The LHIB has trained two new four-legged, furry employees within the biosecurity detection dog fleet. Both dogs are from Western Australia, where they were bred by Bodhran Gundogs.
Tilly is a 14-month-old tricolour Working Cocker Spaniel. She arrived on the Island as a 12-week-old puppy and is now field-ready.
Tilly is currently trained to detect both mice and rats and will be put on other invasive pest scents in the coming months.
She has already developed a reputation amongst the handlers for having a cheeky attitude.
Sooty is a three-year-old Working Cocker Spaniel, who gets his name from his black coat with a white chest patch.
He is an ex-pet dog, handed back to the breeder due to unforeseen circumstances. Knowing Sooty’s qualities and very high energy, the breeder offered him to the LHIB as a conservation detector dog.
Sooty was quick to adapt to scent work and is showing incredible skills in his mouse and rat detection.
He is now working well in the field, starting with searching leases. In the coming months, Sooty will be trained on Airport duties.
