Veteran police dog trainer and Schutzhund champion on how training methods evolve over time
Veteran police dog expert, Bernhard Flinks, talks to Kate Fairweather during a break at the UK's National Police Dog Trials 2025.
A wide-ranging conversation with Bernhard, who spent over 40 years in the German police force.
Bernhard has been hugely successful in the uniquely German sport, "Schutzhund" (German for Protection Dog), also known as IGP. This is something of a triathlon for working dogs (tracking, obedience, protection)or working trials for protective breeds - notably German Shepherds but also the other main protection dog breeds. Schutzhund was given Intangible Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO in 2025.
Bernhard discusses cultural differences between training regimes in Germany and the UK. Also how approaches to training working dogs have evolved, particularly the balance between negative correction and positive reinforcement techniques.
More information from www.flinks.de.
Photo: photo of Bernanrd Flinks (www.Flinks.de).
You may also enjoy these connected episodes:
The UK's National Police Dog Trials 2025 P.D. Viper the firearms support dog P.D. Chase and the career arc of a general purpose police dog P.D. Meika, who searches for London criminals' cash, drugs and firearms P.D. Ted, the explosives detection dog with the West Midlands Police P.D. Jax the victim recovery dog with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Mika, the well being and trauma support dog in the Metropolitan Police Champ, the engagement dog working in child protection in the Victoria police Keo the well being dog in the UK police; and Mabel the emotional support worker in the Fire ServiceDo you work your dog?
Or perhaps you know someone else who might like to come on the show? I love all and any working dogs and am always looking for dogs to interview.
Get in touch with me, Kate, via [email protected].
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Dogs with Jobs
Celebrate the frontline workers of the canine world.
Kate Fairweather comes face to face with a diverse cast of working dogs, perfectly equipped with the instincts, intelligence and training to handle everything their jobs throw at them.
Humans and dogs have worked together for centuries - and still do today in our communities.
Some work with handlers, drawing on their natural hunting, herding, or guarding instincts, or an exceptional sense of smell. Others perform caring roles, providing companionship and support to humans.
Podcast of the Year at the Community Radio Awards 2022.
Produced by volunteers at Petersfield's Shine Radio. Contact Kate at [email protected] or call 01730 555 500.
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