BERGAMASCOS TODAY
By Michael Sing, BSCA Club Member Switzerland I have owned Bergamascos for over 20 years. Since my child- hood (grew up with German boxers), I was fascinated by this unique shepherd dog. I recog- nized the Bergamascos as very willing, persistent and reliable partners. I started with my first Bergamasco, Adriano del Monticello (Agio), two courses in the rescue area (avalanche dog and disaster dog). In the first year basic training was in nose work and responsiveness. From spring to autumn, we trained two to three times a week in disaster dog (used in earthquake zones). Places for training were at army or civil defense training centers. Th e organiza- tion REDOG is also located in the US and Australia. Since 1987, REDOG has been working with the California-Swiss Search Dog Association (CASSDA). CASSDA requires the same high standard for their K-Teams as REDOG does in Switzerland. CASSDA sent several K-Teams to Switzer- land to pass the mission readiness test. Th e training to operational disaster dog takes a minimum of three years. During this time, the handler and the dog have various tests. Th e final exami- nation is the operational test. Th ere, the team will be tested for two days under conditions as in the serious case. Th e dog must search for buried persons in harsh conditions (day, night, cold, heat, rain, mud, storm, dust, noise, junk) in rubble (with broken glass, nails of all kinds, etc.). In training the dog learns the principle: human = food/play. He must show this by barking and staying with the human until rescue can be initiated. Th e handler learns to use his dog properly, in which he takes into account the wind conditions for use and considers the dangers for use and used in accordance with his dog. Th ere are missions at home and abroad. Agio was a very deliberate, persistent dog, which concentrated and with much persever-
ance passed all tests. In winter, when he could not practice on icy training courses, I worked out in the snow. Th ere I trained Agio from avalanche dog, up to the highest class 3. Th e principle is the same as in train- ing for disaster dog. Find missing persons under a blanket of snow up to 3-5 meters. In both disciplines, joy and fun for the dog is associated with treats and play. Th e moti- vation of searching is maintained, even in serious cases. On these two hard trainings, I trained Agio in dog sports (nose work and obedience) and could qualify for the highest class three times for the Swiss Champion- ship with my Agio. Th ere are only 15 teams allowed in this class. Agio was the only Ber- gamasco under German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Border Collie, etc. Agio was 15 ¼ years old. He was the best, a friend in all sit- uations. I will never forget him and always carry him in my heart. Currently my 6-year-old Lieto, my 11-month-old Vito and I work in dog sports. We do nose work and obedience, twice a week plus 2 weeks of training a year. I work with my dogs with the click- er method, shaping and targeting. Lieto has already successfully passed exams. Vito is in basic training. With him, I’m also in shows, new territory for me and my dog. He has been already successful and has won this summer at a show the puppy class. With a Bergamasco you can be very successfully in various dog sports. As a herding dog all distance work is no prob- lem for him . He learns quickly with much pleasure and interest. It is important to know that the Bergamasco is a sensitive dog and has a certain originality. Under pressure, he responds with defiance. He does not belong to the unconditional command receivers as other breeds. Th e Bergamasco is a friendly, a ff ectionate, con- fident, persistent, energetic, inquisitive dog with very good nerves. I love to hike with my dogs in the mountains, 8-12 hours, no problem. Th ey have very good endurance!!
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