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Springer spaniel Grouse will be helping to fight crime at the London 2012 Olympic Games after being hired as an explosive detection dog.

The one-year-old pooch came to the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Hertfordshire after being found as a stray so we didn’t know much about his past.

But we were so impressed with his intelligence and inquisitive nature we introduced him to Malpeet K9 Academy in South Wales, which trains specialist detection dogs.

Back to school

After an initial assessment to check he was suitable and would enjoy the job, Grouse began a demanding training course, where he had to learn to search everything from cinemas to vehicles for explosives.

Grouse was a star pupil and passed with the highest grade.

Simon Mallin, managing director at Malpeet K9 Academy says: “I was delighted when Blue Cross contacted us. We travel all over the UK assessing potential dogs and we find many are not suitable for this kind of work.

“However after only a few minutes of playing with Grouse I knew he had exactly what I was looking for.” 

Reward training

Simon adds: “All the training is based on play reward with a ball or such like, so as far as the dogs are concerned every time they go to work it’s yet another fun game. These dogs do an incredible job helping to keep us safe.”

Lynda Campbell, Blue Cross centre manager at Hertfordshire, says: “We were so proud to hear that Grouse had qualified.

“When he arrived at the centre it was clear that he was a very intelligent dog who needed new challenges so I’m sure he’ll thrive in his new role.”

Lynda adds: “Many animals come to Blue Cross looking for a second chance in life so it is always wonderful when they go on to realise their full potential.”

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