Led by a team of dog trainers based at Middlemoor, Exeter the police’s dog school trains puppies from 12 months of age alongside their police dog handlers.
Once fully trained the German Shepherd dogs will be able to assist tracking missing people, locate stolen property, chase and detain suspects, and keep order in crowd control situations. But before reaching this stage the pups are reared in homes until they have reached their first birthday when they embark on an intensive 13 week training course.
Due to the scheme’s growing success more puppy walkers are now needed and for the first time the trainers are casting their net beyond Devon.
Sgt Paul Glennon said: “In the past we have kept our puppy walkers fairly local to Middlemoor but now we are expanding the scheme and in order to find the best people to look after our dogs we are looking for homes in Cornwall as well as Somerset. What is most important is that we find the right people who have the time, patience and determination to give our dogs the best start in life.”
All puppy walkers must have a settled family background, a secure garden and are willing to undertake daily exercise, grooming and care with the dog.
The puppies are placed with the puppy walker at 8 weeks of age and it is the responsibility of the walker to expose the dog to a variety of situations such as a bustling town centre, busy roadside and rough terrain. Throughout the year the puppy walkers receive training and socialisation advice from the Dog Training School and can attend weekly puppy classes. The Force also pays for any food and veterinary bills during the year.
One such puppy who has benefitted from the scheme is six month old German Shepherd, Fred. Fred is due to begin his police training in a few months time but in the meantime is getting some extra special attention with hydrotherapy sessions which are easing his stiff hips. With successful treatment, which is kindly funded and provided by the Dogchester Collection near Lapford, Fred is now on course to become a police dog of the future.
Sgt Glennon added: “Fred is one of many puppies we have who have a bright future ahead of them as police dogs. But in order for these dogs to get the best start to their training we need more walkers to come forward. Ideal applicants will have previous experience caring for dogs but what is most important to us is that they share our aim to produce a well-balanced, confident and social dog at the end of the year.”
If you are interested in becoming a puppy walker and meet the qualities needed please call the Dog Training School on 01392 452410.
Fred enjoying his hydrotherapy with Trudy from the Dogchester Collection
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