The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is set to welcome the Metropolitan Police dogs support unit for a number of training dates throughout March. The series of training dates will take place on a weekly basis commencing on 3rd March when the venue will welcome several teams of trainee dogs and their handlers. Donating the use of the space free of charge, the RCP team help to support the rigorous and essential training of the local police unit who will use the venue for dog search challenges outside of the venue’s usual working hours.
The intensive dog training involves teaching the animals to search for objects hidden in the building, following a specific scent. The training helps to develop the skills of the dogs to make them become key members of the anti-terrorism and drugs squad in support of their handlers. The training has been held at the venue for the past three years, with the venue providing the perfect location to challenge the dogs and their police handlers. The initiative arose when the building was searched by dogs ahead of a visit by The Princess Royal which took place in 2011, when one of the handlers suggested that it would be an ideal base for training on account of its proximity and the suitable challenges it provides for the search tasks.
RCP Sales and Marketing Manager Natacha Allen says: “We are delighted that we can support the police dog training here at RCP- it’s always great to see how dedicated the dogs are. We’re proud to have been chosen as an ideal training venue.”
