Service Dog In Des issue new 34.indd - BPSCA.net

The Service Dog 1

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The British Police and Services Canine Association4 EditorialContentsEditorNeil Yates78 Mornington RoadGreenfordMiddlesexUB6 9HWEmail:neilyates@supanet.comTel (mob): 07974 246 059Membership SecretaryJohn Warbutton6 Meadway CrescentSelbyNorth YorkshireYO8 4FXTel 07708 183 200President/SecretarySteve AllenBPSCAPO Box 3116Lichfi eldWS14 9WHTel 01543 481 872Deadlines forcopy to editorThe copy deadline for Issue35 is January 31 2004.On the cov er:Winners of HM PrisonService Dog Trials4 BPSCA Committee5 Message from the President6 2003 KNPV Nationals11 Minister of Defence Guard Service perform inleaps and bounds11 Happy New Year12 Book Review14 Muzzle Attack Part 317 Crossword20 HM Prison Service 33rd National Dog Trials23 Disaster Dog Group24 Bobby celebrates 21st birthday in style25 BTP Railsafe 200326 World offi cial agility - it’s offi cial!27 Christmas tips from David the Dog Man31 Safety31 UK Superdog Test 200431 The Parping Dog34 On the Net38 BPSCA Club ShopAny articles, statements or intentions expressed in this magazinemay not necessarily refl ect the view of the BPSCA. The Editor.© This magazine contains official in for ma tion and should be treated with dis cre tion by the recipient. No responsibilityfor the quality of goods or services ad ver tised in this magazine can be accepted by the publishers or printers.Ad ver tise ments are in clud ed in good faith. Pub lished by Forces and Corporate Pub lish ing Ltd, Hamblin House,Hamblin Court, 92-94 High Street, Rushden, North amp ton shire, NN10 0PQ . Tel: 01933 419994. Fax: 01933 419584.Managing Director: Ron PearsonSub-Editor: Kerry Wells Advertising Manager: Amanda MainsThe Service Dog 3

I know what you are thinking; I’ve only justreceived the last copy a few weeks ago!Well it started with a postal strike, and thena fire at the sorting office in Northamptonsaw the proof copies go up in smoke,then another postal strike came and Ithought that the last issue would never bedistributed. Thanks to all the girls at Forces& Corporate - we got around it.This is the last issue for 2003, and I would liketo take this opportunity to thank the committeefor their continued support, all the people whohave sent in articles too numerous to name,the readers for their input and suggestionsand of course the publishers who have madeit all possible.The AGM took place on Tuesday 21 Octoberat Newbold Revel in Rugby, plans are nowin motion for Service Dog of the Year 2004,already a popular and prestigious competitionit looks set to be even bigger next year, (10July 2004). Anyone wishing to help with theorganising and setting up on the day pleaseget in touch.I would like to congratulate Ron Stanley onEditorialbecoming the new Vice Chairman of theassociation, a fi tting tribute to all his hardwork in the past, well done Ron.Next year will see four issues again as themagazine goes from strength to strength,so please keep sending in what you wouldlike to see.This has been a tough year for a lot of ourmembers with what seems like never endingcutbacks making a diffi cult job sometimesnear impossible, let's hope for some light atthe end of the tunnel in 2004.I hope you have enjoyed reading TheService Dog this year and will continue toin the future. Finally I would like to wish allmembers and their families a very MerryChristmas and a Happy New Year frommyself and the committee, I hope that thosewho are working get the shift that they wantand enjoy a trouble free day.Best Wishes,Neil Yates,Editor.BPSCA CommitteeMembersPresidentChairmanVice ChairSecretaryMembership SecretaryEditorTreasurerCommitteePeter TaylorKieran O’DohertyMick SteelColin HuskinsSteve AllenSam MackeyRon StanleySteve AllenJohn WarbuttonNeil YatesSteve FergusonR KramerJim NunnStanley Hazelwood4 The Service Dog

British Police and Services Canine AssociationMESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTWell here we are again and another yearhas gone and we are back to thefestive season. I would like to take thisopportunity to thank everyone for allthe hard work put into the Associationover the past year, especially Neil Yatesand John Warbutton.I hope that next year is another year when we, asan Association, move forward. We are alreadyworking on the Service Dog Competition, solet’s see you getting your exercises polished upready to compete for those lovely trophies.Keep Neil up to date with articles and detailsof anything that is happening so that he canpass them on in the magazine.Every year before Christmas I go downand make a donation to BirminghamDogs Home to buy the dogs a turkeyChristmas dinner, I don’t know if theyreally appreciate the festive season,I like to think they do.With that in mind may I wish you andyour families best wishes for Christmas and2004, and that includes all of our dogs nomatter where they are. If you happen to be onnights look-out for that sleigh and reindeers- knowing dog handlers’ luck anything coulddrop on you!Best wishesSteve AllenAssociation PresidentPACEst. over 10 yearsQuality controlfor your dogUK ManufacturedTHE PROFESSIONALS’ CHOICE• Remote Trainers• Electronic Fences• Radio Dog TrackersAll feature long-life rechargeable batteriesFreephone: 0800 028 4325Tel: 02830 889449 Fax: 00 353 51423964VIDEOAVAILABLEFor advice and guidance please contact:North: 01388 537188HIREMidlands: 01386 554880OR BUYOPTIONSouth: 01769 560040SEE NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON www.pacdog.comThe Service Dog 5

2003 KNPV NationalsMy name is Graeme Jones and I’m anoperational handler and qualified ACPOInstructor in Cleveland in the North-east ofEngland. I hold a keen interest in the BelgianMalinois and have observed it working invarying dog sports such as the Belgian,French and Mondio ringsports. Thesetest the dog under varying precision andenvironmental conditions. It is its role withinthe Royal Dutch Police Dog Association, orKNPV as it’s more commonly known, thatI am most interested in. The KNPV dog isplaced under immense pressure duringtests of courage. In trial conditions, therole of the decoy is to chase the dog fromthe field and he will offer no assistanceto the dog. This leads to the productionof a tough dog, both physically and moreimportantly mentally and makes them highlysuitable for work within the Military or LawEnforcement. It is this suitability to Policework that has lead to the Dutch bloodlinedogs being exported around the world.Grass roots trainingEarlier this year I was fortunate enough toexperience three days intensive training asa KNPV decoy, at clubs based around thesouthern town of Oss. I travelled out with IanWalshaw, a Malinois breeder, and we werevery well looked after by his contact in Holland,Bob Neijts. Having seen grass roots training, Inow wanted to see the cream of the crop andarrangements were made for our attendanceat the Nationals over the weekend of the 5th,6th and 7th September. Flights, car hire andreservations at the nearby ‘Hotel Bark’ (I kid younot, that is its real name) were arranged.I must firstly explain the format of the KNPVNational Championship. It’s divided into threecategories and goes as follows:-1. Politiehond l (PH1) and consists of waterwork,obedience, scentwork and protection.2. Politiehond 11 (PH11) and consists of thesame four phases but at a higher level thanthe PH1.3. Objectbewakinghond (ObH) and is basicallya Guard Dog certification. It is similar to, butDen Bosch, Hollandsomewhat easier than, the PH1 and does notinclude any waterwork.The top 12 dogs from qualifying trials in eachclassification would compete, so we knew wewould see the top 36 dogs in Holland.Whilst there are other certifications inKNPV, they do not form part of the NationalChampionships and will not be covered inthis article.We landed at Schipol, Amsterdam early onFriday morning and duly collected our hire car.It was my turn to drive and we were soon onour way south to s’Hertegenbosch, the townsofficial name. It’s difficult to pronounce, even forthe Dutch, so they’ve shortened it to Den Bosch.We arrived at the ‘Sportium’ stadium and hada quick look around the comprehensive dogstalls. Ian had his usual ‘Kibling with Knoflogsauce’, a Dutch fast food which is fried fish witha garlic mayonnaise, before making our way tothe obedience and scentwork area.Friday was exclusively PH11 and it’s widelyaccepted that the dogs competing at this level6 The Service Dog

are generally true sport dogs anddo not move on to a service career.We were too late for the obediencephase but having seen this before, Iwas not too disappointed. Becauseof the tough style of the dogs andtraining, the heelwork tends to be anoppressive affair. The dogs performimmaculately but don’t displaythe happy demeanour, of say, aSchutzhund dog.We watched the wood searchfor persons exercise and this wasfollowed by the object guard. Thiswas an exercise originally trained toprevent a thief from making off withyour bicycle. Whilst any article can beused in this exercise, the large, heavy KNPVbicycle was the subject of the dogs protection.The decoy approaches the bicycle with thedog normally laid on or next to it. He passesstraight by and the dog must remain with thearticle. The decoy will then make a secondapproach and attempt to steal the bike. It’s atthis point the dog will attack, biting either onthe left bicep or a calf bite on either leg. Thedecoy will withdraw three or so steps and standstill. The dog must release and return to guardthe bike or be heavily penalised.With only the protection phase to go, thecompetition was very close, separated by lessthan seven marks. We entered the stadium andmet Bob who had arranged for us to have presspasses. Huge thanks must go to him for thisas a formal application has to be submitted inadvance to the KNPV. This allowed us ontothe trial fi eld and close to the action, sometwenty to thirty yards away. It’s at this pointI feel I should mention and pay tribute to thedecoys. The protective suit worn by the decoyis somewhat dated by the standards of themodern ring suits. It consists of fi rstly applyingwraps to both arms and then the donning ofa set of leather protective undertrousers andjacket. Finally, it’s topped off with a set of jutebite pants and a jute bite jacket. The workingweight of the decoy has just risen by thirty-fi vekilos and all that before training starts. Whilstyou do get used to wearing the suit, it does getprogressively heavier through sweating and inmy case earlier in the year, an additional threeor four kilos due to a torrential downpour.The protection phase consists of a numberof scenarios based on Police work. A suspectmaking off on a pedal cycle, courage tests, theescorting of a drunken man and an emergencyrecall form the basics with variations along theway. The exercise which always generates themost interest is the stick attack. This is a full-onattack by the decoy who’s armed with a fourfeet reed stick. As the dog becomes airbornefor the attack, the decoy strikes the dog acrossthe body with suffi cient force to break the stick.This is a truly tough test of courage. All thedogs performed with real gusto and it is herethat I’d like to make special mention of one ofthe competitors. He is an operational PoliceOfficer and was competing with his service dog.During the emergency recall exercise his doggot the customary rush of blood that affl icts atleast one competitor and continued on to a bite.Whilst the crowd cheered and laughed, I felt areal sympathy for him as a fellow Police doghandler. Even more so when we spoke to himafterwards and he informed us that his senioroffi cer was in the crowd and had revoked hisoperational licence as a consequence. A toughstance on safety indeed.The day ended with Mr.L.Beck and his DutchHerder ‘Kazan’ the victors with a credible 455pts from a possible 475. Second came Mr. A.Kleine Schaars and his Malinois ‘Tango ‘with451 pts and third was Mr E. Huft with his Malinois‘Melissa’ and 447 points.Now that the more polished performerswere done, the PH1 and Obh started thenext morning and we subsequently took upour position in the stadium for the protectionThe Service Dog 7

work. The format is more or less the same asthat in the PH11 but judging by the swollennumbers in the stadium we were in for a treat.These dogs must be at least two years of age tocompete and are in pristine physical condition.Because they are still in the earlier stages oftraining they possess a rawness and ferocitymissing from the majority of polished PH11dogs. Decoys were being wiped out left rightand centre to the joy of the crowd. One seniorwhite haired decoy (the maximum age allowedis 45yrs) was having a torrid time and actuallygained a cheer from the crowd for staying onhis feet for a change.Because the Objectbewakinghond classtends not to be as well supported, it isgenerally ran alongside the PH1 and to mysurprise contained female handlers. You maywonder as to why I’m surprised. Hollandremains the last bastion of male chauvinismand female handlers are generally frownedupon by the male club members. In fact theyare generally pushed towards a rival dog sport.‘If de women want to do de dog shport thenwe make dem do the schutzhund’ I was told.Apologies in advance to Schutzhund fans.As both competitions are running at differentstages it’s impossible to tell how anyone isdoing until late on Sunday afternoon, by whichtime I was almost desensitised to the bonejarring collisions taking place in front of me. Ihave viewed numerous tapes and seen someawesome bites but there is nothing quite likeactually being there and experiencing theenergy transference to the decoy (or evenbetter, wearing the suit!).The PH1 was eventually won by Mr. A.Groothuys of the Hengelo club, with his Malinois‘Eddy’ and a score of 439 points from a possible440. Second came Mr. R. Verbruggen with hisMalinois ‘Kay’ and a score of 438.5 and thirdcame Mr. H Ledema and his Malinois ‘Cris’with a score of 438. As you can see from thesemarks, the competition was close and the topten were separated by a mere 6.5 marks.The ObH was jointly won by Mrs. L. Beck-Schipper with her Malinois ‘Cobra’ and Mrs. W.Walda-vStiphout with her Malinois ‘Xanti’. Bothteams scored the maximum possible score of356 points and are to be congratulated.Now that the trial was over we had just enoughtime to make a few last minute purchases ofbite rolls, collars, leads, overalls etc beforeheading back to Schipol and the flight home.All too soon the trip was over.I hope this article gave a brief insight into theworld of the KNPV and either Ian or myself canbe contacted for further details. Alternatively,visit the official website at www.knpv.nl. We arealready planning our return soon to resume mydecoy training and further explore the KNPVbloodline Malinois.Graeme Jones ACPO Inst.Cleveland PoliceMany thanks to both Graeme and IanWalshaw for an excellent article. Ed8 The Service Dog

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Ministry of Defence Guard Serviceperform in leaps and boundsOn 19 - 21 August the Ministryof Defence Guard Service(MGS) annual dog trials tookplace at Gibraltar Barracks inMinley, Surrey.The 2nd Permanent UnderSecretary (2nd PUS), Mr IanAndrews CBE TD, attendedthe event. Mr Andrews, thesecond most Senior CivilServant in the Ministry ofDefence, took time out ofhis hectic schedule to attendthe trials. During his visit MrAndrews commented on thequality and professionalism ofthe MGS handlers and theirdogs who participated in theevent. He also recognisedthe importance of the skillsdemonstrated by both dog& handler whilst undertakingtheir normal duties.2nd PUS presented thisyear’s Trials Championshiptrophy to handler GaryClaxton & dog Duval. Garyand Duval were representingATR Lichfi eld. Duval is thefirst Malanois, a BelgiumShepherd Dog, to win thetrials event.Eukanuba, who are the soleproviders of dog food for theMGS, kindly sponsored thishigh profi le eventThe MGS provides unrivalledunarmed security to the MOD.It is responsible for ensuringa professional unarmed guardHappy New Yearservice by manning controlpoints, preventing entry byunauthorised personnel ontoMOD establishments, andcarrying out patrols to ensurethat its sites remain secure.The MGS operate at 198sites nationwide and employa committed workforce ofapproximately 3,900 CivilianSecurity Officers. A widerange of skills and expertisetogether with a detailedknowledge of the Ministry ofDefence allows the MGS toprovide a highly professionalservice to its customers.For more information on howto join the MGS contact 01371854283 or mgsmdp@milnet.uk.netOn the fi rst day of creation, God created the dog.On the second day, God created man to serve the dog.On the third day, God created all the animals of the Earth to serve as potential food forthe dog.On the fourth day, God created honest toil so that man could labour for the good of thedog.On the fi fth day, God created the tennis ball so that the dog might or might not retrieve it.On the sixth day, God created veterinary science to keep the dog healthy and the manbroke.On the seventh day, God tried to rest, but He had to walk the dog.David The Dog Man.The Service Dog 11

Book Review of K9 Personal ProtectionA Manual for Training Reliable Protection DogsWritten by Resi Gerritsen & Ruud HaakI consider this to be a well thoughtout and practical book that can serveto support the effective training ofSporting Dogs, ie Schutzhund andRingsport. And also to a large degree,the ‘Operational Police Dog’.This book is generally well written andresearched, and offers some very goodtraining techniques and principles. Howeverat times the grammatical content can make itdiffi cult to follow.A very good introduction fi rmly states theimportance of unerring obedience is fi rstattained by the dog, prior to the implementationof ‘Bite Work’ exercises.The outline given for essential physical qualitycriteria of the proposed dog is in essenceobviously correct and ideal, however if appliedto our service dogs we would rarely fi nd onesuitable to proceed. Practically this is worthy ofuse as a guideline only when procuring dogs,much as we do now.I found the chapter on breeds forprotection work to have some sweepinggeneralisations regarding Herding /Shepherddog characteristics and training adequacies.Overall the character descriptions of variousfavoured breeds are somewhat bland andinconsistent with my own personal knowledgebased appraisals. Perhaps the distance of twocontinents is responsible for such differentperspectives.The paragraph outlining the recommendedraising of a young Doberman has I believethe best practice for many other breeds andcertainly the G.S.D.There is an excellent opening statementon training methods compounded by wellfoundedviews on dog training principles thatI fi rmly believe and have adopted for the last 8years. The main principle being that the mostproductive way to train is by utilising the dogsnatural instincts and adapting his individualdrive for specifi c games to initiate training in12 The Service Dogmodules that the dog can understand and derivepleasure. These methods, in my view, producefree thinking dogs that can adapt to real lifesituations as opposed to tunnel vision ‘CircusTrick’ trained dogs that can perform individuallytrained rigid elements to perfection but are ata loss to deal with changing circumstances inoperational real life experience.There are excellent principles on bothpraise and punishment and a clear andlogical condemnation regarding the use of anElectric Collar.Good emphasis is placed on ensuringconsistent training principles are maintained,and that errors are immediately corrected.Also that Handlers should not be tempted toexceed expectation of dogs ability under initialtraining to the degree that temptation resultsin the dog failing the exercise, thus ruining acompetent standard.The chapter on practical obedience offersrealistic and sensible re-enforcement ofbasic obedience principles that ensure thedog does not choose to detract or defer fromwhat is expected in the training fi eld. Thiswill consolidate such training and ensure anobedient dog at all times without allowing

confusion to set in by the dog attempting todetermine whether a command is really meantat any particular time. A command if givenmust be obeyed.Obedience is well covered and well focusedthroughout as the essential backbonerequirement necessary to be in place prior tocommencement of any bite work training.However no mention is made of utilising aplay/tug reward to gain a controlled ‘Leave’command. In fact the chapter distinctly definesthat ‘Speak on Command’ and ‘tug’ gamesshould not be permitted during obediencestage and are only to be undertaken whenprogression is made to ‘Bite Work’.I can only state that I have found great benefitin introducing both elements in obedience stageand that the benefit has been very supportivewhen the dog is ready to progress to ‘Manwork’exercise training.Advice is offered on how to ensure that thedog can be de-sensitised to the ‘Bite Roll’ afterthe handler calls the ‘OUT’ after a bite. Thusenabling the handler to escort the criminal(Decoy) without re-engaging an unwarrantedbite. This I feel may be fine for Schutzhundor other sport dog activity, but an operationaldog requires to be ever vigilant and ready tore-engage in the event a genuine criminalwere to play up.Some paragraphs tend to counter thisconcern yet however laudable this may bein theory, the application is likely to be lessachievable in the majority of cases, particularlythe operational Police/Service Dog whosehandler has to comprehend a wide range ofother duties and operational expectation inthe real world.My only concern is that if read by anenthusiastic member of the public that has alsobeen inspired by the practical demonstration ofPolice/Service dogs, or civilian dog clubs, theymay well be tempted to treat this as a ‘Bibleof training’ and attempt to execute elementsof the ‘hostile person’ or other aggressiveexercises without the control and guidance ofan accredited dog training club or provider.The ReviewerAndy Watts is the senior officer and trainingmanager for HM Prison Service National Dogand Technical Support Group.He has handled dogs in the Prison Servicefor over 21 years and currently operates aGSD as well as bringing on a Labrador pupfor specialist work.LINTRAN TRANSIT BOXBOOTLINERSTHERMOTRAILERSQuality Vehicle Dog & Transit AccessoriesSuppliers to HM Prisons, Police & Security Officers throughout the UKTotal transport systems for dogs & equipmentLight, white & washable transit boxes. Many universal models to choose from or we can custom make to your requirements. Dogguards, dog trailers & 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 13

Part 3Muzzle Training:Building ControlLet’s compare training a dog in aggressioncontrolexercises, while employingthe muzzle, to obedience training. Inobedience, the dog is usually taught therange of exercises while on-leash. It is verydifficult for most of us (in the time allowed)to adequately train a rumbustious youngdog from scratch without the use of a leash.The leash gives the handler a physicalcontrol that prevents the investigationof distractions and helps keep the dogfocussed on what is expected. Throughrepetition, the dog learns what is correct- and also what is unacceptable.When it is felt the dog is ready, the attemptis made to get the dog to perform the sameexercises while off-leash. By now the dog haslearned to respond to other stimuli, such asverbal commands and hand signals. As theleash is used less and less, the dog is ‘tuned’to perform at the same level as on-leash. Asstated, the leash has, among other things, beenused to maintain control while the dog learnswhat is expected from the exercise.Now, let’s apply the same principle toaggression-control training. The dog, whilewearing the muzzle, has learned how to controla person. Everything is going well except thatwe haven’t yet incorporated the requiredverbal control into the dog’s repertoire. Themuzzle now becomes the aide that allows thedog to learn what is required. The unwantedbite or refusal to release are the ‘distractions’neutralized by the muzzle.You can now utilize and enforce yourobedience commands togain the desired responsesfrom the dog. Incorporatethe additional ‘out’, ‘watch’,etc. and carry through withthe search of the suspectroutine. You won’t haveto pry your dog off the‘suspect’; the ‘suspect’ issteady; and focus on thetask at hand is maintained.14 The Service Dog(Because the ‘suspect’ has previously run awaywhen the handler got physical control of the dog,and the dog was sometimes re-sent, the dogshould now remain focussed on the ‘suspect’anticipating a possible re-engagement. The doghas learned that the exercise is not over untilthe bad guy leaves and the handler indicatesthat all is well. Through repetition of the wholescenario, the dog learns what is expected ofhim (and what is not) and becomes dependablein aggression and control. The dog is thentuned to perform the same exercises withoutthe muzzle.Off-muzzle aggression training is begun withthe dog knowing the ‘game’ from the start -same as our usual off-leash obedience training.Some persuasion may still be required in theLet’s just run through a sample progression ofhow control training might go:1) Dog is wearing a muzzle and is attachedto the handler by a leash from his (the dog’s)collar.2) An agitator approaches threateningly. Thehandler gives the dog the command to engagein combat. The dog strains at the end of theline trying to go to the agitator. When thedog is intense, and after a bark (or barking),the agitator engages the dog in combat, butremains in the upright position.3) The handler shouts for the agitator to stopfighting the dog and the agitator complies -ceasing movement and remaining passive.4) The handler commands the dog to ‘out’ andplaces the dog in the desired ‘guard’ positionfor the ‘search of the suspect’. The dog is toremain steady but watchful.5) The handler does a search of theagitator while enforcing the dog’s requiredpositioning.6) Handler returns to the dog.7) Other ‘officers’ lead the ‘suspect’ away(loser leaves).8) Handler praises dog.One option (of many): Number 5, Handlercommands the dog to re-engage (insteadof doing the search)- at the same time as

the command, the agitator attacks. RepeatNumbers 3 and 4.At this point, I would like to discuss the focusof the dog while in the guard position. It iscommon for many trainers to have the agitatormake a sound or move if the dog looks awayfrom the agitator. I have found this not effectiveand really, this rewards the dog for looking away.If the dog is allowed to engage the agitatoronly when looking at the agitator, the dog willlearn that looking at the agitator may result ina re-send (reward).Searching: On MuzzleOnce the dog is established and workingwell in the muzzle, ‘suspect searches’ can beintroduced. The scenting ability of the dog doesnot seem to be hindered by the muzzle in anyway. Carry on with training as you normallywould without the muzzle - except that now thesituation can be set up more realistically.ConclusionLet me comment on muzzle training inrelation to bite work training. I believe that thebest advantage comes from training the dogcompletely through the aggression exercisesand the control work in the muzzle first andthen introducing the same exercises using bitework later. Training the dog off–muzzle is somuch easier if the dog is already solid in hiscontrol work. The dog can still be tested forhis bite separate from the muzzle process,but extensive bite training exercises arecomplicated by the absence of the properrelease (out) component and the unreliabilityof the dog in control work.Dogs previously trained to bite securely don’tneed more if they are performing adequately.It is my experience that muzzle training a dognaturally improves the dog’s performance inoff-muzzle work.Dogs with no previous bite training canbe cultivated to a proper bite in parallelto the muzzle work. This usually involveson-line handling with no or minimal controlcommands.I think handlers are more ‘in tune’ with theirdogs after muzzle training. Generally, handlershave to be more interactive with their dogs.Finally, muzzle training will not guaranteethat a dog will engage a suspect in the fieldas a few dogs just do not have the will to bitea human for real even though they may haveshown well in training. However, I do think thatmuzzle training does help the majority of servicedogs make a smooth transition from trainingapprehensions to real ones.I hope this information is of assistance toyou. Good luck and good training.Muzzle Training:Building the DogSome dogs are slow to respond with themuzzle on. Usually this indicates unsurenessor a low confidence level within the dog. Theagitator is tasked with ‘drawing the dog out’ tothe point where the muzzle makes contact withthe agitator, no matter how lightly. The agitatorthen has to react - with both his voice and hisbody - in an exaggerated fashion, pretendinghe has ‘a very tender body’, then falling away‘in excruciating pain’. The dog will be impressedwith himself, gain a little confidence (with praisefrom the handler don’t forget), and will probablytry a little harder next time.Other dogs demonstrating a higher level ofconfidence may have little problem with thebasic programme. However, these dogs shouldcontinue to run through the same exercises andprogressions in order to ensure that they areclear on the concepts and that there are nohidden surprises (from the dog) later on.A suggested progression for the dog-buildingprogram is to start by working the dog on ashort (six foot) line, progress to a long line(ten metres or so), then to short pursuitswhile dragging the short line, followed by longpursuits while dragging the short line. There isno control work done during the initial, on-linebuilding exercises, so be sure that the dog isnot subjected to an active choke collar. Whenthe dog is working strongly, on-line control workcan be started. Off-line training works betterafter control is established.To start, the handler has the dog on asix-foot line and the dog is being workedby the agitator. The handler, acting like apost (not moving from his position), offersencouragement if the dog shows any sign ofuncertainty. Training continues at this stage untilthe dog is striking the agitator firmly with themuzzle and is demonstrating a high level ofconfidence. This stage can last anywhere fromone day to weeks, depending on the characterof the dog and the skill of the agitator. EachThe Service Dog 15

encounter with the agitator involves about threechallenges (by the agitator) at short range, toget a reaction from the dog and quickly backdown. This may or may not involve the dogstriking the agitator. When the agitator finallyleaves to end the sequence, signalling that thedog has won, the handler moves up the lineto the dog and gives praise. The dog shouldstill be focussed on the retreating agitator whenthe praise comes from the handler now at hisside. It is not a good idea for the handler topull the dog back for praise, as the dog willthen learn to turn his back on the ‘suspect’.Realistically, praise at this point signifies thethreat is over.It is preferable that the dog learns to hit highon the agitator’s body (back and front) as thisdemonstrates that the dog is not intimidatedby the body mass of his foe. It is also safer forthe dog to neutralize a suspect via the upperbody, since this area poses the most threat.The suspect is vulnerable to being knocked offbalance, thereby adding to the distraction.It is also recommended at this stage thatthe agitator begin to convey to the dog thatbarking can cause action. If the dog is showingconfidence but is not barking, the agitatorshould suddenly stop and glare directly at thedog - but immediately continue moving whenthe dog barks. The dog learns that he canspur the agitator into action by focussing onthe agitator and barking. This is helpful lateron when the dog is required to bark after hefinds a neutral or hidden suspect.Next, put the dog on a longer (30-foot) line.The agitator will continue as before, except nowthe dog will have more range of movement. Withthe handler anchored again, the dog is startedat the six-foot distance and gradually allowedto work at distances further and further fromthe handler. The distances at which the dogis worked is dependent on the performance ofthe dog. We are looking for the dog eventuallyto work independently and with confidence(strong and high muzzle hits) at the end of theline. Some dogs do this the very first time.We are continuing to get thedog to ‘bark for action’ - eachmuzzle contact results from thedog barking.Again, the end of the exercisecomes with the agitator beingdriven off by the dog and thedog watching him go. While the dogis still watching, the handler moves upthe line to the dog and gives praise.The retreating agitator keeps the dog’sattention to allow the handler to moveup the line.The dog is now ready for short pursuits. Thehandler attaches the six-foot line to the dog’scollar and hangs on. The agitator incites thedog to peak intensity and, on a bark, turns toflee. The dog is released immediately and dragsthe line in pursuit of the agitator. The handler(quickly) chases behind with the priority ofregaining the line as fast as possible. The dogstrikes the agitator knocking him to the ground.When the dog is on top of the agitator (who is stillflailing about), the handler immediately grabsthe line and does not pull the dog back butholds steady. The agitator rolls away from thedog, gets up, and runs away from the victoriousteam. The handler allows the dog a few feet topursue the escapee, to keep the dog focussedfor any possible threat, while moving up the lineto the dog to give praise: the winner holds hisground and the loser has gone!Normally (in the dog world), the victor wouldreturn to a social state and allow the challengerhis freedom - once victor has dominated and thechallenger has recognized the victor’s higherrank. You may see the following in muzzle workwith a dog just learning. The dog is inclined toreturn to the handler as the agitator leaves or;the dog is sent on a pursuit, hits the agitator, theagitator goes down, and the dog loses interestas it appears that the ‘game’ is over. But wecan’t allow the police dog this luxury sincethe suspect may rechallenge at any time. Wewant the dog to stay focussed on the agitatoruntil the handler signals to the dog that theexercise is over.One way to deal with this is to have the agitatorimmediately attack the handler as the dog startsto lose focus and create a handler protectionsituation. The handler should ignore the dogat this point as pressure by the handler mayconfuse the dog or make him apprehensive.Let the dog come in on his own time and thenpraise. Surreptitiously, the handler should gaincontrol of the leash while still praising the dogand berating the agitator. Finish as before.Combat with the agitator in a submissiveposition on the ground should be very shortsince the dog has as much control in the16 The Service Dog

situation as he can get and the willingness tocontinue may naturally wane. That is why it isimportant for the handler to regain control ofthe leash as soon as possible, thereby allowingthe agitator to leave. The agitator can submitand remain stationary later, when the dogknows the ‘out’, etc.Initially, the dog is striking the fleeingagitator from behind; but when the dog seemscomfortable with this, frontal hits (where theagitator turns to face the dog) can be introduced.The fi nish is the same. Remember to absorbthe impact as much as possible.Progress the dog to a continuous set of threepursuits with knockdowns employing rear andfrontal hits, i.e. the handler regains control ofthe leash after each of the fi rst two pursuitsand re-sends the dog on the escaping agitator.Again, finish up with the agitator leaving and thehandler holding the dog in place, and then notCrosswordforgetting to move up and praise the dog.The agitator can gradually increase hisresistance by taking more hits each time beforesubmitting to the knockdown. The knockdownblow should be high and hard to convey to thedog that this is what it takes. Usually, defl ectingthe dog away forcefully, as he makes contact,causes the dog to re-hit with more power. If thedog is hitting low, have the agitator stand stilland not acknowledge the low hits. This oftencauses the dog to try a different place on theagitator to get a reaction. Have the agitator godown when the dog hits high.The distance of the pursuits can alsobe increased. The dog can be deployedin different training areas with the agitatorrunning at various angles in relation to thedog. Constantly varying the conditions, a littleeach time, keeps the dog from being ‘routinetrained’ and he learns to adapt to change.Across1. Deplete (5)4. Melody (3)6. Space (3)7. Heavenly Body (5)8. Retrospective (9)10. Self-evident Truth (5)12. Oven (3)14. Arid (3)15. Clever (5)Down1. Pester (3)2. Meat Jelly (5)3. Pharisee [John. 3] (9)4. Target (3)5. Assessed (5)8. Mark (5)9. Diadem (5)11. Creeper (3)13. Creative Skill (3)Answers onpage 26The Service Dog 17

18 The Service Dog

The Service Dog 19

HM Prison Service 33rd Natio1st Richie Liggins HMP Frankland with prison dog Hadji: 592 points2nd Geoff Dalton ND&TSG with prison dog Shadow: 584 points3rd Andy Watts NDTSG with prison dog Rosco: 523.5 points4th Neil Tipping HMP Durham with prison dog Bru: 482 points5th Ian Steadman HMP Long Lartin with prison dog Jake: 474 points6th Simon Broadhist HMP Manchester with prison dog Sam: 470 points7th Steve Barnett HMP Woodhill with prison dog Megan: 466.5 points8th Billy Phillips HMP Maghaberry with prison dog Tyson: 447 points9th Mick Brown HMP Full Sutton with prison dog Kaiser: 426.5 points10th Dave Lyons HMP Maghaberry with prison dog Blaze: 337 points11th Linda Smith HMP Whitemoor with prison dog Ice: 313 points12th Dave Pickersgill HMP Wakefi eld with prison dog Eddie: 133.5 pointsPRISON SERVICE NATIONALS SPONSORED BY PURINA20 The Service Dog

tional Dog TrialsTrophy WinnersThe John Kitcher TrophyAwarded to the youngest dog competing in the 2003National Dog TrialsDAVE PICKERSGILL HMP WAKEFIELDThe Ray Manders TrophyAwarded to the oldest dog competing in the 2003National Dog TrialsANDY WATTS ND&TSGThe Mike Watson - Jackson CupAwarded by the Judges, for the best presented teamthroughout the TrialsLINDA SMITH HMP WHITEMOORThe Day TrophyAwarded to the team who have achieved the bestoperational successIAN MERCER HMP MAIDSTONE (NOW SERVINGAT HMP DURHAM)The Bill Brister TrophyAwarded to the individual offi cer for their contributionto specialist searchingwith Prison DogsJOHN LIDGETT HMP DORCHESTERThe Gordon Fowler SalverAwarded to the individual offi cer or offi cers whohave shown the most consistent and professionalperformance over the preceding yearKEITH LONG ND&TSGThe Gordon Lakes TrophyAwarded to the best operational dog section of thepreceding yearNATIONAL DOG & TECHNICAL SUPPORTGROUPThe Sam Mackay CupAwarded to the best Northern Ireland Dog TeamBILLY PHILLIPS HMP MAGHABERRYThe Jack Heslop TrophyAwarded to the team scoring the highest mark in theObedience ExercisesRITCHIE LIGGINS HMP FRANKLANDThe Metropolitan Police BatonAwarded to the team scoring the highest mark forthe Search for PropertyMICK BROWN HMP FULL SUTTONThe Stanley Parr CupAwarded to the team scoring the highest mark forthe Search for PersonSTEVE BARNETT HMP WOODHILLThe Derek Coupland CupAwarded to the team scoring the highest mark forCriminal WorkNEIL TIPPING HMP DURHAMThe Sir Richard Tilt TrophyAwarded for the fi ght against drugsDRUG DOG TEAM OF HMP STOCKENThe Martin Narey TrophyThe best discipline drug dog teamMAL BARKER HMP NORWICHThe Captain Davies CupAwarded to the Reserve National ChampionGEOFF DALTON ND&TSGThe Maunsell TrophyAwarded to the 2003 National ChampionRICHIE LIGGINS HMP FRANKLANDThe Service Dog 21

Disaster Dog GroupThe Disaster Dog Group (DDG) was formedin January 1996 with the aim of building anational network of handler/dog teams andsupport personnel; not to duplicate whatwas already in existence but to providean additional tool to be available to theemergency services.The group is made up entirely of dedicatedvolunteers who have the highest level ofprofessionalism as their benchmark, the handlersdo not have to be profi cient in another disciplineie mountain rescue before being allowed totrain a dog.The DDG believes that there are many excellentdog handlers whose skills can be utilised for thebenefit of the general public by training as searchand rescue (SAR) handlers.In 1997 the group became a registered charitywith the objectives of:• The preservation of human life and assistingthe emergency services in searching for missinglost or trapped persons.• The education of the public in the health, care,management and training of dogs.Progressive training systemThe programme is a progressive trainingsystem, starting with open area searching.To become an operational open area SARdog team with DDG, teams have to successfullycomplete three elements of practical searchskills:1. A ‘hasty search’ - this is the location of a‘casualty’ approximately 20-30ft off a walkingpath in a wooded area.2. The location of a lost ‘casualty’ on a 40-acresite, after sunset.3. Locating a group of up to three people withina 160-acre site, this lasting for over two hours inorder to assess the team’s endurance.Handlers are also expected to show theircompetence in establishing search plans, siteassessment etc, this is the basic standard whichteams are expected to maintain.Teams can then continue if theywish to further their skills inthe areas of structural search,cadaver and water searching.Ideal opportunityThe group also trains at the Fire Service Collegeat Moreton-in-the-Marsh; the site contains everyconceivable type of building structure alongwith rubble, crashed trains, cars etc as manyof the buildings are regularly fi red it providesan ideal opportunity for the dogs and handlersto encounter such conditions including gettingused to the very heavily contaminated air fromsoot, the dogs adapt to this within minutes ofbeing introduced, although obviously strict timelimits have to be imposed to take account ofthe shorter length of time that the dog can beeffectively worked in such a situation.The dogs (and handlers) also get used to fi retenders noisily rushing around the fi re ground asvisiting fi re crews carry on with their training. Thegroup has also taken part in disaster scenariosfor students at the college; this has helped toshow how a dog team can be deployed during anincident and the valuable help they can give.Commitment to educationThe DDG is very mindful of its commitment tothe education of the public in the health, care,management, and training of dogs. With this inmind the group has undertaken to appear at manyopen days around the country, giving displaysand talking to the general public. Some membersalso take their dogs into schools. Having beensponsored by the school, the dogs are thenused to add interest to some of the classes, iecalculating the weight/height gain each month inthe case of a pup; as well as general care andhandling of pups/dogs.DDG has been instrumental in trying to get thevarious dog SAR groups talking to each otherand fi rmly believes that this is the way forwardtowards a heightening of standards; throughthis type of contact, experience can be sharedand training problems and their solutions canbe discussed.Editor’s NoteIf you want to know more about the DDG orwould like to make a donation contact MickMoore at Search.dog.school@lineone.net or01946 693251.22 The Service Dog

It is with a very heavy heart that I inform thereaders of this magazine of the loss of a veryclose and dear friend of mine and of manyhandlers within our services.Michael Robert Smith (Mick) of the PrisonNational Dog Training Centre in Doncasterpassed away on 13 November in his sleep.Mick was someone that you liked or youdisliked, there was no in-between. In fact, ifyou had four legs, you had a better chance ofbeing his friend.When Mick left school he gained an electricianapprenticeship and he then joined the fi rebrigade. Mick joined the Prison Service in1980 and was initially posted to Dorchester forpreparatory training. He was posted to HMPBrixton on 23 January 1981. Mick spent most ofhis time working in the punishment block, wherehe was able to apply his training in a ‘Gentlemanly’fashion, 6’ 3” and 18 stone helped!On 30 June 1986, Mick became an offi cial doghandler, having completed training at BridgendPolice Training Centre. His fi rst dog, Max, a biglong haired German Shepherd was his prideand joy; in 1987 Mick started his fi rst drug dogcourse, dual training his dog for both patrol workand drug searching.In 1992, Mick took on a Labrador, Hudsonknownas Huddy, Mick trained Huddy as apuppy himself, passing him out as operationalin 1993. Mick was the fi rst offi cer grade handlerin the prison service to have a single purposedrug search dog, a position that normally onlysenior dog handlers had. (Huddy walked behindthe coffi n at the funeral to pay his last respectsat the grand old age of twelve).Mick and Huddy had several good fi ndsincluding a large heroin fi nd in the dung heapon the prison farm, they also found heroin andcocaine in the wing tea room under the nosesof staff. In 1994 Mick became the head trainerat Dartmoor dog section, much respected bythe rest of the dog section, he willingly passedon his knowledge and training skills.In June 1999, Mick transferred to the PrisonService National Dog Training Centre inDoncaster, a role he had wanted for a numberof years, there he passed on his knowledge toothers setting very high standards, he wouldObituaryaccept nothing but the best, respect wassomething Mick never expected, but alwaysreceived.Mick was a big man, not only in stature, butalso with a big heart, he adored his family andwas a wonderful friend who would do anything tohelp. He leaves behind his wife Nancy togetherwith Elyse, Lyanne and Wayne, his grandsonsMason and Kai for whom he had plans as futuredog handlers, they all miss him very much. Alsohis friends Paul Walters, Ron Stanley, ColinHuskins, Niall McDowell, Pete Foster, Neil Yatesand many others too numerous to mention. Thefuneral took place at Rosehill Cemetery on 24November, proof that he was a friend to all, sawover 100 service people attend in full uniformfrom many different services alongside civilianhandlers to pay their respects. The servicewas read by Rev Timothy Buckley, the rector ofBelton where Mick and Nancy currently live. Wewill all miss Mick’s glossy humour and simplisticoutlook, too few men are around who actuallymake a difference, he will be sadly missed byus all.The EdThe Service Dog 23

BOBBY celebrates21st birthday in styleThe longest serving canine member of therenowned Essex Dog Display Team hasreached the ripe old age of 21 and is stillworking, is still bright eyed, bushy tailedand has all of his teeth.Bobby, who is a handsome terrier crosstype of dog, is believed to be, not only theoldest working dog in the country, but alsoto have carried out more displays than anyother dog worldwide.He is an amazing character who has helpedto raise hundreds of thousands of pounds forcharity. In 2002 he received an award fromthe Pro Dogs organisation for dedication toduty. He is certainly no stranger to televisioneither, with several appearances on BluePeter, he stole the show when he appearedon BBC television’s Generation Game on fourdifferent occasions, with both Bruce Forsythand Jim Davidson. There have been manyother television appearances featuring Bobby,which have been shown worldwide.In 1997 he joined the rest of the Essex DogDisplay Team in a unique experience whenthey become the only civilian dog display teamto appear at The Royal Tournament. Bobby,along with the rest of the team, carried out24 displays at this premier event and aftereach display was presented to dignitaries andmembers of the Royal family, which includedHer Majesty The Queen.He has also appeared at Twickenham,Sandringham House, Gatcombe Park,Sandhurst Military Academy, Whitehall,and hundreds of other prestigious showsthroughout the country.Anybody that has attended Crufts, theWorld’s premier dog show over the past 13years, will have had the opportunity to seeBobby in action on no fewer than 11 occasions,which in itself must be a record.24 The Service Dog

BTP RailSafe 2003PS Tam Williamson, British Transport Police, Railsafe Co-ordinatorSaturday 12 July 2003 - Canon PophamFirst & Middle School Edenthorpe, DoncasterOnce again we were blessed with glorious sunshine atEdenthorpes Canon Pophams C of E School who for the 5thyear hosted the event.Eight teams representing MDP, BTP, South York’s andNottinghamshire competed for the prizes again under theclose scrutiny of PC’s Graham Houffe and Derek Chafer ofHumberside Police. Humberside also provided four traineehandlers to act as criminals.Again in true Railsafe fashion it was a serious yet not seriousevent. We will never forget DM Longtowns Mark Johnstonefi rst attempt at throwing a wellie for PD Lex to retrieve. It wentstraight up folks causing Mark (who by now had a very red face)and judge Graham and steward Mr Chafer diving for cover.Similarly seeing South York’s PC Harry Morton tripping upover PD Celt on the chase and detain also brought a chuckleespecially from Harry himself who had been taking things upto then a bit seriously!Still, fi rst blood went to Notts PC Mark Johnson and PD Jetwho after being inspected by Mr Bob Hall were voted bestturned out team.Then came the obedience section. God this was very close.Only 9 points divided the top four teams. BTP’s Mick Kinireyand PD Taz came fi rst with MDP’s Mark Johnstone with PD Lexand Notts PC Brian Pepper and PD Quest (On his swansong)coming joint second. They were followed by PC Harry Mortonof SYP and PD Celt, PC Mark Johnson and PD Jett of Notts,PC John Corsar and PD Buster of SYP,PC Craig Nicol and PDZeus of SYP and PC Geoff Tordoff and PD Cain of Notts.Then came the crime work. PC Craig Nicol and PD Zeusblew the fi eld away and came fi rst. Again tying in second wasMDP PC Mark Johnstone and Notts PC Brian Pepper. Theywere followed by PC Harry Moton of SYP, PC Geoff Tordoffof Notts, PC Mark Johnson of Notts, PC Mick Kinirey of BTPand last but not least PC John Corsar of SYP.The balloted pairs were won by the team of MDP’s MarkJohnstone who was partnered by Notts PC Brian Pepper.All in all a great day where head teacher Mrs Carol Sellarsheap praise on all involved.See ya next year gang. I can’t wait!TamThe Service Dog 25

World official agility - It’s official!After many weeks of waiting for confi rmation,colAfter many weeks of waiting for confi rmation,the All About Dogs offi ce have received theCertificate and documentation from Guinnessworld Records to confi rm that on Sunday 11May 2003, the East of England Agility team,set a record for the fastest time over the world’slargest agility course.The World Record Agility attempt was thebrainchild of Roy Dyer, show director for the AllAbout Dogs Show, which is held in Brentwoodeach year.Roy said, ‘I had been toying with the idea fora few years to stage the world’s biggest agilitycourse, and felt this year, the time was right,it was a mammoth task, with a great deal ofform fi lling and paperwork involved and notsurprisingly an expensive exercise’.The 150m x 60m course was meticulouslymeasured and set out to conform to therequirements of Guinness world Records.The course master was Andy Widdess whospent a great deal of time working out theamazing course, which consisted of 200pieces of equipment, along with Ray Ampsof RVA Agility Equipment and Steve Nelsonand their team, it took an amazing eight hoursto set out the course. With the camera’s,timekeepers, judges and stewards in place,television commentator Peter Purves, set theattempt in motion. A vast audience saw theten dogs and handlers making up the Eastof England Team, complete their recordingbreaking course inan amazing time of5.42.08 seconds andeven more incredible,there was just 5 faultsfrom all ten dogs.Roy Dyer added, ‘Icould certainly see thetime being beaten in future attempts, but thefi ve faults is another matter’.If anyone would like to stage an attempton the World Agility Record, Roy has all theplans and details.The East of England World Record AgilityTeam are:Jane Fuller and DaleValerie Amps and ToggiGareth Graham and MegRay Clack and BessSteve Rose and ShilohGary Harrison and MegNeil Lye and SamKathy Witt and SashaNiki Merdon and TippyTania Heatherington-Cleverly and NellyThe Judges were Andy Widdess and SteveNelson.Timekeeper - Nigel RuddStewards - Ray AmpsGill Spurr, Helen ChambersCrosswordanswers26 The Service Dog

Christmas tips fromDavid The Dog ManThere is usually lots of chocolate and otherthings around the house that are bad forour pets and it’s important to keep themaway from these items.Chocolate: the substance that is harmful inthe chocolate is called theobromine. This isa naturally occurring alkaloid that is found inthe cocoa bean and it can cause vomiting andrestlessness in pets. The chocolate acts likea stimulant and cause increased heart rate,irregular heart beat and may cause seizures.Smaller doses of chocolate can trigger vomitingand diarrhoea and these symptoms couldlead to dehydration if they are not treatedimmediately. Large doses can also be fatal!To determine what a lethal dose oftheobromine is would depend on the size ofthe animal and the type of chocolate. Bakingchocolate is the most lethal as it contains sixto nine times as much theobromine as milkchocolate.In the event your dog does get into theChristmas chocolates, call your veterinarian.Try to determine the amount and type ofchocolate the animal has ingested in order tohelp the doctor in assessing the situation andto form an accurate diagnosis and treatmentplan. Make sure your children understandthat feeding chocolate to your pet will makehim sick.Chocolate is also toxic to cats however,overall, they tend not to have a sweet tooth.Nevertheless, cat owners should still keep thechocolates out of the way of kitty.And chocolate is not the only danger duringthe holiday season.Check ListPoinsettia: Dogs and cats alike fi nd plantsirresistible. Some dogs may be able to ingestan entire poinsettia plant with no ill effects,veterinarian toxicologists have reported seeinganimals with stomach or mouth irritation froma small amount of the plant.Mistletoe: This plant is even more toxic thanthe poinsettia (particularly the berries). Otherplants that you might have around your houseduring the holidays that are also dangerousto animals are: Christmas rose, English holly,Jerusalem cherry and Amaryllis.Tinsel: This decoration has proven to be one ofthe most lethal for cats. Cats go crazy for tinsel(why not, it shines, moves with the slightestbreeze and hangs down tantalisingly fromthe boughs of the Christmas tree). Ingestedtinsel can get tangled in the cat’s intestinesand most cats then need surgery in order tosave their lives.Turkey: Animals cannot digest turkey aswell as humans and the bones should not beoffered to your pet either, as poultry bonesare especially dangerous as they can splintereasily and become lodged in the pet’s throator perforate it’s intestinal tract. You’ll just haveto look the other way when those big pleadingeyes stare at you from under the Christmastable. Any rich holiday foods that are highin fat are bad for your pet and can causegastrointestinal problems.The Christmas Tree: Dogs and cats alike loveto eat not only the tinsel but small ornamentsand these can cause blockage or perforation ofthe intestinal tract. If your puppy chews, makesure he can’t get to the electrical cord.Merry Christmas to allFrom David & Sasher.The Service Dog 27

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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£10.00 per annum*£30.00 per five yearsPlease make cheques payable, in sterling, to B.P.S.C.A.Please forward to:The Membership SecretaryBritish Police and Services Canine Association6 Meadway CrescentSelbyNorth Yorkshire, YO8 4FXThe Service Dog 29

British Police and Services Canine AssociationApplication For MEMBERSHIPTITLESURNAMEINITIALADDRESSTOWNCOUNTYCOUNTRYPOST CODETELEPHONE NO.MR / MRS / MRS*DAYTIME EVENINGE-mail:NAME FORCE / UNITRANK (where applicable)SPECIALISED SERVICE DATESCOURSE QUALIFICATIONS(May be required)Signed:………………………………………………Dated:………………………………………………Membership: £10.00 per annum*£30.00 per five years** Delete as applicablePlease make cheques payable, in sterling, to B.P.S.C.A.Please forward to:The Membership SecretaryBritish Police and Services Canine Association6 Meadway CrescentSelbyNorth YorkshireYO8 4FX30 The Service Dog

SafetyMany are unaware of poisoning caused by re-using plastic bottles.Some of you may be in the habit of using and re-using your disposable mineralwater bottles keeping them in your car or at work. Not a good idea. In a nutshell, the plastic(called polyethylene terephthalate or PET) used in these bottles contains a potentiallycarcinogenic element (something called diethylhydroxylamine or DEHA).The bottles are safe for one-time use only; if you must keep them longer, it should be orno more than a few days, a week max, and keep them away from heat as well. Repeatedwashing and rinsing can cause the plastic to break down and the carcinogens (cancercausingchemical agents) can leak into the water that YOU are drinking.UK Superdog Test 2004Do you think you have got the best all roundworking dog in the United Kingdom? If theanswer is Yes, then you may be able tocompete in the most comprehensive dog testin Europe.Superdog 2004 is being staged at the hugelysuccessful All About Dogs event on 8th-9thMay at The Brentwood Centre Showgound,in Essex.Up to 14 different exercises in this amazingcompetition, will test the dog and handler tothe limit. Each dog must be working at anentry level of B/C obedience, W/D in workingtrials, and senior agility to deal with the manyvaried exercises involved. Scent - Searching- Specialised Agility - Specialised Retrievingtogether with send-a-ways, speak on command,distance control, obedience, along with otherexercises make up this unique competition.Prizes are outstanding - 1st place willreceive £300 cash prize, a 17” silver trophyand commemorative plaque and gain the titleof UK SUPERDOG 2004. 2nd place will receive£200 cash prize and a commemorative trophyand 3rd place will receive £100 cash prize andcommemorative trophy.The selection committee are looking for amaximum of 12 competitors from civilian andservice dog world, before the competitiondetails are finalised. They have alreadyreceived several entries. If you wish to beconsidered for this prestigious event pleasesend details of both you and your dog andyour achievements to:All About Dogs, 44 High Street, Brentwood,Essex CM14 4AJ as soon as possible.Successful applicants will be informed by 10January 2004.The Parping DogA British holidaymaker was banged upby the FBI in America after they mistooka wind-breaking toy dog he bought as asouvenir for a bomb.Monitoring equipment, designed tolocate traces of explosives, registered thebattery-powered toy in Dave Rogerson’ssuitcase.The 31-year-old was carted off by armedfederal agents and held for two hours at NorfolkAirport, Virginia, where officials even conductedforensic tests on the offensive mutt.They were eventually forced to admit that themachine had malfunctioned, but by that timeDave had missed his flight and his luggage wasmissing. The graphic designer,from Thorner, West Yorks, said:‘Now I can laugh but it wasn’tfunny at the time’.‘I kept telling them it was a toy,’he added. ‘But they wouldn’tlisten’.‘They treated me like a terrorist- they even swabbed the chocolate bars Iwas carrying. They didn’t even apologiseafterwards.’The dog, bought as a birthday present forDave’s girlfriend, Natalie doesn’t seem to havesuffered too much from its ordeal.‘When you switch it on it’s still f**** as loudas ever.’The Service Dog 31

Est. 1974‘FIRST IN THE FIELD’BRITISH INSTITUTEofPROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS(Security Division)For details of:INSTITUTE MEMBERSHIPSECURITY DOG HANDLER’SACCREDITATIONINSTRUCTORS COURSESPlease contact:BIPDTBowstone Gate, Nr DisleyCheshire SK12 2AWTel/Fax: 01663 76277232 The Service Dog

Derby Unitex is acknowledged as the UK’sleading supplier and manufacturer of HighTechnology Specialist Clothing.By listening closely to the needs of our clientsand by continually investing in new technology,we are able to design garments which deliverthe ultimate in comfort and performance.All our garments are available in flame retardantKermel, Beaver Nylon, Cotton or Polycotton,either plain or camouflage. Other fabrics canbe used if required.They can also be made as waterproof suitsusing the breathable drop liner method.In addition, we have now introduced waterproofjackets and trousers using Aquatex and Prolinelaminated fabrics.We also supply flame retardant and thermalundergarments and balaclavas to the highestspecifications, along with a wide range ofaccessories including holdalls, pouches, etc.Specialist Protectionfor the Emergency ServicesBusiness Development Centre, Beaufort Street, Derby, DE21 6AXTel: 01332 298988Fax: 01332 295696Email: derby@unitex.freeserve.co.ukWebsite: www.derbyunitex.co.ukThe Service Dog 33

Preliminary Police Dog Trial Dates 2004Scotland Fife 16th-18th March 2004Contact Sgt Ray Noble @fi fe.pnn.police.ukPart OneSearch Sgt Jennings West MidsTrack Sgt Marshall BedsAssistantAssistantNorth-East England South Yorkshire 10th&11th Feb 2004Contact Sgt Roger Day sypoldogtra ining@btconnect.comPart One Pc Dean Met.Search Pc Dhinsa BedsTrack Pc Owen HantsAssistantAssistantNorth-West England Greater ManchesterContact Sgt Gary Mitchell 07909876173Part OneSearchTrackEast MidlandsNottinghamshireContact Sgt Dave Naldrett 0115 9672170Part OneSearchTrackWest Midlands West Midlands 17th-19th Feb 2004Contact Insp Stuart Holder 01676 535636Part One/Search/TrackEast and South East Essex 26th Feb-1st March 2004Contact Pc Phil Passfi eld @essex.pnn.police.ukPart OneSearch Sgt Codd Dyfed-PowysTrack Sgt Shanks Central ScotlandAssistantAssistantSouth West and Wales Gwent 12th-14th March 2004Contact Pc Chris Jayne 07970757316Part OneSearchTrack Pc Grime South YorkshireAssistantAssistantLondon City of London 17th-19th Feb 2004ContactRob Bryden@city-of-london.pnn.police.ukPart OneSearch Pc Smith South YorkshireTrack Pc Davis PSNIAssistantAssistant34 The Service Dog

Nationals Metropolitan 19th-23rd April 2004Contact Insp Ralph Unwin 0208 3543812Adjudicator Sgt Loney PSNIObedience Judge Pc Ellis South YorkshireObedience Steward Pc Dean Met.Criminal Work Judge Pc Vaughan Notts.Criminal Work StewardSearch Judge Pc Williams Dyfed-PowysTrack Judge Pc Bendermacher StrathclydeReserve Offi cialCommentatorHost to appointScorerHost to appointCriminals:Chase and Detain Pc Hathaway Avon and SomersetChase and Stand-OffStopping the Dog Sgt Shanks Central ScotlandGun AttackStick AttackSearch Criminal OneSearch Criminal TwoTrack Layer OneTrack Layer TwoTrack Layer ThreeTrack Layer FourOn the NetSome sites worth looking at,www.drugdogs.netwww.dogart.comwww.corsini.co.ukwww.john-humphris.comwww.uspcak9.comwww.home3.inet.tele.dkwww.nndda.comwww.ourdogs.co.ukwww.caninefreestylegb.co.ukwww.bpsca.co.ukwww.k9-mia-rf.nm.ruwww.leergurg.comwww.schutzhundvillage.comwww.brandhund.dkNot a nice onewww.geocities.com/ericsquire/articles/dogs.htmThe BPSCA is not responsible for thecontent of third party sites.The Service Dog 35

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MerryChristmasfromForces &CorporatePublishingBRIGHTER BY DAYVISIBLE AT NIGHTYour dog should be clearly seen at alltimes. You need a CATAC PETSAFEHARNESSUsed by manyService & SearchDog HandlersAvailable in yellow orred fluorescent/reflectiveand blue reflectivecoloursManufacturers ofspecialist/bespoketraining/veterinaryequipment, liftingslings etc.Please contact:Catac Products Ltd,1 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JRTelephone: (01234) 360116Fax: (01234) 346406Email: catacprods@aol.comThe Service Dog 37

British Police and Services Canine AssociationB.P.S.C.A. CLUB SHOPV-NECK ACRYLIC JUMPER (BPSCA LOGO ROUND STANDING GSD)Colours:Black, Bottle, Burgundy, and NavySizes: S M L XL XXL XXXLChest (to fit): 36/38” 40/42” 44” 46” 48” 50”Price: £20.50.SWEATSHIRT (BPSCA LOGO ROUND STANDING GSD)Colours: Black, Navy, Bottle, Red, Royal Blue, Jade, Maroon, Grey, Purple, WhiteSizes: S M L XL XXL XXXLChest (to fit): 38” 40” 42” 44/46” 48/50” 52/54”(Royal/Navy Only)Price: £19.50.POLOSHIRT (BPSCA LOGO ROUND STANDING GSD)Colours:Black, Navy, Bottle, Red, Royal Blue, Jade, Maroon, Grey, Purple, WhiteSizes: S M L XL XXLChest (to fit): 36/38” 40” 42/44” 46” 48”Price: £18.50.LAPEL BADGE New style on silver background.Price: Members: £1.00.Non-Members: £2.00.ROUND CLOTH SEW ON BADGE (BPSCA WITH GSD HEAD)Colour:BlackPrice: Small (approx 31/4'' dia). £6.50. Large (approx 5'' dia). £10.00.ROUND CAR STICKER (TAX DISC TYPE) (BPSCA WITH GSD HEAD)Price: £3.00.BASEBALL CAPColour: Black Price: £7.00.TIEColours Navy or Brown Price: £5.00.SHIELD (Wooden)With B.P.S.C.A Logo with insignia CANUM AUXILIO SERVIMUS (with the help of dogs we serve)Price: £18.00.UMBRELLA Price: £18.00 plus postage and packing.Wall Clock (BPSCA LOGO ROUND STANDING GSD)Price: £39.00.Wrist Watch(BPSCA LOGO ROUND STANDING GSD)Price: £39.00.Association Pens (Good quality pen with black refillable ink)Price: £3.00.38 The Service DogPlease send orders to: John Warbutton, 6 Meadway Crescent,Selby, North Yorkshire, YO8 4FX

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