Meet some of our sniffer dogs From unwanted pet to crime-fighting sniffer dog Dennis the Labrador is a remarkable dog. Highly trained to sniff out explosives and pyrotechnics, the three-year-old Labrador forms part of the Event Detection Dogs team that works at arenas, stadiums and events up and down the country. It’s hard to believe that before his crime-fighting career, the lively three-year-old faced being put to sleep by his former owners due to a change in their family circumstances which had made him difficult to manage. Instead, he was taken in by the Wagtail team who have transformed his life. Fortunately, the trainers at Wagtail were able to work with him and train him to become an amazing explosive sniffer dog. He is now enjoying 70% of our dogs are unwanted pets or from rescue centres life as a sniffer dog where he is able to make the most of his almost limitless energy and scenting abilities. Like Dennis, more than 70% of the dogs at Wagtails are unwanted pets or are from rescue centres. Pet dogs are often ‘given up’ or rehomed due to a number of different reasons. A change in work patterns, moving home, illness or other family circumstances can often lead to the heartbreaking decision for owners that a pet needs to be placed in rescue kennels. Typically, working breeds such a Labradors, Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels make the most effective sniffer dogs, whilst cross breeds are also suitable, with Wagtails training a number of ‘Springadors’ and ‘Sprockers’. The selection process and subsequent training for its sniffer dogs is very tough. The dogs must have naturally high drive and retrieve instincts and a willingness to work - along with the intelligence and determination that is needed from a working dog. They must be friendly with people and sociable with other animals. The reward-based training is fun for the dogs and they thoroughly enjoy their work. Outside work, the dogs have ample spare time for woodland walks, beach combing and adventures in the hills. Collin Singer said: “Dennis has turned out to be a fantastic snifffer dog. It could have been a very different story, but thankfully we were able to see his potential and train him succesfully to detect explosives. Many of our dogs are former rescue dogs, and it is always a pleasure to see their development into highly skilled and happy working dogs.” Say hi to our new recruit, ‘Bailey’! Meet Bailey, the latest four-legged recruit to join the Wagtail family. Springer Spaniel Bailey was too enthusiastic for life as a pet dog, but has now found his true vocation as a k9 crime fighter! He has started his training to become a tobacco detection dog. We’ll keep you posted about Bailey’s journey over the coming months.
15 Publizr Home