Three Avon and Somerset Police dogs and their handlers have shown off their teamwork skills and proved they have the winning formula after success in the regional dog trials.
PC Andrew Lloyd and Frank the dog came first in the Region, which was held in Ringwood, Dorset, and PC Steph Godfrey and his dog Baz secured second place after entering the trials for the first time.
The force’s third entrant PC Andy Gussey and police dog Zeus scooped the trophy for obedience which was one of many categories relevant to operational policing that the dogs and their handlers competed in.
The officers had to fight off strong competition from 16 other competitors representing neighboring forces.
Sgt Denis McCoy, of the force’s dog section, said it was extremely pleasing to have three dogs and officers successfully pick up awards at the high profile competition.
He said: “Frank and Baz will now be representing the south west when they take part in a national competition held in Strathclyde next month.
”It is fantastic that these two dogs have progressed so well. PC Lloyd and Frank will be retiring this year so it will be the last competition they will get to enter.
”We are hopeful that Frank will leave the force on a winning high supported by his canine colleague Baz”
PC Lloyd has previously been to the National Trials five times, winning it in 1999 with Frank’s uncle, Eric.
He hopes that Frank will follow in his uncles footsteps and take the title in Strathclyde. No other handler has ever won the competition with two different dogs before so it would be a real coup for Frank and his handler.
PC Lloyd and Frank serve the Bath and North East Somerset district and PC Godfrey and Baz are based in Yeovil.
Obedience cup winner PC Gussey and Zeus patrol south Bristol and are based at the force mounted and dog section in Bower Ashton.
The police dog trials test obedience, agility, searching for people as well as property, tracking and criminal work.
