Norfolk and Suffolk police dog reaches finals of national competition
What a good boy!
A police dog from Norfolk and Suffolk's dog unit has reached the finals of a national competition.
Adam and his handler, Pc Nick Lofthouse, were top point scorers in the Eastern Region Dog Trials held in Hertfordshire in early April.
Six dogs and handlers took part in a series of challenges over three days, including property and person searching, chase and detain, recall, obedience and agility.
Adam and Nick beat off strong competition from neighbouring forces in Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, scoring 814 points out of a possible 1,000 to book a slot in the National Finals in the West Midlands from 7th to 10th May.
Last year, the pair also made the finals, reaching 10th place, with Nick saying he hopes they can get into single figures this time around.
Nick said: “The bond between Adam and I has just gone from strength to strength since this time last year. It was lovely to have gone one better this year at the regional finals in Hertfordshire and win it, especially as it was in another Force area.
“Adam is such a special dog and from humble beginnings has just flown and is a real natural at all the aspects of policing we ask our dogs to do on a daily basis. I think it is fair to say that the pressure I have been under to keep up with him has been intense. However, with the help and guidance from our skilled trainers I feel I have now bridged that gap!”
He added: “I am really looking forward to the next chapter at the National Trials this year and highlighting the standard Norfolk and Suffolk Dog Section have on the national stage and show we can mix it with the big boys!”