Watch the dog who has become Governor’s official Vice-Regal Dog
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Video Credit: Rumble
One-year-old police dog named Gavel, who was in training to become a Queensland Police Service Dog, couldn’t become a service dog because he is too friendly.
However, Gavel has been given a new role and has become Governor Paul de Jersey’s official Vice-Regal Dog.
He now welcomes visitors to Brisbane’s Government House.
Gavel arrived at Government House in April last year when he was just six-week-old. He was in training to become a Queensland Police Service Dog.
However, because of his friendly nature, he couldn’t become a service dog.
A spokesman for Queensland Government House said: “Gavel arrived at Government House in April last year as a six-week-old puppy. It was intended that he would undergo a training and socialisation programme preparing to become a Queensland Police Service Dog.”
“But like many aspiring QPS Dogs, Gavel did not display the necessary aptitude for a life on the front line. Not all dogs display this, and Gavel proved himself to be quite sociable.”
“He is better suited to life as a ceremonial dog and will instead now spend his working days at Fernberg, where he has become a much-loved part of Government House life.”
Gavel now welcomes visitors, attend functions and formal ceremonies with the governor, and sit in on briefings wearing a specially-made Government House coat. He has become everyone’s favourite within a short span of time.
Sergeant Dean Hansen of Brisbane Dog Squad, QPS, said: “Gavel is confident, with no nervous tendencies, and shows a willingness to retrieve, prey drive and ball drive and can be motivated by food for a reward.”
“Police dogs can be taught many skills but they need to have these basic traits already in their personality.”
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