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Last Updated: Wednesday, 19 October 2005, 06:02 GMT 07:02 UK
Meet the Met's newest recruits
German Shepherd puppy with handler
The dogs will learn through play, so a sense of fun is important
The Metropolitan police's newest recruits in the fight against terrorism are all young, fit keen and full of enthusiasm.

You might even say they're straining at the leash to get on with the job.

Here on Breakfast, we'll be following the careers of five raw recruits as they begin their basic training.

The chances are that most of the puppies will make it to become police dogs. But along the way, there could be tears, tantrums and fights.

The recruits themselves are probably blissfully unaware of all this.

They're just nine weeks old; they're German Shepherd puppies - and they're about to embark on a new career as police dogs.


The Breakfast puppies: who's who

  • Nelson
    PC Andy Miller and Nelson

    PC Andy Miller has clocked up 23 years' experience with the police, and for the last six years he's been working as a dog handler in various West London boroughs.

    Nelson will be his second working buddy. Once he qualifies, Andy's existing dog can retire.


  • Roman
    PC Andy Spearing and Roman

    You may remember Roman's trainer, Andy Spearing, from the BBC's Police Dog Academy series.

    His current dog, Baron, is due to retire soon. When he hands back his police badge, he'll become Andy's family pet


  • Chaz
    PC Dave Adams with Chaz

    PC Dave Adams has clocked up 11 years' service with the Metropolitan Police. Believe it or not, he spent 10 years in Barking, before transferring to the Dog Unit.

    Chaz will be Dave's third police dog.


  • Ashley

    Sergeant Ian Fletcher with Ashley

    Ashley is the fourth police dog for Police Sergeant Ian Fletcher - and like all of the others, he's named after an Arsenal player.

    Ian's been a dog handler for 17 years. He's also worked for the Territorial Support Group and served in several North London Boroughs.


  • Jaeger

    Sgt Jack Webb with Jaeger

    His name is the German for hunter - and Jaeger is Sgt Jack Webb's first police dog.

    Jack's only just joined the unit, having previously worked for the Met's specialist fire-arms squad. So, the next few months will be a steep learning curve for both halves of the team.

  • We'll keep you updated on the puppies' progress over the next few months, here on Breakfast.

  • VIDEO AND AUDIO NEWS
    Sarah Campbell's first report on the puppies



    BBC Breakfast

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