski patrol and avalanche safety in Courchevel, and I am in training to become an avalanche rescue dog handler.

What does the profession involve? What qualities do you think are essential for the role?

The job of a ski patroller is above all to make the ski slopes safe. We need to be there every morning at opening time to check everything is in order. There is also a permanent emergency service in resort, always ready to respond. In this profession we need to be versatile, sporty and of course, we need to love the mountains. We also have to enjoy working in contact with people and being called out for interventions.

What led you to become an avalanche rescue dog handler?

Becoming a dog handler has been my dream since I was little. I adore animals. One day I saw ski patrollers with their dogs, and I said to myself: “That’s what I want to do!” It combined everything: my love of animals, the mountains, skiing and rescue. Even before becoming a ski patroller, the idea of dog taming and training seemed interesting to me.

Can you introduce us to your four-legged friend?

His name is Vasko, he’s a 10-month-old black labrador in the middle of his training to become an avalanche rescue dog!

How did you choose him?

I was looking for a specialist breeder and I found a 100% Labrador. Vasko’s parents were hunting dogs, bred to work, with good genes and sense of smell. At the breeders I had a choice of three pups. It was a quick decision: the three came over to me, two left and he stayed! I trusted myself, and we chose one another.

How would you describe his character?

He’s like an electric battery! He brims with energy, he’s very clever and learns quickly. One cool thing about him, is that he knows how to stay calm. He can sit calmly at the patrol hut for a while, but as soon as he gets the signal to go to work, he goes crazy, ready to shred! It’s impressive to see him go from calm to super motivated in an instant.

How did getting a dog fit into your life, how were your first moments together?

It totally changes your life. I got him at two months old and I spent a month teaching him the basics, that’s when they learn most. It’s hard work at first, but brilliant, you have a real friend. You create a strong bond of trust together. You have to think for two and do everything for them, especially when they’re little and can’t be left alone.

What is a typical day like with Vasko? What do you do to keep him fit?

In the mornings he comes out with me on the ski lifts which gives him a decent walk. Every day we work on obedience and training, with different sessions based around games. For example, I throw him a ball and get him to come back to my feet, or other similar exercises. Then every 2-3 days we do 15-20 minute training sessions. The idea is that they’re games, so it stays fresh!

What are your missions with the dog when you’re not called out for an intervention?

Keeping him up to scratch! This winter, I've done several training sessions with other dog handlers, and I'm also training him myself with search games in the snow. The aim is to keep him motivated for the search and to strengthen our bond.

In Courchevel, avalanche interventions are infrequent (even though the risk is always present), which may mean Vasko never experiences a search. Does that affect your motivation?

We can never know, it could happen at any moment, but that doesn’t reduce my motivation. I definitely don’t wish for something bad to happen, I don’t want anyone to be buried under an avalanche. The aim is to keep Vasko fit and ready so that he’s fast and efficient should the worst happen. The point is that he will be able to save someone stuck under an avalanche, but if there are no interventions, he will have been well trained.

It’s your fifth season as a ski patroller and you are 24 years old. It’s a demanding job with a huge responsibility, requiring independence and personal investment. How do you feel about it?

I was a bit apprehensive to start with, I wanted to gain experience as a ski patroller first of all. Then a place opened up in Courchevel, and I thought ‘it's now or never’. Places were scarce, so I applied without hesitation. As soon as I made the decision, I knew I was ready and that this was what I really wanted. It's a big commitment, but I'm happy to be doing this job and seeing my dog progress.

What steps would you take to improve your skills in this area?

To improve my skills, I will stay diligent with training, without overdoing it. Vasko is young so we will soon be doing sessions with other dog handlers.

Can you see yourself become a trainer yourself, in this area?

Maybe one day! I love animals and the relationship you can build with them. To become a trainer you need at least five years’ experience with a dog. Personally, this is my first dog so I don’t feel ready yet. But it is something I’m passionate about and my goal is to keep doing this all my life, so why not.