Gosh, I wasn't prepared for all this 'discussion'. I really hope we don't impose on others, but it's a possibility we're always aware of. We certainly don't seem to raise any eyebrows on site, except perhaps when the little pups draw admirers.
Still, if anyone is curious about our particular setup, these are the facts.
My original post described us as: 'occasionally with an Astra following closely behind, as we can have five or six German Shepherds with us at times'. This is not the usual scenario, thank goodness, but exceptional, to cope with pregnant *****/incontinent oldie/tiny pup.
Ann Keith said she wouldn't want to let them [the police pups] go. We don't either, but the really hard bit is when they get hurt later on when they're working. One of our earlier pups is on sick leave at the moment, having been stabbed in the face. First reports were pessimistic and it was agony.
As Seth pointed out: 'adults cant be bothered to educate their young as to stay clear of animals they dont know and instead choose to let them run up to the animal and maul it'. Grown-ups do that too. And other dogs. That's why police pups are given to volunteers for their first six months. Our job is to give them a happy puppyhood and introduce them to every imaginable kind of person and scenario, so that they won't be fazed by children running up and grabbing them. As well as catching baddies, police dogs are also worked in close contact with ordinary members of the public, taken into schools for talks, and of course, they live at home with officers, their families and pets. As they get older, we get them more focused on us, so they are not distracted by other issues. Obviously, on site it's against the rules to have them off lead anyway.
Brian wondered: 'could you control three alsations if they decided to attack anybody'. No. If you spot somebody walking 3 German Shepherds, it won't be us. Two is best if you want your arms to stretch to the same length, but one is sensible and considerate to others.
He also asked why we don't put the dogs in kennels. Money. Also we get a lovely glow from seeing our dogs enjoying their trips away, so it's a bit of selfishness too.
Reg and Pat asked how we fit 6 large dogs in the caravan. Crikey, there's only so much we can take
) When we go away, it's often to working trials, so the dog(s) that are competing will obviously have to come with us. Sometimes a couple will go into kennels, as will the cat, but the cost of that is usually beyond us and the pension. Adult police dogs can go back to their kennels (free of charge), but pups stay with us - caravanning is a wonderful way to socialise them and get them used to different situations. Generally we sleep cat/pups/oldies in the caravan and maybe two adults (them, not us!) in the car cages. One likes to sleep across the back of the car. They are locked in. I do agree wholeheartedly that one dog would be just right, and that was great in France last year, but usually we have to make do with what we can manage financially. Rain is our main enemy. Imagine sharing your living space with multiple wet, muddy dogs - phew!
So, that's the way it is for us. Not ideal, but it works at the moment, and between all the hassle and aggro, we often have a lot of fun caravanning. Thanks to everyone who has posted.
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