You do not have to be an experienced dog handler.
You just need to like dogs and have a basic understanding of their behaviour.

You need to be:

• 18 years or older
• reasonably fit as the puppies are very energetic
• have a secure garden
• have your own transport as you will be required to attend puppy training at Stockbury every other Sunday

Puppies can not be left alone for long periods so if you work all day, you may not be suitable for the role.

Before you can get a puppy, you must take and pass an assessment which will take place in April 2008.
In a relaxed atmosphere, we will look at your ability to understand what's involved in training a young dog and see if you show a basic but natural ability to understand a dog's behaviour and to respond accordingly.

If selected, you will be teamed up with an eight-week-old German shepherd puppy.

You will also need to sign a puppy career contract, detailing the terms and conditions of the scheme.

You will be provided with a sleeping crate and all training aids that your puppy will need. All food and vets bills will be met by Kent Police.

You will be given a comprehensive training package and be fully supported by our puppy development trainer. All puppies will be trained at their own learning pace, which is usually very quick so volunteer trainers will need to work hard to keep up.

Puppies stay with their volunteer trainers until they are about 10 months old and they then return to the kennels where they receive advanced training.

Although it can sometimes be hard work, this role is extremely rewarding. All volunteers are invited back when their dog has complete its advanced training so you can see how much the puppy has developed.