Thursday 5th December 2013 Passing out.

This is always a very proud day for the handlers and puppy walkers. The handlers and dogs put on a short display of their skills and it is an opportunity to thank the puppy walkers and have photographs taken with their dog and handler.

The handlers and dogs practicing for the parade.

The below photo shows the handlers on the day of the parade before they went onto the sports field to give a demonstration of agility, obedience and use of force skills. Pictured in the centre is Chief Inspector Jane Taylor who has been in charge of the dog section for the last 3 years. Sadly for the dog section she is now leaving us to take up a new challenge. We will miss her sense of fun and humour and will always be grateful for the staunch support that she has given us.

The below pictures show the handlers during their display. 

Again I was extremely proud of all of the handlers and their dogs because they gave an outstanding display which was a result of all their hard work.

Assistant Chief Constable Netherton then presented certificates to the handlers and each puppy walker was presented with flowers and a framed  photo of their individual dog as a thank you for all of their hard work..

A presentation was also made to the top student on the course Vikki Ritchie by Graham Mabbutt a retired Devon and Cornwall Police dog Instructor now well into his eighties and still training dogs. Graham is one of my early influences and someone I still go to for advice and it rounded off a special day when he presented Vikki with a signed copy of his very excellent book.

Pictured below are our puppy walkers with their individual dog and handler.

Vikki and Jasper with puppy walkers Elaine and Graham Anderson

Darren and Shadow with puppy walkers Pippa and Paul Sabin

Scott and Max with puppy walkers Mel and Phil Rooks

Simon and Megan with puppy walker Sgt Alan Knight

I would like to say how much I enjoyed taking this Initial Police dog course. It was hard work Instructing an Initial Police dog course for 3 months and also  having to look after all the other puppy walkers and their pups. However it was made easier by a thoroughly great bunch of students who worked their socks off and gave me a lot of help walking and looking after dogs throughout the course.

I would also like to thank Graham Attwood my assistant instructor for his hard work and help. The reason I was asked to take the course was to give Graham a good grounding to enable him to take future Initial Police dog courses. It was quickly apparent to me that he is a fine instructor in his own right and the future is in good hands.

Paul Glennon