Labradors are known to be intelligent dogs. This is why they are usually trained to become guide dogs. The training necessary for this canine profession may be considered rigorous, and it will require the dogs to muster their power of concentration.
But dogs, just like some humans, can be easily distracted. And when they are distracted, they may not be able to perform their tasks and duties well. River, a five-year-old Labrador, is a guide dog in training that has been sacked because she could hardly concentrate on her job.
But as they say, when one door closes, another one will open. This saying perfectly suits River.
River the naughty dog
River has been removed from the training program that will turn her into a guide dog. And the reason? She loves chasing squirrels! Such behavior may not be helpful for her profession, as guide dogs are supposed to support and direct blind people.
However, her kind demeanor has fortunately afforded her a new career path. A police station in Kent has offered her a role that nicely suits her.
A new career for River
Kent’s Maidstone Police Station is set to lead a pilot project that involves young people who are taken into custody. The said project will work around those who have a mental illness. This specific program will also require a therapy dog’s specialization; in this case, Rio will be that therapy dog.
Sergeant Ian Sutton of the said police station explained that they often dealt with people in crisis. Despite the behavior of the people in their custody, they might be suffering from anxiety, depression, or mental illness.
A dog like River will only be used on vulnerable detainees or those that may need support. Kent Police’s dog trainers have assessed River, and she successfully passed the test. Sergeant Ian said that River had joined the team because she would give a therapeutic benefit to those facing crisis. River is also expected to help curb the negative behavior that the police face when dealing with people in their custody.
Image Source: The Gurney Fund via Facebook
