Re: Advice from fellow colleagues ...
 

Sorry guys I need to clarify !

The dog handler position is a vacancy NOW, the bike team is a IF AND WHEN, I am just taking the course to enable me to apply. So the bike team job I would have to wait for a vacancy

Re: Advice from fellow colleagues ...
 

No contest then.

Apply for the dog job, then if you decide you don't want it, tell them that during the application process.

If you wait, you might miss the chance.

Re: Advice from fellow colleagues ...
 

From knowing how my force works, if you apply for the dog job, will they still allow you to do the driving course you have been offered?

Re: Advice from fellow colleagues ...
 

Can't wait to hear how tonight has gone Shell! That's fab that Samson enjoyed that course so well and if your mum is going to be with him during the day, even for a couple of hours, that could make all the difference.

The only reason I wrote about how much of an added responsibility it is having more than one dog, is because it would really irresponsible not to highlight that.

In truth, although with the 4 we have we are really limited because you can't just leave 4 dogs with parents/friends, we would not change it for the world. People have seen them at AR's like VT's, Ophics and others dogs all having fun. So long as your prepared it's fine. Just wanted to give you a few examples of how it can sometimes be a challenge.

In all honesty, having more than 1 dog is the way to go IMO. The companionship they give eachother and watching them play and be dogs together is just wonderful.

Go for it Shell, you know you can do it!!!

Re: Advice from fellow colleagues ...
 

No problem Shelly. I will be in the area from 11th Oct for about a week. I'll be in touch when I am there.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/k...1/DSCF1890.jpg

don't let the dog get hold of your poorly arm tonight.



have fun

Re: Advice from fellow colleagues ...
 

LOL gotta sound my insp out later, but the fact I will be a dog handler on my shift is something I suppose, and my insp retires in June so I am thinkming that is a good thing!

Re: Advice from fellow colleagues ...
 

Apollo, that's one beautiful dog you have there!

Re: Advice from fellow colleagues ...
 

thanks GG. He looks the part but is really a big 58kg of muscle softie.

Re: Advice from fellow colleagues ...
 

Shelly, I don't know how things are in your force but the dog section here is small and very difficult to get into (people have been trying for years and years). Actually it's the same with the bike section too.

If you have a chance of getting into dog handling and it's something you really want then you need to jump at the chance.

Besides, Samson is your pet and the police will pay for an outdoor shelter for the work dog.

If they don't get on just keep your time with them divided fairly.

You would be silly to pass up this opportunity, I wouldn't.

Re: Advice from fellow colleagues ...
 

Same in our force too, bike team job came and went when Ihad poorly arm so I dont expect one to come up soon but when it does I will have the skills.

Dog job is now and I think I am just gonna try and see how far I get. Gonna sit my Insp down later and talk to him and see if he will support me, after all if I dont get the job I gotta remain on his shift.

He got me the advanced course and I only applied a month ago. I see it good that I will be on my shift and supporting his shift so I hope he will not be too annoyed :)

GG - I never leave Sam long, my Mum is wonderful and has him over night when I am on shift, in 10 mins I will be taking him for tonight :) without her I would have had to give him up. He gets double love and has in effect 2 homes.

All the issues of having 2 dogs is my main priority, I would not make Samson unhappy by having a work dog I would rather leave it until the next opportunity arose than make Samson unhappy ........ he my baby at end of the day and work is just work !