Police dogs and handlers qualify for national trials

Two police dog and handler teams have qualified for the National Police Dog Trials.


Photo: Pc Paul Arthey and police dog Gunner

Pc Paul Arthey and police dog Gunner finished third in the regional trials held between March 15 and 17th, 2011 and will compete in the nationals at Trinity Park in Ipswich between April 14 and 17, 2011.

They'll be joined by Pc Mick Pickard and police dog Clyde from eastern division who finished fifth at the regionals.

Handler Pc Arthey, also from eastern division, has been working with Gunner, a German Shepherd, for less than two years but the team impressed judges enough to go qualify.

Pc Arthey and Gunner and Pc Pickard and Clyde will now compete against the country’s most highly skilled and experienced handler and dog teams for the title of National Police Dog Champion.

During the finals both teams will be put to the test with tough exercises designed to test a range of abilities used on a daily basis in helping to tackle crime.

They’ll be assessed on a range of scenarios designed to simulate operational policing as closely as possible.

Sgt Neil Phimister from Essex Police’s Dog Unit said: “This is the first time in five years that we’ve had a representative in the national finals so we’re all very proud of both teams.

“Gunner came through the Essex Police Puppy Walking Scheme where puppies are paired with volunteers known as puppy walkers before they begin their training at around a year old.

“The walkers don’t train the pups but prepare them for training by getting them used to as many environments as possible.

“It’s pleasing to see that the scheme is producing high quality police dogs like him.

“I wish Pc Arthey and Gunner and Pc Pickard and Clyde the very best for the nationals.”

Essex Police sent one other police dog and handler team to the regional trials.

Pc Graham Nuth and police dog Eddie, from south eastern division, finished sixth and narrowly missed out on a place at the national trials.