Explosives detection work is a highly specialised discipline within the police, and the stakes are high.

On this episode of Dogs with Jobs, we meet Police Dog Ted, one of 17 explosive detection dogs working within the West Midlands Police Service, one of the largest urban police forces in the UK, which even has its own breeding scheme.  

Ted's handler, Police Constable Damo Smart, has over 21 years' experience as a police dog handler and instructor. Damo was part of the West Midlands Police display team in the Crufts arena with dozens of police colleagues and dogs.

Performance over, he joins Dogs with Jobs presenter Kate Fairweather in the press room at Crufts to talk about P.D. Ted, and where such specialised police dogs fit into the overall framework and resources within the police service.

Travel sickness is a no-no for explo dogs, who must be away from home for big sports events and royal occasions as part of the job.  Damo explains why it also takes a certain attitude from the handler to work these dogs, given the high stakes involved. So a steady attitude and the ability to relax once the work is over is key.

Damo explains what he looks for in an explo dog and what it takes to search at this level - and to search safely.  

Connected episodes: 

• Jax the victim recovery dog with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary;


• Mabel the emotional support dog in the Hampshire & Isle of Wight fire service


• P.D. Didi, the general purpose police dog


• Keo, the wellbeing support dog in the police

More photos at shineradio.uk/dogswithjobs 

Do you work your dog or dogs?

If you would be interested in coming on the show, please get in touch with Kate at team@shineradio.uk or call 10730 555 500. 

© & ℗ Kate Fairweather 2024

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.