Paw patrol heads to school

With fur, paws and four legs, Kaitiaki is the latest and youngest addition to Long Bay College’s campus security team.

The 10-week-old rottweiler has been introduced to students where she’ll eventually patrol and be the school guardian.

Callum Blair, the owner of security company Campus Security, said the pup was in the process of socialising and becoming familiar with the school and human touch.

‘‘We want her to be friendly and not get scared of people,’’ Blair said.

‘‘We want the kids to come up to her and pull her ears and pat her, and talk to her so she can get used to the noises and sounds and the approaches of humans.’’

Kaitiaki, or Kaia for short, will patrol the school campus in evenings alongside a security guard.

Blair said dogs would pick up on things which humans wouldn’t, such as smells.

Student Jemma Jones, 14, was part of the group of students who had chosen the name.

‘‘We wanted something that resembled the guardian of the school,’’ Jemma said.

She said Kaia had already brought the school together.

‘‘At Long Bay College, we always talk about being a big family, and having a dog brings that tighter together.’’

Blair said having a dog also raised the profile of security at the school and made people aware. Nate Whitfield, 13, agreed.

‘‘I didn’t even know we had security company till we got a dog. I’m sure that’s the same for most of the school.’’

Blair’s company patrols a number of schools and universities and has had patrol dogs for about 17 years. He said they were great companions for the guard and students and also were educational.

‘‘It’s a good opportunity to educate them [students] when they’re approaching dogs,’’ he said.

‘‘She is a tool that is used for security but she’ll be a great friend to Long Bay College and everyone that approaches her and I think the students are really enjoying her being here.’’

Kaia had had basic training and was taught not to be aggressive.

‘‘We’d never put her in a situation that puts her and her safety in jeopardy and the person we’re approaching in jeopardy,’’ Blair said.

ZIZI SPARKS/STUFF Kaitiaki is also known as Kaia for short. Her name means guardian and that’s what she’ll be for Long Bay College.