A rescue dog with boundless energy and determination has found his calling - as one of Wiltshire Police’s newest recruits.
Dexter, an 18-month-old Labrador, was handed to Dogs Trust in January after showing signs of a strong working instinct. Now, just months later, he has successfully completed his training and officially joined the force as a specialist search dog.
Police Dog Trainer Cindy Hargreave, who oversaw Dexter’s training, said it was clear from the start that he was a dog who needed a purpose.
“Dexter is larger than life in everything he does,” she said. “He throws himself into every task with total commitment and is always fully focused. He’s resilient, quick to recover, and happiest when he’s working — a dog that most definitely needed a job to fulfil his drive.”
Dexter lived with Cindy for several months after Wiltshire Police adopted him from Dogs Trust. During that time, he was gradually introduced to different environments and situations to prepare him for the demands of police work. His early training focused on developing search skills and learning how to signal when he locates what he’s trained to find.
According to Cindy, Dexter “went from strength to strength” throughout his initial training course, quickly proving he had what it takes to become a police dog.
Wiltshire Police joined the Animal Welfare Visitors Scheme (AWS) in 2024 and have since trained three rescue dogs from Dogs Trust to serve as police dogs. The national scheme, launched in 2002, ensures that police dogs are trained, housed and transported to the highest animal welfare standards.
Louise Crawford, Animal Welfare Scheme Coordinator at Dogs Trust, said: “Dexter was identified by the team at Dogs Trust Cardiff as being suitable for a working home due to his strong instinct and enthusiasm. We’re delighted that he has completed his training and is now a fully licensed police dog. Rescue dogs like Dexter have so much to offer and can achieve great things.”
Dexter’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the potential rescue dogs have when given the right opportunities — and a testament to the partnership between Dogs Trust and Wiltshire Police.
More information about Dogs Trust’s work with service dogs can be found at www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/professionals/service-dogs.