Three handlers from Ward Security’s dog patrol team have proved they are the ‘top dogs’ by taking the top three placings in the company’s inaugural internal dog trials.
Overseen by Pete Williams, the Rochester-based security company’s associate director of response and former police dog trainer, the trials were designed to test the handlers’ skills with their dogs – and to choose the top three individuals to go through to the National Association of Security Dog Users’ (NASDU) annual trials in September in Dorking.
The high standard of competition meant choosing the winners was no easy matter. The handlers had to put their dogs through a number of rigorous tests, beginning with obedience exercises, through to an agility routine before finishing with a practical exercise in which they were tasked with finding a hidden ‘suspect’ in a patrol-type situation.
“The idea behind the trials was to give our handlers a taste of what trials competition is really like,” said Mr Williams. “It also proved a great motivational exercise, because those who didn’t make the top placings now know what they need to do to improve for next year!”
An independent judge, Sergeant Darryl Payne from Bromley Police Station, was on hand to mark the handlers on their performance – and provide an impartial view.
The three handlers who will now go on to represent Ward Security in the NASDU trials are James Harris, Lee Chapman and James O’Leary. Special mention should go to Jack Card who won the ‘Abigail Ward Trophy’ for the most improved handler in a year.
“Ward Security has developed an excellent reputation for the service levels and standards of its dog patrol teams,” said managing director, David Ward. “This latest initiative is further evidence of a company that is consistently trying to improve standards. We’re now looking forward to taking on the competition at the NASDU trials.”
