Wriggling around on their bellies, their eyes not even open yet, but never venturing far from their mother, the earliest moments of West Midlands Police’s first Sprocker litter have been captured.
Born last week, the two-day old pups can be seen trying to feed from their mum Olympia, as she lovingly licks them clean and makes sure they are warmly snuggled into her.
The three boys and three girls are the force’s first Springer-Cocker Spaniel cross breed − known as Sprockers – and are the latest addition to West Midlands Police’s dog breeding programme.
“All the pups are doing really well – they’re healthy and Olympia is a fantastic first-time mum,” said Dave Raymond, breed scheme manager at the dog unit in Balsall Common.
He added: “What we’re trying to achieve in breeding Sprockers is to bring out certain temperaments in each of the breeds.
“Our Springer Spaniels tend to be a little bit gamey, meaning they like to chase birds, but the Cockers can be quite responsive so we’re hoping we can create the ideal search dogs by combining the two.
“We’ve had Sprockers donated to us before and the ones we’ve got work very well and have a great nose on them.”
In around seven weeks’ time, the pups will be looking for homes with puppy walkers who will look after them until they are around a year old.
Puppy walkers are vital to the training school and help orientate the dogs for the next 12 months of their lives − allowing them to experience what it is like living in a home, socialising with people and other animals.
Dave Raymond said: “After their time with the puppy walkers, they’ll go on an eight-week course to develop their search instincts.
“They’ll complete searches in buildings, streets, open spaces and vehicles with a view to becoming either a drugs sniffer dog or specialist search dog, depending on what they show an aptitude for.
“But for now, it’s important they’re just allowed to be pups and have fun developing in a happy environment, without any fears.”
The pups − who are yet to be named − will be the ‘T’ litter and the force is looking for any name suggestions beginning with the letter ‘T’.
“Please feel free to tweet us – @WmpPup − with any ideas,” said Dave. He added: “We’re also looking for puppy walkers as we’re quite low on numbers at the moment and could really do with some more volunteers.
“Anyone over 18, who would normally be at home during the day to look after the pups can apply.
If you’re interested, you can get in touch by either tweeting us or emailing breedscheme@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.”
This weekend police dogs from the force will be at Bark in the Park, a two-day family fun day held in Cannon Hill Park.
The free event − which seeks to raise funds for retired police dogs − will see operational police dogs put through their paces in demonstrations, as well as lots of activities including a World War I village, vintage police cars and even a Birmingham beach.
You can keep up to date and find out more about Bark in the Park by following @RetiredWMP_Dog on Twitter.
