More of man’s best friends are needed to sniff out criminals and lead the fight against crime.

Avon and Somerset Police are looking for new recruits, of the four-legged variety. Free board and lodgings, plenty of good food and an exciting and very rewarding career await those accepted for training.

Ideally the German Shepherds we are looking for should be between 10 months and 2 years of age; be bold, confident, of good temperament but not overly aggressive; have a bright inquisitive nature and willingness to play with a toy. Dogs with this mixture of characteristics are best suited to training for the sort of work they will be required to carry out. Other large breeds such as the Rottweiler and Doberman would also be considered should they fulfil the above requirements.

Before the recruits are accepted they are carefully assessed. Each dog must carry out a series of tests, specially designed to help identify whether or not the animal possesses the necessary instincts and temperament required.

If the dog passes the initial assessment it will then be matched to a dog handler, going to live at the dog handler’s home and forming part of the family unit. All dog handlers are provided with a kennel and enclosed run for their dog.

Among the skills that the dogs are taught are tracking and searching for criminals from scenes of crimes, the recovery of articles, locating missing persons, attendance at large scale disturbances and not forgetting public relations activities such as school visits.

Officers from the force’s dog section have spaces for five such dogs to take part in a training course at its Bower Ashton base in Bristol.

Throughout training the dog's natural abilities are identified, encouraged and enhanced. Training encourages an animal to use its instinctive drives in a controlled situation and on command. A dog’s natural abilities form the basis for many of the exercises in police dog training

The dogs are trained using praise and reward techniques in which the dogs respond to tasks and receive praise for a job well done, creating a strong bond between the dog and handler.

On completion of the initial course which lasts 13 weeks, the dog and handler are assessed and if they have achieved the required standards they are licensed to become operational, as a team.

Training will continue to be a vital part of the team, with emphasis on control, safety and efficiency. Re-licensing will occur annually throughout the working life of the dog to ensure the required standards are maintained.

On retirement, the police dogs are offered to their dog handlers, with almost all the dog handlers retaining the dogs as family pets. Those that are not kept by their handlers are always found homes elsewhere.

Anyone who owns a German Shepherd or other suitable breed which they think may be a suitable candidate is asked to contact the dog section at Bower Ashton by completing our on-line form.

An appropriate fee will be paid for any dog which is enrolled onto a course.