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The British Police and Services Canine AssociationSERVICE DOGSERVICE DOGM a g a z i n e - w w w . b p s c a . c o . u kISSUE 44 PRICE £2.50 Free to Members

The Service Dog

The British Police and Services Canine AssociationContents4 Editorial.5 BPSCA Committee.EditorKeith Long ISM42 GreenacresOssettWest YorkshireWF5 9RXTel: 01924 216844New Mobile: 077 1212 9984email:kdlong@blueyonder.co.ukMembership SecretaryJohn Warbutton6 Meadway CrescentSelbyNorth YorkshireYO8 4FXTel 07841 472 542email: johnbpsca@aol.comSecretaryPete Taylor ISMPO Box 42HornseaHU18 1WQTel 01964 536833Fax 01964 437979email: zulu.one@tiscali.co.ukThe copy deadline forIssue 45 is 27 OctoberOn the cover:Service Dog of the YearWinners, PC Tustain and Ike,Wandsworth Parks PoliceSee page 185 New Members.9 All About Dogs - National Service Dog Bravery& Achievement Awards 2006.14 Inter Counties Police Dog Trials.18 BPSCA Annual Service Dog Competition 2006.24 RAF Police UK Working Dog Trials 2005.26 Army Dog Unit Northern Ireland CanineBiathlon 2005.28 Crufts 2006.32 Soldiers, Search Dogs & Suncream- Territorials & CanTech SearchTraining Weekend.34 Derek Coupland.35 Vets Corner - The PetsTravel scheme (PETS)& Exotic Diseases.36 BPSCA Shop.37 Membership ApplicationForms.P26Any articles, statements or intentions expressed in this magazinemay not necessarily reflect the view of the BPSCA. The Editor.© This magazine contains official information and should be treated with discretion by the recipient. No responsibilityfor the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the publishers or printers.Advertisements are included in good faith. Published by Forces and Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House,Hamblin Court, 92-94 High Street, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 0PQ . Tel: 01933 419994. Fax: 01933 419584.Managing Director: Ron PearsonSub Editor: Clare Freeman Advertising Manager: Heather BranchflowerThe Service Dog

British Police and Services Canine AssociationEditorialIn the last issue I said that this issue wouldcover articles by Verity Collins and SamPerrie. Unfortunately these articles willhave to wait until the next issue (45)Once again a big thank you to Roy andCarol Dyer for all their help in providingus with the opportunity to raise moneyfor The British Police and Services CanineAssociation adopted charity for 2006,‘Canine Partners’.Our Charity raisers Liz Reed and DaveFletcher had this to say:Upon arrival at the showground wewere all made very welcome by the showorganizer Roy Dyer; we were shown toour very spacious tent which after someorganizing managed to fit all of BPSCA,MoD Police, Army, Search & Rescue aswell as our Charity, Canine Partners. Theshow consisted of various dog relatedstalls, shows, agility exercises and dogs oftalent. Saturday’s show involved Dogs frommany areas of expertise including agility,Husky sledding, and of course Service dogs.There were displays throughout the dayfrom the Prison Service with officers fromHighpoint Prison with their drug searchdogs and Whitemoor Prison with theirPatrol Dogs. On Sunday we all pushed topromote the Downathon (which involvesgetting as many dogs in an arena to stayin the down position for a minimum offive minutes all at the same time) thiswas achieved with a grand total of 462dogs managing to complete this task, alldogs that took part were given a Dog tagas well as a treat bag kindly donated byCanine Partners.Sunday afternoon was most enjoyableto some members of the BPSCA as theywere invited to take part as criminals in the2006 Police Dog Trials, some of whom hadnever experienced this at a public show, theequipment was supplied by John Humphrieshowever a need by our very own JohnWarburton going to the Gappay suppliercharming a pair of scratch pants from Lee &Kathy. Overall a very good standard of dogswere competing within the trials.On Saturday 8 July we held our annualevent the Service Dog Competition kindlysponsored by Purina. Everything wentexceptionally well on the day Everyonewho has attended (The car park was full)enjoyed the competition both competitorsand onlookers. Thanks to Gaynor there wasplenty to eat and drink. The weather wasgood for the dogs having a bit of a breezeI don’t think the tent enjoyed it though!Although it is a competition the camaraderiewas good and all the competitors did theirutmost to bring out the best performanceout of their dogs. Well done.On a sad note since the last edition wehave lost Derek William Coupland whopassed away on 22 May 2006. He was agreat character in the Prison Service. Hewas a great dog lover, handler, trainer andleader for Prison Service Dogs. Althoughhe was from a different era than todayshandler he was the first stepping stonein the beginnings of the Prison ServicesDog Sections. He was larger than lifeworked hard played even harder and hada comedians repertoire next to none. Hewas always proud to present the ManworkTrophy each year at the Nationals which hedonated through his passion for the bestcriminal work dog on the day. For those whoknew him he will be sadly missed. R.I.P.Keith LongEditor The Service Dog

New Members- Up until 2006Subscribing Members:Members:Mr M.P. Kinirey, Mr A. Fletcher, MrM. Sotiris, Mr J. Fletcher, Mr M.Rosendale, Mr T. Clarke, Mr A. Savill,Mr L. Hutchings, Mr s. Briers,Associate Members:Mr W. Wray, Mr M. Chapel, Mr P.A.Da Silva, Mr A. Marks, Mr V. Gopal,Mr T. Lim, Mr D. Tungatt, Ms D.Claydon, Mr D. David, Mr W Hunt,Mr R Coitino, Miss E. Beaumont,Mr P. Demetriou, Miss J. Hassall,Mr N. Wade, Mr I. Robertson, MrsW. Savill.BPSCACommitteeMembersPresidentChairmanVice ChairmanSecretaryMembershipSecretaryEditorTreasurerWebsite ManagerCharity OrganizersCommitteeDanny MorganJim NunnMark AdamsMick SteelSara RowlandsMark BrittleSteve AllenSam MackayRon StanleyPeter TaylorJohn WarbuttonKeith LongSteve FergusonSpike ForbesLiz Read (Hon)Nancy Smith (Hon)Dave FletcherPaul WaltersColin HuskinsColin SrtingerStan HazlewoodBill KramerSam PerryLINTRAN TRANSIT BOXBOOTLINERSTHERMOTRAILERSQuality Vehicle Dog & Transit AccessoriesSuppliers to HM Prisons, Police & Security Officers throughout the UKTotal transport systems for dogs & equipmentLight, cool and washable transit boxes. Many universal models to choose from or we can custom make to your requirements. Dogguards, dog trailers and boot liners and many other accessories available. Please send SAE for free brochure. Official orders acceptedTel: 01673 885959 Fax/Tel: 01673 885956Brentwood House, Lincoln Road,Faldingworth, Market Rasen, Lincs. LN8 3SFwww.lintran-products.co.ukThe Service Dog

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The Service Dog

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The Service DogBravery and Achievements Awards 2006Out of nearly 6,000,000 dogs living in the Britishisles, some 3500 work within the service dog domainin the Military, the Ministry of Defence, Police Forces,Customs and Excise, Prison Service and the FireService. From these 3500 dogs and handlers, 20have been chosen to receive the National ServiceDog Bravery and Achievement Awards, regarded asthe most prestigious in the Canine World.Their role would include detecting terrorists,bombs and explosives, earthquake victims, armedcriminals, hidden drugs cache, also controllingprison riots, rioting crowds and even searching fora missing child - we all, at sometime, will rely onthe expertise of the Service Canine Teams of dogand handler for help.The superb ability of the canine nose, hearingand stamina, along with the bravery and skill ofthe handler enables many tragedies to be avoidedand crimes to be detected and solved.Without the Service Dog a great many lives andeven National Security would be in jeopardy. Thesededicated handlers and their canine companions areparamount in ensuring the world is a safer place.There are literally thousands of working dog teamsthroughout the world and in many cases everysingle day their lives are in danger, yet they carryon regardless with their devotion to duty and are‘proud to serve’.In recognition of the Service Dog teamsoutstanding achievements, we the public offer oursincere thanks and gratitude for the work whichmore often than not goes unrecognised. It is withthis in mind that the executive committee of Britain’slargest outdoor canine event, All About Dogs, inassociation with The British Police and ServicesCanine Association, honour the dog sections fortheir magnificent contribution to society and theirunstinting dedication to duty, with these NationalService Dog Bravery and Achievement Awards.These unique commemorative plaques werepresented by the Rt Hon Lord Petre, the LordLieutenant of Essex at All About Dogs on Sunday14 May 2006.Awarded for Bravery and Devotion to DutyA collective Award to the entire MetropolitranPolice Service Explosive Search Dog UnitAfter the tragic events of 9/11, the MPS increasedits Explosive Search Dog Unit by 400 per centto support its objective to combat terrorismand make London one of the safest cities inthe world.The MPS Explosive Search Dog Unit respondedwith true professionalism to the challenges theyfaced due to the multiple terrorist attacks thatshook London on 7 July 2005, MPS ExplosiveSearch Dogs were deployed at all the bombsecenes and completed searches for secondarydevices amongst harrowing scenes to ensure thesafety of the first responders and injured.These terrorist attacks had a major impact on thepublic and the MPS Explosive Search Dog Unitsubsequently responded to some 500 suspectbomb/package incidents in the weeks after theinitial attacks.Officers and dogs worked protracted hoursto proivide high visability and reassurance tothe public.The MPS Explosive Search Dog Unit continueson a daily basis, to provide reassurance to thepublic through high visibility patrols in centralLondon and Heathrow and City Airports. Theunit also provided Explosive search dogs to assistthe Marine Support Unit on the Thames andon offensive and defensive search operationsthroughout Central London.With this in mind a collective award is presentedto the entire Metrolpolitan Police ServiceExplosive Search Dog Unit.The Service Dog

Awarded for Bravery and Devotion to DutyLincolnshire FRS/United Kingdom FireService Search and Rescue Dog Team:Neil Woodmansey and HollyHolly has been a fully qualified urban searchand rescue dog for the past two years andis part of the United Kingdom Fire ServiceSearch and Rescue Dog Team.The team is made up of firefighters fromindividual brigades throughout the UK,who are on stand-by 365 days a year forimmediate deployment. The team has thefull logistical support of the UK Fire Servicefor UK operations, and the Departmentfor International Development (DIFD) foroverseas disasters.Along with her handler, Holly’s primaryrole is Urban Search and Rescue operations(USAR) assisting emergency services both inthe UK and abroad. Their daunting task is tolocate live people trapped under the rubbleof collapsed buildings, which have beencaused by explosions and natural disasterssuch as earthquakes.Their secondary role is urban/rural lowlandsearch work assisting local Fire and Rescue/Police Services within the UK for missing,lost and injured persons.Both handler and dog must remain fit andagile, and to be able to easily pick their wayover rubble, using Holly’s highly-developedsense of smell to locate trapped casualties.Their ability to cover large distances in ashort space of time is absolutely vital inthese situations when time is of the essence.Seconds may make the difference betweenlife and death.Working in extreme and sometimes hostileconditions, during their deployment to thePakistan Earthquake, Neil and Holly showedbravery and dedication to duty by workingtirelessly search after search after search andday after day after day, which was carriedout without objection or hesitation.Every time that the call of duty has comefor international deployments, each handlerhas to make some very difficult and painfuldecisions, knowing that taking the dogout of the country on a life-saving missionwill almost certainly mean a mandatory sixmonths of quarantine for the dog.Placing the dog in quarantine is a heartwrenchingexperience for everyone involved,and none more so than the family, where thedog is not just a ‘working dog’ but also amuch family member. We are all very proudof Neil and Holly and the outstanding workthat they carried out in Pakistan.Holly was in the process of going throughquarantine at the time of writing. She wasdue to be released in April. This will be herlast life saving deployment overseas outsidethe passport for pets travel scheme, unlessthe quarantine regulations are relaxed forthese specialist dogs.10 The Service Dog

Awarded for Outstanding AchievementNottinghamshire ConstabularyPC 2029 Stuart HAZARD and PD MYNOPC Hazard joined the Notts Police Dog Section withPD Myno in April 2005. Still as a young dog, on themorning of Thursday 6 October 2005, followingan armed robbery at a jewelers in Nottingham citycentre, they attended Shelford, a small village nearto where the offenders getaway car had been lastseen. There, PC Hazards hunch was right and helocated the vehicle unattended. After requestingthe appropriate resources, given that a firearm hadbeen used, the vehicle was cleared and PC Hazard,put PD Myno to track.PD Myno tracked into a wood yard and after a fewyards indicated on a pair of dark coloured trainingshoes that were on the ground and located nearto stacks of pallets.Noting the position of the trainers PC Hazardcontinued the track. Tracking on up an embankmentand into a stubble field PD Myno indicated thepresence of two ski masks 20 yards into thefield. Again the position was noted and the trackcontinued across the stubble field to a three-foothigh wire fence situated at the top of a railwayembankment. PD Myno negotiated the fence andcontinued tracking down the railway embankmentand on reaching the bottom he began to trackalong two sets of railway lines on a surface ofmud, grass and shale. After a short distance PDMyno indicated a pair of black and grey drivinggloves that were located approximately three feetup in a bush on the right hand side of the railwaylines and which appeared from their position tohave been thrown.PD Myno again indicated a black coloured Umbrosports bag that was located on the ground andin bushes secreted in bushes at the side of therailway lines.The track continued before PD Myno indicated aSubaru car key again at the side of the railway linein bushes followed shortly after by the locating ofa white carrier bag.The track continued towards a residential areabefore turning sharply towards a disused RAFbase where a member of the public then sawthe offenders. PC Hazard and PD Myno were‘leapfrogged’ to where they had been seen anda track was located crossing a recently ploughedfield crossing into a stubble field. Another moreexperienced Firearm Support Dog was then usedto clear a brick outbuilding before PD Myno againcontinued with the track across a grass field to alarge area of concrete that had vegetation growingthrough it and was covered in moss. They continuedtowards a hedgerow which was declared unsafeand whilst tactics were discussed contact was madewith the offenders in the hedgerow with challengesfrom armed police officers being made.PC Hazard went to a gap in the hedge and saw ayouth dressed in dark clothing running away fromthe armed officers from the location of the hedgerowand back up the hill towards the direction we hadjust tracked from. Officers were constantly shoutingfor this youth to stand still but he totally ignoredtheir requests. PC Hazard then challenged the youthto no avail and so deployed PD Myno. After a shortstraight chase the youth was detained.The youth was restrained in handcuffs and arrestedfor the offence of armed robbery and another waslocated hiding in the undergrowth. The carrierbag indicated by PD Myno contained documentsconnecting it to people from the Birmingham areaand the Umbro bag was full of stolen jewellery.The track took 52 minutes from start to finish, wasover a multitude of surfaces from tarmac throughstubble to ploughed fields with numerous articlesalong the track that was evidential value to link thedetained persons to the initial robbery - a marathontrack for the most experienced of dogs let alonea dog just months out of an initial course. Thiswas an outstanding track from a novice handlerand new dog.The Service Dog 11

Awarded for Outstanding Achievement& Devotion to DutyService Area Drug DogCo-ordinator:Senior Officer PhilBowyerHer Majesty’s PrisonHighpointIn 2003 Her Majesty’s PrisonService changed from nationaltraining for its Drug DetectionDogs to regional training.Appointing area drug dog coordinatorsto acquire, train anddevelop drug dogs and theirhandlers. Senior Officer PhilBowyer was appointed as theArea Drug Dog Co-ordinatorfor the Eastern Area DrugDogs overseeing this role for12 prisons, 26 handlers and52 dogs.Officer Bowyer co-ordinatesand carries out initial, development andcontinuation training for all his handlers anddogs. He has sourced excellent training venuesthroughout the region and looks after all therequirements of the dogs and his handlers inthe area. Under his guidance and support theteam has gone from strength tostrength with several handlersin the area receiving NationalAwards for their dog handlingability and the amount of drugsrecovered.Officer Bowyer also arrangeslarge scale team searchesthroughout the area where theteam can attend at short noticeand perform full searches ofestablishments. Since the teamwas formed it has recoveredvast quantities of controlledsubstances within the prisonestate and has an excellentreputation within the PrisonService.Officer Bowyer has developedthe area to such a highstandard he now has otherarea coordinators attending histraining courses to enhance thepackages that they offer.All the handlers within the Drug Dog teamvery much appreciate the work and dedicationby Phil in making the unit what it is today andare fully supportive of this award for OutstandingAchievement.Further Awards:Awarded for Outstanding Achievement& Dedication to DutyPC 1744 Peter Chapman ACPO Accredited TrainerNotingham ConstabularyPC 1443 John EllisPC 2434 Martin GrimeSouth Yorkshire Police Dog SectionPC Steve Dennis and PD Scamp 2Metroplitan Police Serves12 The Service Dog

Awarded for Bravery & Dedication to DutyPC 2002 Dave Buckley and PD Chas - Nottinghamshire ConstabularyA Collective Award to the entire British Transport PoliceExplosive Dog Section.PC Crawford and PD Hubble KeckPC Hesketh and PD Chester 8PC West and PD Infinity SpudPC Talmash and PD MiniMetroplitan Police ServesPS Parkin and PD RichiePS Goode and PD Corona PopMetroplitan Police ServesRobert Hewings and Scooby Dooby DooMetroplitan Police ServesAwarded for BraveryPC 819 Gary Bernes and PD Chester - South Yorkshire Police Dog SectionPC Steve Madden and PD DaveBritish Transport Police, Central LondonPC 1007 Rick Harrison and PD MaxSouth Yorkshire Police Dog SectionAwarded for Dedication to DutyPC 2274 Mark Johnson and PD Jet- Nottinghamshire ConstabularyAwarded for Outstanding AchievementA Collective Award to the entire South Yorkshire Police Dog SectionPC 1857 John Shaw and PD MaxSouth Yorkshire Police Dog SectionThe Service Dog 13

Inter Counties Police Dog TrialsThis was the sixth year the Police Dog Trial hadbeen held during a show organised by Roy Dyerand the Essex Dog Display Team, called ‘All AboutDogs’. The show itself is over two days. It was twodays where just about anything and everythingto do with dogs was going on, including agilityand obedience shows. Everybody attendingthe show having a common interest, DOGS.Members of the public seemed to thoroughlyenjoy everything. Due to the distance that someof the Police Dog handlers have to travel the PoliceDog Trial is only run on the Sunday, a pity thelarge numbers of people attending the show onthe Saturday missed the competition, although Iknow many people attended on both days.We had more entries than we would have beenable to cope with on the day, so unfortunatelysome Police Forces were informed that onlyone or two entries could be accepted from thatparticular Force instead of the three or fourthey wanted to enter, with representatives fromEssex, Hampstead Heath Parks, Bedfordshire,Nottinghamshire, Sussex, Merseyside and bothfor the first time British Transport Police andWest Yorkshire. Unfortunately the dogs fromBedfordshire and Essex had to withdraw at thelast minute due to injuries and illness.The Judge was PC Mick Tustain (last yearswinner) and steward PC Dave Clarke both fromSunday 14 May 2006Wandsworth Parks Police Dog Section .The criminals were -Spike Forbes from the Military Provost GuardServices.Mark Brittle from the Military Provost GuardServices.John Warburton from the Ministry of Defence.Steve Barker from the Ministry of Defence.Dave Fletcher from HMP Prison Woodhill.A massive thank you who John Warburtonwho arranged the criminals for me when I wasstruggling to find volunteers from Police Forceswho were not competing.The weather on the Sunday was ideal forworking dogs, overcast with sunny spells butnot too hot and no rain.The day was split into two with the control andagility in the morning and the criminal work inthe afternoon. There was a draw for the runningorder in the morning and in the afternoon thecompetitors ran in reverse order of marks gainedduring the morning.In the lead after the control work was PC AndyPickershill from Nottinghamshire Dog Sectionwith Police Dog Blade, he was therefore thelast to complete his criminal work, leaving ituntil the last dog had worked before we found14 The Service Dog

out who had won the competition. PC DennisAttard from West Yorkshire Police Dog Sectionwith Police Dog Achilles had the best criminalwork and ended a clear winner overall.First - PC Dennis Attard from West YorkshirePolice Dog Section with Police Dog Achilles witha total of 432.Second - PC Mick Freeman from MerseysidePolice Dog Section with Police Dog Dylan witha total of 374.Third - PC Mark Plummer from NottinghamshirePolice Dog Section with Police Dog Robbie witha total of 343.Fourth - PC Declan Sammin from MerseysidePolice Dog Section with Police Dog Jake witha total of 334.The winner was presented with a very nice cupand all competitors received commemorativeplaques.PC Dennis Attard also received a trophy forthe best criminal work.PC Andy Pickershill received the trophy for thebest control work.PC Andy Pickershill was also awarded the trophyfor the best turned out dog and handler.My thanks to all the competitors for enteringI hope your all enjoyed the day out and thankyou for putting yourself and your dog on displayto members of the public and showing us allwhat you are capable of achieving. My thanksonce again to Mick Tustain for an excellent jobjudging, Dave Clarke for stewarding and to allthe criminals for assisting.I just hope the standard is as good next year.Les Theobald Trial Manager2006 ResultsPOSITION HANDLER DOG FORCE MARKS1st Dennis Attard Achilles West Yorkshire 4322nd Mick Freeman Dylan Merseyside 3743rd Mark Plummer Robbie Nottingham 3434th Declan Sammin Jake Merseyside 3345th Steve Williams Robbie Sussex 2966th Andy Pickershill Blade Nottingham 2657th Helen Wilkinson Lilly Sussex 2628th John Mann Zeke BTP 2449th Steve McKenna Milo Hampstead Heath 18710th Catherine Trunley Barney BTP 159Best Control & AgilityBest Criminal WorkBest Turned out Dog & HandlerAndy Pickershill - NottinghamDennis Attard - West YorkshireAndy Pickershill - NottinghamJudge Mick Tustain WandsworthSteward Dave Clarke WandsworthCriminals Spike Forbes Military Provost Guard ServicesDave Fletcher Military Provost Guard ServicesJohn Warburton Ministry of DefenceMark Brittle Ministry of DefenceSteve Barker HMP Prison WoodhillThe Service Dog 15

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BPSCA Service Dog of theYear Competition 2006Message from the Vice ChairmanMy how time flies. Once again the ServiceDog of the Year Competition has come andgone. This prestigious Competition keepsgoing from strength to strength, mainly dueto a small band of Officers and Committeeplus the members. These people give upthere weekend to ensure we have a goodcompetition and I give my sincere thanks toall of them.Secondly to keep your ‘Service Dog’magazine up to standard, Keith our editorcan always do with more copy. I’m sure thereare plenty of service handlers out there withsomething worth writing about?Come on folks put pen to paper and letKeith have it.JudgesJudges for 2006 Service Dog of the Year.Service Dog Senior Officer: Steve HooperN.D.T.S.G. Inspectorate Obedience and CriminalWork.Agility and Criminal Work: Staff SergeantS. Forbes MPGSProperty Search: Sam Perrie Ex WO RAV0.Arms and Explosives: Staff Sergeant DannyMorgan RAV0.Drugs: Off/DH Dave Fletcher HMPAccelerants: Senior Officer J Stiff NDTSGInspectorate.18 The Service Dog

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Searches & TestsVenueOnce again, the venue for this years event was theSports Field HM Prison Service College, NewboldRevel, Stretton-Under-Fosse, Warwickshire.We think this is an ideal location for thistype of event. The event includes search forproperty, drugs search, excellerent search andexplosive search. The Service Dog of the Yearitself includes.Obedience Test (70) PointsThis comprises of heelwork on lead: 10 points,Lead free: 20 points.Recall: 10 pointsRetrieve: 20 pointsSpeak on command: 10 pointsAgility Test with a possible 100 points.The agility course comprises of two 3ft hurdles(10 points each), two ‘A’ frames (10 pointseach), two long jumps (10 points each), tunnel(10 points), weave (10 points), mystery obstacle(A see saw plank) (20 points)It is a good test of the dogs agility and thehandlers control. Both competitors and onlookersenjoyed the challenge.Manwork worth a possible 150 pointsThe first test is a double criminal where onesubmits and stands still while the other keepsrunning and also temps the dog to go for ahandbag which he throws to his side while hecontinues running. The handler for his part has to20 The Service Dog

surrender the stood criminal to the judges thenpursues his dog which (If everything has gonewell) is hung on to the criminal (80 points).The test of courage comprises of a stick attack(30 points) and gun attack (40 points).This year as every year the dog teams showedhow committed they are to give their best.It is always nice to see people turning outin their various different uniforms and dressdisplaying their well groomed dogs looking intop condition.A great thank you to all those who competedand if you did not win this year there is always2007 to go for.EDThe Service Dog 21

Winners & ResultsWinnersAccelerants: Baz Wood & Hattie, West Sussex Fire ServiceDrugs: Paul Taylor & Missie, Y.A.S.T.Explosives: PC Philips & Jake, Nuclear PoliceProperty: Mark Adams & Tyson, Heath Working DogsThe Zac & Scuff Trophy awarded for the best agility round:PC Tustain & Ike , Wandsworth Park Police.The Presidents Trophy awarded for the best Obedience round:Steve Briers & Shadow , HMPThe Neil Yates Trophy awarded for the best Manwork Round:PC Tustain & Ike, Wandsworth Parks PoliceThe Mick Smith Trophy, awarded for the highest scoring associate member:J. Smzidt, Heath Working DogsMembers1st PC Tustain Wandsworth Parks Police2nd Ron Stanley & Duke, Heath Working Dogs3rd J. Smzidt & SimbaService Dog of the Year1st PC Tustain and Ike, Wandsworth Parks Police2nd Bernie McCourt and Sol, Northern Ireland Prison Service3rd Mark Trivett and Bruno, HMP Long Lartin22 The Service Dog

sTeam number 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Service Nuclear Nuclear Heath Heath Heath Heath West A 1 A 1Police Police Working Working Working Working Sussex K 9 K 9Dogs Dogs Dogs Dogs Fire Ltd LtdServiceHandlers Name PC Kite PC Bincham M Adams A Rivers R Stanley J Szmiot B Wood P Pobert C WallDogs Name Joe Kira Tyson Oscar Duke Simba Hattie Rauk Edo(3)Obedience (70) 47 46.5 53.5 59.5 55.5 50.5 50.5 39.5Agility (100) 58 69 92 85 88 94 51 51Manwork (150) 93.5 73.5 124.5 101.5 136 126.5 132 101.5Service Dog Total (320) 198.5 188 270 246 279.5 271 233.5 192Search for Property (50) 49 44 48 351.12 minSpecialist Search (5045 AccTeam number 11 12 13 14 15 16 19Service H.M. H.M. Retired N.I M.P.G.S. H.M.P. W.P.Prison Prison Prison N.D.T.S.G. PoliceService Service ServiceHandlers Name P Taylor M Trivett P Lyon B McCourt Cpl Shepherd S Briers PC TustainDogs Name Missie Bruno Sol Tielo Shadow IkeObedience (70) 63.5 53.5 36.5 64 58Agility (100) 57 90 65 22 97Manwork (150) 137.5 123 138 124 143.5Service Dog Total (320) 258 266.5 239.5 210 298.5Search for Property (50) 44 46 49 1.43 minSpecialist Search (50) 46 Drugs 43 AccTeam number 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30Service H.M.P. Nuclear M.P.G.S. M.P.G.S Heath H.M. H.M.P. H.M.NDTSG Police Working Prison N.D.T.S.G PrisonDogs Service ServiceHandlers Name A Watts Phillips Cpl Wright Cpl Moront D O’Donnel S Ferguson I Mercer A FletcherDogs Name Mason Jake Ben Zorro Jake Badger Bailey TyeObedience (70) 19 36 54Agility (100) 50 68 66Manwork (150) 114.5 77.5 113Service DogTotal (320) 183.5 181.5 233Search forProperty (50)SpecialistSearch (50) 35 Explo 44 Explos 22 Drugs 39 Explos 43 DrugsThe Service Dog 23

RAF PoliceUK Working Dog Trials 2005The 48th Annual RAF Police UK Working Dog Trials were held atRAF Halton during the week 29 August-3 September 2005. The12 finalists taking part in the trials had to go through a rigorousselection process, starting with three Regional Dog Trials, hostedby RAF Lossiemouth (Northern Trials), RAF Waddington (CentralTrials) and RAF Lyneham (Southern Trials). Each Station withinthese regions entered their best dog teams and the top threeteams from each region automatically went through to finalsweek. The Provost Marshal’s Dog Inspectors then selected anadditional three teams from those who competed in the regionaltrials but failed to gain automatic selection.RAF Bicester’s wide-open airfield and disused infrastructure wasthe setting for the main tests, while RAF Halton’s buildings andhangers provided the other test areas. All these areas providedan excellent test for the dog teams. Each exercise representeda realistic situation that the dog teams might encounter in anoperational theatre.The Agility, Obedience Send-away, retrieve of article anddistance control exercises took place on the Thursday, alongwith everyone’s favorite, the Criminal Workout’s. From here,the top five dog teams went on to Final’s Day.Final’s Day was split into two competitions.The first was the Agility and ControlCompetition, which involved the topthree dog teams from the Agilityand Obedience phase. Theseteamswouldgo on to competefor the ‘Best Agilityand Control Trophy’. Thewinner of this competitionwas Cpl Walker and Air DogZak (RAF Waddington). Thesecond competition was themain event, in which the topfour dog teams would compete forthe Champion Victor Ludorum Trophy,known as the ‘Lady Spotswood Trophy’,by carrying out a second CriminalWorkout.During the half time interval therewas an excellent display from the RAFPolice Volunteer Dog DemonstrationTeam led by Cpl Tina Legge (RAFWaddington) under the directionof Sgt Graham Anderson (RAFBrize Norton).24 The Service Dog

In addition to the UK Working Dog Trials prizes, AVMLoader’s wife and Mr Mike Bloxsome from IAMS UK Ltd,presented the following two awards:• Lady Kembell Trophy for the Best Drug Search Dog Team toCpl Ackers and Air Dog Mal (SPW Halton).• Lady Kembell Trophy for the Best Firearms & Explosive SearchDog Team to Cpl Sidebottom and Air Dog Jess (32 [Royal] Sqn,RAF Northolt).Air Cdre Drissell (ACOS A3 FP) also presented a numberof awards:• Best Windscent to Cpl Lightfoot and Air Dog Frampton (RAFSt Mawgan)• Best Criminal Workout to Cpl Reynolds and Air Dog Darren(RAF Lossiemouth)• Best Nightwork Cpl Rowland and Air Dog Mack (RAFKinloss)- Most Meritorious Team Cpl Moon and Air Dog Oscar from(RAF Waddington)• Timbrell Trophy Cpl Neilson and Air Dog Rocky from (RAFWaddington).AVM Loader (Dep C-in-C HQ STC) presented the mainawards:• Victor Ludorum known as the ‘Lady Spotswood Trophy’ to theRAF Police UK Working Dog Champion 2005, to Cpl Reynoldsand Air Dog Darren (RAF Lossiemouth)• Netheravon Cup for second position to Cpl Lightfoot and AirDog Frampton (RAF St Mawgan)• Debden Cup for third position to Cpl Bruce and Air Dog Benfrom (RAF Aldergrove).The Service Dog 25

Army Dog Unit NorthernIreland Canine Biathlon 2005by SSgt Jay Rowlinson RAVC, photographs by Sgt Duncan Campbell RAVCThe Army Dog Unit Northern Ireland CanineBiathlon was held at Ballykelly on 25 November2005. This was to be the Unit’s 17th and lastCanine Biathlon (see notice below). It wasdesigned to be a big event not only for theUnit but also for the competitors. The eventwas traditionally a 5km cross-county run forboth dog and handler with various obstaclesand tasks for dog teams to negotiate. This yearsaw it extended to 6.5km and given a muchmore Military theme. This made it physicallydemanding, challenging the handler’s militaryaptitude and dog handling expertise, as well asthe team’s overall physical fitness. This Militarytheme led to handlers not only competingaround an arduous course, but also competingagainst each other at the various stands, whichincluded mental agility, and components of theBasic Combat Fitness test, BPFA, and ranges.To make the event, highly competitive, andto allow as many handlers as possible theopportunity to participate, it was decidedthat the competition would be open to allcurrent and serving Dog handlers from bothmilitary and civilian sections, serving both inand outside of Northern Ireland. This led tocompetitors entering from RAVC Units suchas the DAC, 101 MWD Sp Unit, and AMD,along with civilian from MGS Otterburn andthe NISGS to name but a few. Opening theevent to the wider working dog communityled to over 60 competitors competing in upto four disciplines, each with its own trophy.These consisted of the Scratch competition(fastest time around the course) the Handicapcompetition (fastest time around the coursewith age, task and obstacle time penalties).Technical disciplines competition (least amountof penalties for all tasks and obstacles) and theTeam Trophy (fastest three scratch times for ateam of three).The event commenced at an early 06:00hrswith all competitors carrying out normalkennel duties before walking the course andattending a health and safety brief. From theoutset the weather during the competitionwas abominable a strong word you may think,but you had to experience it to believe it.Rain, sleet and gale force winds greeted thecompetitors as they filed into the unit bar pastwhat was left of two 12x12 tents. Ironicallythis atrocious weather only led to even moreresilience from the competitors and a puredetermination to complete the course. The badweather continued throughout the competitionwith a period of hailstones thrown in for goodmeasure, most of the course was waterloggedand inches deep in mud.What about the dogs you may say. I canassure you the dogs enjoyed every moment ofit, running around with their handlers waiting tosee what’s coming next then enjoying the washand blow dry they received from LCpl Tyson,the Veterinary Technician, on completion ofthe course. There was something for everyoneon the day, the young whippets (LCpl DanBowden), who went for speed and had their26 The Service Dog

eye firmly on the scratch competition trophy.The older and wiser (SSgt Danny Morgan), whowent for the slower times but took care at theranges, retrieve, attack and memory tests, togain good scores for the technical disciplinestrophy. All Teams worked hard together togain fast team times and those fortunate fewwho were good all-rounder’s went for theHandicap prize.The Army Dog Unit is the only RAVC unitcurrently hosting a Canine Biathlon. It takes aconsiderable amount of time and effort fromall Unit members to produce a competitionthat will fully test an operational dog team.Commander 8 Bde presented the prizes, andcommented that he was sure he had previouslyseen RAVC soldiers running with their dogs, andnext they were manning a stand in the freezingcold. It was certainly a day where cardboardcuts were employed, and it was a day everyonegave their maximum, both competitors andorganisers. Thanks are due to Mike Bloxomeand Eukanuba for sponsoring the whole event,which due to popular demand will take placeagain next year. All are welcome to eitherparticipate, team manage or just spectate. Ican assure you, that it will be a great day. Youwill find yourself telling the war stories in thebar after the competition, ‘how big was thatwater jump’? ‘How hard were those shuttleruns’? Try and be there on the 22 June 2006 atBallykelly, represent your unit or organisation,or just be there to test yourself as a workingdog handler.Results, times and prize winner:Scratch Competition1st LCpl Bowden (39:55), 2nd SSgt Rowlinson(41.27), 3rd LCpl Dunleavy (42:01)Handicap Competition1st CS05 Atkinson (46:53), 2nd Sgt Ward(47:34), 3rd WO2 Nicol (47:38)Team WinnersArmy Dog Unit Northern Ireland - WO2 Nicol,SSgt Rowlinson, LCpl BowdenTechnical Disciplines1st SSgt Morgan, 2nd CSO5 Crawford, 3rdCSO5 GrahamThe Service Dog 27

:20066am, 9 March 2006, Hazel and I set off for twodays at the Crufts Dog Show. We meet up withour membership secretary John Warbutton andhis wife Carol, we then picked up committeemembers Liz Read and Dave Fletcher. Wespent a lot of time at the NEC, making contactwith people whose work or interests are withworking dogs. It was a great pleasure for Hazeland I to meet an old friend Janet Ritchie fromNew Zealand. I hadn’t seen Janet for 26 years,which was the last time she was in the UK. Wecovered Civilian Working Trials and ObedienceCompetitions next, with our first port of callbeing the West Midlands Police stand where Iintroduced Janet to Sgt Steve Jennings, duringour conversation the subject of Police Dogs inNew Zealand came up. Steve informed us thatit was 50 years ago since the first dogs weretaken over from Surrey Police Dog Section toNew Zealand. Janet not only knew the OfficerPC Frank Riley who took them over but also toldus the name of one of the dogs ‘MountbrownMiska’ a gsd bitch. Janet couldn’t remember theother one, so I rang Surrey Police Dog Sectionand PC John Best gave me the name of the otherdog ‘Mountbrown Dante’ (small world).PC Mick Kinirey of the British Transport Policeand his dog ‘Tazz’ were also at the West Midlandsstand, Tazz received the Service Dog BraveryAward last year for dealing with 200 footballhooligans. Whilst talking to Mick we werejoined by Pat Lyons of the London Fire Service.Pat handles ‘Simba’ a fire search dog.In hall four we watched BPSCA member SueBrown take her Polish Lowland Sheepdog ‘Ryker’full name ‘CH Mybeards Treaty of Delphinia’ onto win the Dog CC and Best of Breed, Sue is oneof the team who help to prepare the Service DogCompetition. After watching Sue, John and Iwere introduced to Verite Reily Collins Author ofthe ‘999 dogs’ a book about dogs and handlerswho answer the 999 calls.Last and by no means least we met IanNicholson and his dog ‘Mij’ from Lancashire,they are members of SARDA, search and rescueanother group of people and their dogs who donot get enough credit for the job they do.Well folks that just about covers our two daysat Crufts all that is left to say is that we had agreat time meeting old and new friends and lookforward to seeing them all again. My next showwill be the Service Dog of the Year this time asa competitor. Hope to see you there.Ron StanleyVice Chairman BPSCA28 The Service Dog

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GISSearch and RescueSearch and RecoveryK9 - Emergency AidSAR K9 C & COther Trg.01458 241777info@searchdogssar.org.ukwww.searchdogssar.org.ukFOUNDED 1974BRITISH INSTITUTEofPROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS(Security Division)Explosive Search DogHandlers WantedGIS, the leading provider of specialist searchservices, is seeking to recruit ExplosiveSearch Dog Handlers. The company is rapidlyexpanding this sector of the business andrequires competent handlers that ideally haveproven experience. However, if you think youhave the potential, bond well with dogs andwould like a challenging career you could beselected to join the next inhouse GIS trainingcourse.Our handlers are of the highest standard andfrom a variety of backgrounds providing awide range of specialist skills. Successfulcandidates would be expected to respondpositively to deployments without regard tonormal working hours, have a high level ofprofessional integrity and a constructive,positive approach to work.In return GIS will provide a uniform, vehicle,equipment and expenses along with anattractive competitive salary package basedon experience.For details of:INSTITUTE MEMBERSHIPSECURITY DOG HANDLER SACCREDITATIONINSTRUCTORS COURSESPlease contact:BIPDTBowstone Gate, Nr DisleyCheshire SK12 2AWTel/Fax: 01663 762772The initial induction course may well beresidential and carried out at GIS trainingcentre near Oxford.Send a detailed CV andcurrent photograph to:The Personnel DepartmentGISPark FarmStandlake RoadOxonOX29 8AZThe Service Dog 31

Soldiers, Search Dogs... and Sun Cream!Territorials & CanTechSearch Dogs Join ForcesOn the weekend of 1-2 July 2006 members of B Troop60 Signal Squadron, Territorial Army (Bedford) and theCanTech Volunteer Search Dogs Team joined forcesfor a training weekend with a difference.The weekend organised by Lt Adey of the TerritorialArmy and Paul and Christine Tedder of CanTechwas created to educate both teams, the soldierswere able to experience first hand how the searchteams work and trained how to become searchersthemselves, with CanTech experiencing differentmethods of communications, map reading and theoverall working practises of an organisation such asthe Territorial Army.The exercise, held at a well used training ground inNorthamptonshire, was an excellent opportunity forall involved to experience searches in long grassedopen areas and dense woodland with plenty ofdisused buildings, ditches and unsteady terrain to testthe skills of these experienced dogs and handlers, andcreated new skills for the soldiers, all of whom hadnever taken part in an exercise of this type before.With temperatures exceeding 30° over the courseof the exercise it was also an opportunity for all toexperience difficult weather conditions.Overall the exercise was very successful with bothsoldiers and searchers commenting on an enjoyableand educational experience, with all hoping to takepart in a similar exercise in the future, althoughsome cooler weather would be appreciated nexttime round!Sig Clare FreemanB Trp 60 Sig SqnCANTECH - Who Are We?Registered Charity No. 1101407CanTech Volunteer Search Dogsis a charitable organisationhelping the community to searchfor vulnerable missing persons(MISPERs) using specially trained dogs. Our membersand supporters come from many walks of life, bothworking and retired.We have had considerable input into the structureof lowland search dogs in the UK and are currently theonly unit to have its standards recognised by NSARDA(National Search & Rescue Dogs Association).All our operational members have completedvarious courses relevant to search techniquessuch as Basic Search Techniques, run by ALSAR(Association of Lowland Search and Rescue) or ourown Fundamentals of Search & Rescue.CanTech usually has in excess of 20 dogs in training.The majority of these are search ready for Hasty orOpen Area with a number also specialising in buildings(not collapsed), water search, scent discriminationand tracking.Each member is responsible for all their ownexpenses, including basic equipment and travel costs,therefore CanTech is grateful for any donations and/orsponsorship that comes their way which can helpto offset some of these costs. Uniform is especiallyexpensive as it has to be good quality to protect inall weathers.32 The Service Dog

CanTech’s dogs and handlers are trained towork in all types of lowland terrain and situationsincluding open countryside, woodland, all types ofsound buildings as well as urban areas, wetlands,flood plains, waterways and lakes etc., and canpick up scent in inaccessible locations such asdrains and tunnels. Our teams can effectivelysearch wide areas. A single dog and handler cancover up to 160 acres of open country in twohours in daylight or 80 acres at night in goodconditions.We have been specialising in water search since1999. This began with one Newfoundland but wenow have several dogs that can confidently find inwater. We have been fortunate enough to be ableto train using SIGMA pseudo scent for ‘DrownedVictim’ enabling us to recognise the sometimessubtle, indications and alerts from our dogs thatdiffer from finding a ‘live’ missing person.Our members are committed to their work andgive much of their free time to it. We have beeninvolved with searches covering several countiesand have provided an important free resource tothe police forces across the country.All of the specially trained dogs are familycompanions so are loved and cared for by theirown family. They do not get passed on when theyretire from search work.Why we do whatwe do?We had a call out by Sussex Police when athree-year-old went missing near Billingshurst.A number of search dog units were mobilised.The child was found by searchers and taken tohospital where he continued to recover from hisfrightening ordeal.We were also called out for missing GovernmentScientist, Dr David Kelly, who was found by avolunteer search dog team we had assessed.On a search of a canal, river and flood plainsin Hertfordshire our teams located the body ofa 17-year-old youth in the river who had beenmissing for four days, thus bringing closure forhis family.This, is what our unpaid ‘job’ is all about andwhy we do what we do. We are dedicated to theMisper’s emergency and do our best to bring abouta speedy conclusion for all concerned.If you would like to find out more about CanTech,would like to train with the team or offer yoursupport or services as a volunteer MISPER, visitthe website at www.cantech.org.ukRex searching.Rex, handler Dave and Sig Lea have a find.Jay, handler Jackie and LCpl Meech continuetheir search.Jay has a find.www.cantech.org.ukThe Service Dog 33

Derek William CouplandAfter being in the RAVC he joined thePrison Service at Camphill in 1960 andafter training he went to Dorchester.He was selected to be one of the firstPrison Dog Handlers in 1967 wherehe was posted to Parkhurst with hisdog Polo. At the time the role of doghandler meant three handlers andone dog, but when this changed tosingle handling D kept Polo as his ownworking dog.He became one of the regional dogtrainers and was posted to Dog HQ atLatchmere House in February 1969where he covered his area with trainingand support for the dog sections.He eventually joined Prison ServiceHeadquarters at Cleland house in London and wasthe first and only Chief Officer Dog Handler in HMPrison Service.In 1987 he was honoured with the Butler Trustaward to commend the outstanding work hehad given on behalf of the community at large inrecognition of his work and excellence in the Prison3rd April 1938 - 22nd May 2006Service. HRH presented this award andwe all know he was very proud of it.D was an expert at arranging NationDog Displays at many prominent venues,large country shows, even Broad landsfor Lord & Lady Mountbatten.Within the dog world he was knownthrough out the length and breadth ofthe country from Dartmoor to Durham,Belfast to Bridgend.He had a fantastic ability tocommunicate with people and had aformidable memory; he could remembernot only the persons name but where thecame from as well. He was a character,one that will be sadly missed. He choseto live in the fast lane for most of hisworking life doing and seeing things that most peoplecould not imagine.At dog displays he used to say ‘Come on lads letsmake them have it.’ Which we always did.All I will say is D wherever you are MAKE THEMHAVE IT.Rest In Peace. EDhit your target market…For all your advertising needs, in this magazine or one of our other Military Publications let ourgraphicdesignteam produce a tailor made advert for you… please contact:thesalesteam:01604 63124534 The Service Dog

British Police and Services Canine AssociationAPPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIPMr/Mrs/Ms/Miss……Initial……..Surname…………………………………………………………Address:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Town: …………………………………………………………………………………………………County:………….……………………………………………………………………………………Country: ………….………………… Post Code:…………………………………………………..Tel No. (Daytime)………………………… (Evening)……………………………………………...E-mail: ………………………………………………………………………………………..………Name Force/Unit:.....................................................................................................................Rank (where applicable):..........................................................................................................Specialised Service Dates........................................................................................................Course Qualifications (may be required):..................................................................................Signed:....……………………………………................................. Dated:…………………………Membership: (* Delete as applicable)£15.00 per annum*£50.00 per five years*Please make cheques payable, in sterling, to B.P.S.C.A.Please forward to:The Membership SecretaryBritish Police and Services Canine AssociationMr J Warbutton6 Meadway CrescentSelby, North Yorkshire, YO8 4FXTel: 07841 472 542email: johnbpsca@aol.comThe Service Dog 37

British Police and Services Canine AssociationAPPLICATION FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIPMr/Mrs/Ms/Miss……Initial…… Surname…………………………………………………………Occupation:…………………………………………………………………………………………..Address:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Town: …………………………………………………………………………………………………County:………….……………………………………………………………………………………Country: ………….………………… Post Code:…………………………………………………..Tel No. (Daytime)………………………… (Evening)……………………………………………...E-mail: ………………………………………………………………………………………..………Signed:…………………………………Date:……………………………………………………....PROPOSED BY: Full Members Name…………………………………………………………Membership Number………… Expire Date:…………………………………………………..Associate Membership: (*Delete as applicable)£15.00 per annum*£50.00 per five years*Please make cheques payable, in sterling, to B.P.S.C.A.Please forward to:38 The Service DogThe Membership SecretaryBritish Police and Services Canine AssociationMr J Warbutton6 Meadway CrescentSelby, North Yorkshire, YO8 4FXTel: 07841 472 542email: johnbpsca@aol.com

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