Wolves training for Olympics bomb dogs
[gallery] They may look like your average cute and cuddly family pooch, but these two specially-trained spaniels will make no bones about confronting anyone causing disruption at the Olympics.
They may look like your average cute and cuddly family pooch, but these two specially-trained spaniels will make no bones about confronting anyone causing disruption at the Olympics.
Milo and Bodie, experts in sniffing out explosives, will be deployed across the country during the Games to ensure the safety of competitors and spectators.
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In preparation for the beginning of the Olympics, the pair have been sharpening up their skills by taking part in training exercises at Wolves' Molineux stadium.
Dog Training Instructor Pc Wayne Mellings said: "Clearly with the Olympics now around the corner we must ensure we're prepared for any eventuality.
"Over the last six months we've been training at high-profile venues to make sure our dogs are familiar with searching stadium environments.
"Wolverhampton Wanderers is a superb venue for us to utilise as a training area for our police search dog capability. We are continually looking for opportunities to engage with local organisations, such as Wolves FC, and strengthen the already excellent relationships that exist."
West Midlands Police has around 20 specialist explosives sniffer dogs that will be deployed during the Games, including the Olympic village in London.
Milo and Bodie will be primarily tasked with security checks before football matches being staged Coventry's Ricoh Arena.
The stadium will host 12 Olympic football matches in total, seven women's matches and five men's games, starting on July 25 with Japan's ladies team taking on their Canadian counterparts.
Men's teams from nations such as Japan, Sweden, Mexico and Switzerland will also play matches in Coventry.
Pc Mellings, added: "Although the training is predominantly based around searching for potential explosive devices, the dogs are also trained to search for narcotics and thus promote venues as drug-free zones.
"The dog unit is always looking for new venues to expand its training options, further develop our dogs."
By Shaun Jepson
