THE JOURNEY of a Gwent Police dog is a special one, and Floyd’s was no different after being adopted from Tredegar.

Floyd arrived at Gwent Police in October 2019 with bundles of energy.

PC Rhion Weston, Floyd’s handler, said: “Before joining us, Floyd lived with a relative of one of our handlers in Tredegar.

“They contacted us because, as he was so highly-driven and needed so much stimulation, they felt he’d be a perfect fit as a police dog.”

Both owners believed he wasn’t getting the exercise and stimulation he needed.

The sprocker soon found his paws in Newport, however.

“He’s a mix of a cocker spaniel and a springer,” PC Weston explained.

“A lot of the smaller dogs in the section are absolutely driven to work, and Floyd – from the off – was no different.

“When dogs first arrive, they are assessed by an experienced instructor, who tests the dog’s drive, willingness to work and ability to search for specific items.

“Floyd would always come out on top, wagging his tail."

Other tests are also carried out to determine the dog’s mental wellbeing.

Are they happy working in dark rooms, in places with various smells, happy to scale tight staircases and hear loud noises?

MORE NEWS:

Spaniels like Floyd are commonly used for roles in search and detection; Floyd now specialises in detecting explosive substances.

“He came straight onto a 12-hour shift with me and my bigger dog, PD Bullet,” said PC Weston.

“That was probably quite a shock to the system. Going from having the run of the house, to sharing a shift with a German/Czech shepherd, but he hasn’t looked back since.

"I’m pleased to say Floyd and Bullet get on very well.”

While Floyd is at the beginning of his career with Gwent Police, PD Eddie has recently hung up his collar and retired following ten years’ service.

“In general, our dogs tend to retire at around nine, ten, years of age, but they have six-monthly health visits to the vet before this point to ensure they are still fit enough for the job,” said PC Weston.

“Then, the overwhelming majority of handlers adopt their dogs and take them home with them. After all, they already feel part of your family.”

Find out more about Gwent Police's canine recruits at gwent.police.uk/en/about-us/meet-our-police-dogs