Barking up the right tree at Crich Tramway Village
DERBYSHIRE Police dog handlers and their search dogs have been using Crich Tramway Village near Matlock as a training ground.
The handlers are first assessed for their ability before being trained to handle dogs.
The dogs typically spend around two weeks with their handler before undertaking a search course of six weeks.
The dogs live with their handlers and will often serve for eight to 10 years in the police force, depending on the breed and agility of the dog.
Asked why Crich provided a good training ground, PC Dean Allen said: “It is a live venue with people around and plenty of places to search. It is a recreation of the real world.”
Springer spaniels are known for their intelligence and for being alert, attentive and active, so it is no surprise that Indy, the twoyear-old brown and white Springer spaniel and Ziggy, the 2½-year-old brown Sprocker spaniel, have just completed their courses with flying colours, and will now be able to search for drugs, cash, firearms and ammunition.
The force also uses German, Dutch and Belgian Shepherds for other police activity.
The excitable pair posed for photos with trainer PC Allen and handler PC John Ashmore before going on to undertake their important roles.
Crich marketing manager Amanda Blair said: “Our exhibitions provide a range of indoor areas, while the Woodland Walk is a challenging outside search area.”