Good news: Northumbria Police switches on PuppyCam to celebrate birth of police dog puppies
Last updated 10/26/2009 12:12:01 PM
Northumbria Police switches on PuppyCam
Animal lovers can help celebrate the birth of nine new puppies after Northumbria Police set-up PuppyCam which follows them around the clock.
The puppies were born to police dog Heidi - five boys and four girls - and a specially positioned camera updates the Northumbria Police website with a new image of them every 60 seconds.
"As Heidi and her puppies live between two kennels, please do not worry if you do not see them," the website explains. "Sometimes this is unavoidable and they will be back as soon as possible. We will also be increasing our coverage soon."
PuppyCam gives the public a birdseye view of the newest arrivals in the force's highly skilled and trained dog section. These are mainly German Shepherds but there are also a few Belgian Malinois and Dutch Herders.
Eight of these dogs have been trained to work with firearms teams. There are also seven licensed to detect drugs, weapons and cash and 12 who detect explosives.
The puppies have a big role ahead of them. Police dogs are trained to be under control at all times. Commands are given verbally or with a hand signal.
Due to the physical demands on police dogs they must be in good physical condition, they are trained to scale a six foot fence, clear an foot long jump and complete a hurdle and agility course.
To check out the puppies' progress go to http://www.northumbria.police.uk/about_us/dogs/puppycam
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