Dog Diary
Woof!
Welcome to the Dog Blog! This is where you can find out all about our newest four-legged recruit, Sky, and two-legged police handler PC Paul McLaren.
Please visit us for the most up to date tales and adventures as we start our job as the Forth Valley's newest crime fighting duo.
Friday February 15th 2008
The two handlers got a talk on track laying and the principles and theories behind it. Paul found it interesting but I was stuck in the van. I don't need to know the theories, as long as I can smell well enough to find the track. I made the most of my time and had a "cat-nap".
We started agility work, going over a few jumps and the long jump. I enjoyed this and I was quite happy to run round the hurdles as opposed to jump them! I don't think I was meant to do this but if they had said there was a food reward at the end, I would have picked it up sooner!
Thursday February 14th 2008
Valentine's Day and I didn't get any cards... not even from Casey. I was gutted. I know she wasn't there but she could have at least sent me one!
We continued with the bite work and Diego was superb. Alex said his bite was great and he could feel the pressure of it through the sleeve. I did my best although I am still unsure but after a few attempts I got the hang of it.
We did a bit more work on the emergency recall. I was doing well at it and was coming back almost immediately, to the extent I was anticipating getting called back so I didn't bother running after the person. What's the point in chasing them to get called back? I wish Paul would make up his mind what I have to do. It gets a bit confusing - but I will hang in there and crack this one!
Wednesday February 13th 2008
Today we started the emergency recall. I am sent to hold a person running away then I am recalled back by my handler. I was put on a long training line and Deigeo's handler Andy stood about 30 meters in front of me and tried to annoy me by running about a bit. Alex held the end of the training line and after a short challenge when I was really wound up Paul gave me the command to "hold him".
After I ran a few feet towards Andy, Paul shouted on me and enticed me back with my favourite toy. I took to this well as I realised it was more fun to play with my toy than chase someone!
Monday February 11th 2008
We started bite work which was fun. I was a little bit apprehensive of this but once I realised what I was to do it was great fun. I had to run and bit on the sleeve that Alex was wearing. I didn't want to hurt him but I soon realised that his arm was well padded. Oh boy, just wait until I get my teeth into some real criminals! They won't know what has happened to them!
We also did some basic obedience and another building search which went well. Paul is really pleased that my enthusiasm and drive for finding people is so high. He said it's good to see and that he can tell I genuinely like it.
Throughout the first four weeks of the course Casey has been slavering really badly in the back of the vans. This was put down to travel sickness. She was taken to the vet and given medicine a few weeks ago to try and clear this up. It didn't work and today she was axed from the course. I was really concerned for her as it's not nice to see. Poor Casey, I don't know what will happen to her now.
That means it is just me and Diego left.
Friday February 8th 2008
We went back to building searches where two people hid within the ground floor of a disused primary school. All Paul could say was ...brilliant! He's so pleased. He said I am just so good at this game and as long as I keeps it up when I goes operational. I hope so.
We had our four week assessment where we were given a run down of the past four weeks perfomances. Fortunately there were no issues and Alex was happy with the two of us. There are areas still to be improved on but he and Paul have no queries about the final outcome. Yessss!!! That is good news! Paws crossed it all goes well.
Thursday February 7th 2008
This day was a bit quieter. We walked around Pollock Park in a line and we had a different instructor who shouted out commands. All us dogs were very close to each other, which was a first. We were well behaved. After the first few minutes of trying to sniff each we stopped and paid full attention to our handlers.
At one point Casey and I swapped positions in the line (me to the front and Casey in the middle). This was fun as Casey decided to have a go and start a bit of a scuffle. Unfortunately we were both on our leashes and we were quickly corrected and reminded who was in charge. Pah! Not allowed to have a bit of fun with Casey! Spoilsport!
When Alex finally joined us we did a property search exercise. Alex realised that he may be the cause for my anxiousness, so he took himself out the equation and stood a good bit away. This worked as I did the exercise 100 per cent better. You have no idea how happy Paul was.
Wednesday February 6th 2008
Sergeant Cameron Shanks, our Dog Section sergeant came out with us today to see us in action. We were both great! Sergeant Shanks was very pleased with the progress we have made and he hung about to watch ne do a wood search where I traced the two hidden people. Sergeant Shanks watched the other two dogs with interest and commented how good they were - although I think he favoured me ha ha!
Thankfully we didn't do any property search. Paul was scared that I would get it wrong and blow my good reputation in the presence of Sergeant Shanks.
I just love the play and attention at the end of all the exercises!
Tuesday February 5th 2008
The instructor was really happy with me today as we did another good track similar to yesterday.
Even Paul managed to get things right although at one point he did manage to get the tracking line wrapped around my leg. That was fun him trying to get me out of that!
We did a property search although I wasn't up for it. Paul picked up that for some reason I was scared of Alex. I was trying hard not to show that. He thinks it could be some thing to do with the field we were in as it was the field where Alex told me off in the first week for jumping up. Paul thinks I may have made an association with it. He was frustrated because he knows I can do it - so I was quickly put back in the van.
Monday February 4th 2008
We got a talk on grooming from one of the kennel maids. It was interesting and Paul enjoyed practicing on me. When Paul got close to me I gave him huge licks - well if he grooms me, it's only right I groom him, ha ha!
We did a five leg track with four articles with a 45 min delay. I indicated the articles well by lying down at them. Paul made a few mistakes by letting me stand up too soon , but hey ho, it's all a learning curve.
Friday February 1st 2008
Phew, the last day of week three. It was quite a slow one to be honest.
After training Paul took me for a walk. It was nice to have a bit of time just the two of us.
I was limping quite badly on my front left paw. Paul checked it out thoroughly and couldn't see anything untoward. He thinks it might be a muscle strain or something similar.
Paul told the instructor about it and I wasn't to do anything hard so I got a chance to rest it.
All in all a quiet day but for the little work I did do I was well behaved and worked hard - well that's what Paul said and who am I to argue with that?
Thursday January 31st 2008
In the morning all the handlers had a talk on grooming which was very informative, so we should be like wee shiny buttons with gleaming coats and oozing with health.
The downside to this is we have to stand still to achieve this. I like being groomed but on the same note I get fed up standing about and often walk away. I quite like trying to get hold of the grooming equipment out of Paul's hand. I just want to have a shot a myself.
We did another search in a disused ice rink in Prestwick. That was easy and relatively straight forward.
We also did some more obedience work and added in things like walking to heel. I loved this as I was getting food for almost every footstep I was taking while at Paul's side. My mind wandered a bit as I was wanting to get to the other dogs for a sniff. I just want to say hello and see the lovely Casey! Paul remarked that leads are wonderful things.
Wednesday January 30th 2008
Yet again another track only this time 5 legs with a 35 minute delay. Paul described me as being like a hoover - nose down! I was pulling Paul as I knew where we were going!
We had an even better day here as Paul only made a few minor mistakes. Good for him! If he's happy then I am happy.
We started another exercise called the Stand Off. This exercise is based on someone running away from me and handler. I am sent to stop the individual. It is often the case that the person being chased realises he is going to get caught and then gives up. I SHOULD then sit or stand in front of the individual and bark until my handler joins me.
Alec wound me up no end by running away with my favourite toy. He gave Paul a signal when to let me go and chase after him. At a point when I was about five meters away Alec turned to face me and when only a few feet away he throw my toy to the side which. I wasn't best pleased as this broke my concentration. Paul called me back and the games began. Everyone seems to be happy with us and there were no problems identified.
Finally, at long last, us dogs all got out of the van at the same time. We were all very curious. I wanted to say hello to the other two dogs but we weren't allowed at this stage. We all did obedience work in a field. But we were more interested in trying to get to each other than get food rewards. We were all kept on leads so we couldn't run around. After a few shouts and physically putting the food in our faces we all started to do as we were told. They really do stress that obedience is a big thing - even if there are other dogs to sniff.
Tuesday January 29th 2008
Done another track only this time it was a four leg one with a 20 min delay. No problem for me and Paul got a few things right. Think that made him feel better.
We also did another wood search, which is great fun. Somebody hides in a wooded area and we have to find them.
Paul was telling me that as the course goes on he can see the enthusiasm of the dog getting higher when we come out the vans. We still bark like mad at each other. Well, what's the point in being a dog if you can't bark?
Monday January 28th 2008
We started tracking and I was given what's called a three leg pattern track. This means that someone walked through a field going in three different directions and there was a toy reward at the end of it.
This was great fun. My nose was down and I picked up the scent.
Between you and me, most of the mistakes were made by Paul (bless, he is still learning too!).
There is a lot to do for the handler with regards to controlling the tracking line and learning to read me. Anyway, I got the ball and we had a good old play afterwards. The other two dogs (there is no fourth handler coming, it's just the three of us now) are still at early stages of tracking and learning it from scratch. I had the advantage of being taught early on.
Thursday January 24th 2008
Wow, I can't believe where the time has gone. It's been a week since I last updated my diary.
The second week on the course was good and we are both improving. There was one day I was being put through an exercise where I had to lie down in front of an item, in this case a car stereo. I was rewarded with a piece of food. I did it the first few times but after that I got bored and just barked as I found it too easy!
I love these games they play with me. I love getting the food and my toy as a reward for doing things well. Paul said I goes nuts for my toy but I do let go of it when I am told to do so. He said that he can see it in my eyes that I really don't want to let go ...but I do.
Thursday January 17th 2008
We did more building searches, obedience and property searches. Apparently my obedience is improving. But the instructor is big on obedience and he wants it perfect every time. Surely if I get it right the first time that is enough? Paul is having to learn the dynamics of giving commands. He has to learn to reward me when I do something right and correct me when I do something wrong. I can see he finds it a hard thing to master but he will get there. I might just tease him a bit more and make him work, ha ha!
We did another building search today but I ran right through as I was so excited to play this game again. Paul got a bit of a row as he never stopped me. Mind you, I did do it three times in one search and Paul was nearly pulling his hair out! Oops! I didn't mean him to get into trouble. But I go where I want to go, where's the harm in that? Hmm, well I suppose that's where the training in obedience and discipline comes in.
Wednesday January 16th 2008
Well today was interesting. I was being trained on how to search for somebody hiding in a building. I have to say it went quite well. The other dogs had to be teased at the start of the exercise so they could see roughly where the person was hiding. That's no fun. If you are going to play Hide and Seek what's the point of showing where they are hiding? I suppose we are all at different levels. I prefer just to be able to hunt for them - that's more fun. I did that no problem and found the person who was hiding.
Alec and Paul are pleased with my progress. So much so that my treats were changed from dry biscuits to small pieces of hot dog. I will do anything for a bit of hot dog!!!
Tuesday January 15th 2008
Today I did my first building search and I had to find a hidden person. That was easy. I really enjoyed it though. This really isn't like work at all, it's just a big game.
Alec, the instructor, is happy with me and said I was enthusiastic and had lots of drive to find the hidden person.
I overheard Alec and Paul saying that there is only one problem and that is I won't let go of my toy. Paul said I was that excited at getting praise for doing it right that I just wouldn't let go. What's the big deal? It's only a toy - and it's mine - and I did the task right!
Paul did shout at me though. He shouted at me calmly, frustratedly and probably about every other way but I wasn't going to give that toy up. It's MINE!
Apparently they are going to work on this and "try a different approach". We'll see. I could have some fun with them!
I also did some basic obedience work and that went well. Paul said I was a bit vocal so we moved on to the "quiet" command. This is taught by making me "speak".
I get rewarded with food when I "speak" on command and when I am profficient in this, which naturally I am, I am given the "quiet" command. When I stop barking I get a bit of food. I like this! I stay quite when I am told and I get fed. What more could a dog ask for?
Paul said I was hyper today and raring to go. He hopes I keep up the motivation. If I keep getting toys and food what isn't there to like?
Paul on the other hand was freezing as we were out all day in the cold and wet, but hey, that's the joys of joining the Dog Section. Don't know what he's getting so upset about, I was nice and warm!
That's all for now. I'm tired after today so am off for a sleep.
Monday 14th January 2008
Well that's the first day of the training over. It was kind of quiet and I didn't really do much other than get to know the other dogs and their handlers.
I met a Doberman called Diego who is from Dumfries and Galloway and a lady German Shepherd called Casey. She is from Strathclyde. She's nice but I must remember why I am on the course. Stay focused Sky!
There should have been a fourth dog but his handler broke his hand at the weekend and couldn't make it. There is supposed to be a replacement coming but we'll have to wait and see what kind of dog and handler comes.
I was on my best behaviour and to be honest it was kind of boring for me. Paul said I never really interacted with the other dogs - except when we were all in the back of the van and we had a good bark at each other!
Our instructor is Constable Alec Bell and so far he is impressed with all of us dogs. He doesn't see any major problems with any of us.
I am not happy with him though because he said I was a bit reluctant to let go of my toy. But ALL toys are mine and I won't give them up without a fight!
Paul's had words with me and said I need to listen to what I am told. I just want to play and have fun. If this is all there is to the course this is going to be soooooo easy. I can just play and bark. I can do that no problem.
Anyway that's all for now. Will keep you posted.
Friday 11th January 2008
Dear Diary
My name is Sky and I am a German Shepherd.
I moved here when I was just weeks old from London. My mum and dad are part of the dog breeding programme in the Metropolitan Police.
I live with my handler Paul McLaren and we are both being trained in how to work together.
I had my first birthday in October and it was then that I went to live with Paul. He has been with the force for 11 years and has been based in Stenhousemuir and Falkirk.
But before that he worked for Humberside Police and I know he has always wanted to be a dog handler. He has been trying for the last eight years to become one.
I met Paul a few times before I went to live with him. We both wanted to make sure we were making the right move. I am certain we are.
All I want to do is play and have fun but Paul keeps making me work. He wants me to have something called 'discipline'. I think I know what that is and I don't mind as he feeds me, looks after me and treats me well. I like spending time with him but on some occasions I like my own space. It is hard work learning about discipline after all.
I have met a few of the other dogs in the section and I let them know I am not afraid to use my bark or bare my teeth. Fritz and Ace were the two I met. We had a bit of fight when we first met.
I heard a few of the other handlers saying I had a real presence. I think Fritz and Ace were jealous of that!
Paul and I started with the Dog Section on Monday January 3. We had spent the previous months bonding which is really important if we are going to work together.
We have not done any training yet - that starts on Monday January 14. I have done basic obedience like sit, stay, come and recall. Paul has been consistent with me and he knows when I get a row I don't bear a grudge to him and more importantly he doesn't bear one with me. I know I might not like what he has to say to me but I suppose I have to learn.
Yes, Monday is a big day for both of us. We got to Strathclyde for 12 weeks for basic training and if I pass I am licensed to be a police dog.
It is a bit like what the new recruits have to do at Tulliallan Police College to become officers.
Yikes! IF I pass. That sounds so scarey. I overheard Paul being told that if I don't come up to scratch anytime on this course I can be out on my ear. Paul doesn't know that I know. But I am worried. I want to do really well. I am really proud to be Paul's first dog and I will do my best to knuckle down and work hard on this course. I would be gutted if I didn't get through this course. I am part of Paul's family now and I don't want to let them, or the rest of the Dog Section, down.
Well, that's all for now. I'll update my diary later when I find my feet on the course.
