Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Dog Section is on the hunt for some new recruits.

Officers are looking for two German Shepherd dogs for a General Purpose police Dog course which starts in September.

PC Mick Leigh is from the Dog Section, he said: “The dog needs to be between 10 and 20 months old. It must be full of energy and have a very balanced temperament.

“A lot of the initial training revolves around ball reward, so we are looking for dogs that are keen to retrieve and search for their toy.”

The course lasts 13 weeks, during that time the dogs will be taught to follow the scent of an offender from the scene of a crime. It will also learn to search for missing or wanted people in the open or within a building and to detain those running away from the police.

Applicants will initially be assessed at their home where suitability tests will be carried out.

PC Leigh added: “It takes a special dog to be part of the police force.

“A fantastic working life awaits the successful pup that will live at home with their police handler.”

If you think you have the right dog for the job please call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 0845 090 1234 and ask to speak to PC Mick Leigh in the Dog Section.