"Everything is game-based for the dogs," Treble Cone Search Dogs Inc founder Matt Gunn said.
"Essentially, it's a hide-and-seek format for them. The dogs are trained to recover things that are hidden. Their 'toy' is under the snow, or in the hole somewhere, and they want to find it."
The dogs, such Mr Gunn's border collie Blizzid who has about 10 years' experience in searching - the equivalent of 70 dog years - soon develop a "drive" for the mountains, he says.
"They certainly know once winter arrives and it's amazing to see their reactions when you get things ready for your first trip back to the snow.
"You're getting the gear ready and the dogs know what's going on. They're fizzing," he said.
The dog's "play drive" is the key element for good search instincts.
"Not all dogs have it naturally and not all breeds suit [avalanche search training]."
