A POLICE dog instructor has spoken out about training the next generation of canine crimefighters as a recruitment drive for puppy walkers is launched.

The Tri-Force Dog Unit is looking for volunteers to train and develop potential police dogs of the future.

The unit, which is made up of Wiltshire, Gloucester and Avon & Somerset dog handlers, is on the look-out for people to foster puppies being considered for specialist police dogs posts.

They are also looking for assistance in homing one of the potential specialist search dogs prior to it going on a course. These dogs would be aged between six and 18 months and normally be a spaniel or Labrador breed.

Police dog instructor Gary Isom, who began training police dogs in 2004, said: “The biggest benefit from it is that you will be able to see the different ways in which we train our dogs and learn the amazing things these dogs can do. You will also be contributing to training a vital police dog.

“Watching their transformation from this tiny cute puppy into a fully-grown, well-trained working police dog is amazing to see. It makes me feel very proud when I see them on duty.”

The puppy would live with the puppy walker at home from seven weeks old and remain there for at least six months before being allocated to a handler between six and 12 months old.

Puppy walkers provide the vital early training essential to training a well-behaved and balanced police dog. Volunteers will socialise, exercise, toilet train and crate train the dogs along with introducing them to as many new environments and experiences as possible.

Gary who has his own German shepherd Jess said he was on the look-out for experienced dog owners to commit to the training.

He said: “We invest a lot of money and effort into training these dogs. There is a specific training programme in place and it is a very exciting time to have these dogs and help nurture them into successful police dogs.

“What I would say is that we need people who are experienced with dogs, and people need to realise this is a long-term commitment with massive rewards.”

The dogs include Labrador, spaniel, German shepherd and Belgian Malinois breeds.

Volunteers to provide weekend and holiday cover for puppy walkers are also required.

All puppy walkers will be supervised by police dog training instructors who will guide in the development of the puppy.

Potential puppy walkers must have experience or an interest in training dogs, be able to live a large dog for 12 months, be able to walk and control the dog, transport them and be home with the puppy 27/7 in the first few weeks.

If you think you fit the criteria, email puppyscheme@avonandsomerset.pnn.co.uk and include examples of your previous experiences.