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 Service

Do 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 team@shineradio.uk.

Find more dogs with interesting jobs. 

© & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2025