A matter of breeding... police dogs brought up to scratch from puppies

A programme which produces puppies to be trained as police dogs means they can be prepared more quickly for work.

West Yorkshire Police's puppy breeding programme is now bearing fruit in the shape of puppies with all the characteristics to become police dogs.

And the scheme is leading to a reduction in the time it takes to train the puppies and get them out and working.

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PC Denis Attard, who is responsible for the training, said: "The scheme can only work with the enthusiasm and professionalism of the handlers because taking on a pup at eight weeks old is a major undertaking and can turn your life upside down. Everybody now realises that we can provide good quality animals to support officers on the street.

"I am confident that if we continue breeding the pups that we are currently breeding, there will be no need to look anywhere else for any of our police dogs."

The breeding scheme began about five years ago after the price of good quality dogs with the right background rocketed.

By producing the pups, the force's dog section is also able to introduce them to their handlers earlier, allowing a greater bond to develop.

if they are put with experienced dog handlers their training can be cut from 13 to just over six weeks.

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