A CREDITON couple who are volunteer puppy walkers for Devon and Cornwall Police as part of their Police Dog Puppy Walking Scheme say it is a challenging yet rewarding thing to do.
Stewart and Alison Fleming picked up their Trainee Police Dog from the Devon and Cornwall Police Dog school from the Police Headquarters at Middlemoor, Exeter, in October last year.
The puppy was just nine weeks old.
Stewart explained: "We have him until January 2020 when he starts his 13 weeks General Purpose Police Dog training.
"Jay and five other pups are part of his intake, not all dogs pass, perhaps two or three dogs make it.
"Jay has a lineage of 30 years of police dog breeding in him and his training is going well, the dog school is very pleased with his progress to-date."
Stewart added that it was with the full backing and support from Devon and Cornwall Police he and his wife Alison named their pup "Jay" after their late soldier son Jamie.
Stewart continued: "He was given the kennel name ‘Obi’ but we felt Jay was more fitting as he is full of energy, loyal, courageous and bold.
"Jay has just turned nine months old and weighs in at over 43kgs, he is a large and very powerful pup."
As part of the puppy walking programme Stewart and Alison had an invitation to the Devon County Show on Thursday, May 16.
Jay took part in the Devon and Cornwall Police Dog section display by doing a small demonstration, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Jay and two older pups took part in the demonstration.
Stewart explained: “We did basic obedience commands, sit, down and stay.
“After this Jay performed really well doing his agility display, this involved going over an ‘A’ frame obstacle followed by going through a tunnel with my wife Alison’s encouragement.
“Prior to the display the chief canine instructor explained to the spectators we are not a demonstration team and all the adult dogs involved are operational police dogs, and none of us had practised our routines, also the pups may get distracted by the crowds.
“Fortunately Jay wasn’t, nothing seems to faze him, he remained focused on what he had to do. He takes everything in his stride.
“It was a long, hot day for the pups, as between demonstrations we undertook environmental training by walking round the noisy fairground rides etc. The pups involved were; Nico, Jay and Nero.”
He added that as a puppy walker there is a requirement to attend regular training sessions.
He continued: “Amongst other things, we go through the basics of tracking, finding hidden objects and biting on a sleeve, Jay loves this as this is something he can really get his teeth into – excuse the pun.
“Being a puppy walker is challenging but very rewarding.
“We are told from the outset that the pups are working dogs and are not a family pet.
“Jay is very strong willed, that is what the Police are looking for; tenacity. That said, all the pups on the programme have very good temperaments, Jay is especially placid.
“If you see us out and about please come and say hello – he loves everyone!
“The pups have to be exposed to as many different environments as possible, some of which are: Tesco’s, boarding a train and Hayward’s School – he loves all the attention from the children and staff!”
Devon and Cornwall Police is always looking for volunteer puppy walkers to join the scheme.
The three main criteria are: have an enclosed garden, have no other pets and the pup has not to be left alone for more than two hours.
The Police pay for vet bills, food and kennelling when needed.
Should anyone be interested in the scheme please contact the dog school via the Devon and Cornwall Police website.