Twelve members of the RAF Police and their Military Working Dogs competed to be crowned champion and ‘Best in Trade,’ at the RAF Police 2021 UK Military Working Dog Trials.
RAF Military Working Dogs play a vital role supporting RAF Police Handlers to protect people and fight crime. Equipped with their sensory superpowers, the Dogs are a strength unrivalled by the most advanced modern technology.
Before being paired with RAF Police Dog Handlers our Military Working Dogs are trained by the Canine Training Squadron at the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray. Once the dogs arrive at their Units the hard work begins. RAF Police Dog Handlers will immediately try to build a bond with their dogs through training and play time – trained to perfection with kindness is their motto!
The Military Working Dog Trials represent the core values shared between the Handlers and their Dog companions, while inspiring the current and future generations of the RAF to develop their skills in the pursuit of excellence.
Competitors travelled from RAF Brize Norton, RAF Benson, RAF Coningsby, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Marham, RAF Northolt and RAF Waddington to the Trials hosted by RAF Honington.
The teams’ skills were tested on a range of skills, including Agility and Obedience, threat perception during day and night patrols, ability to track and trace intruders through wind scent capabilities, bite work, and arena work.
Below are the competitor duos:
These twelve competitors will be whittled down to five for the final day when their skills will be tested in front of VIP guest Lady Kemball, Air Officer Commanding Number 2 Group, and the Provost Marshal (RAF).
The winners have now been announced on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or read the article here.
Additionally, the RAF Benevolent Fund have sponsored a unique Typhoon dog bowl – the ‘McConnel Cup’ – to be awarded to the Dog Obedience and Agility Champion.
InsideAIR also sniffed out the secrets to Military Working Dogs super senses with several Handlers.
Meet the twelve competing RAF Police Handlers and their dogs below.