PUPPY Power came to the October meeting of the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea with some particularly special guests, several wriggly, wide-eyed puppies with ambitions to one day serve on Australia’s front line as working detector dogs.
Knowing that many Probus members are dog lovers, the program co-ordinator invited the Australian Border Force (ABF) to present on its Detector Dog Program (DDP). Alongside their human handlers, the puppies quickly won over the room, providing the perfect backdrop for ABF officers to explain how locals can get involved.
ABF Superintendent Allister Keel told the meeting that the expansion offers a unique opportunity for animal lovers to make a meaningful contribution.
“We’re proud to offer a greater number of Victorians the opportunity to become involved in this highly rewarding program,” Superintendent Keel said.
“Detector dog foster carers play a vital role in co-raising puppies who will one day work to protect our borders, and this expansion demonstrates our strong partnership with the community.”
The ABF has announced the expansion of its DDP foster carer network into additional regional areas, including Whittlesea. Following the program’s success in Greater Melbourne and Geelong, eligible households in Whittlesea can now apply to foster future detector dogs.
Puppies enter the program at around nine weeks of age and are co-raised by foster carers who provide safe, loving homes and expose the pups to a variety of environments, from shopping centres to community hubs. No prior animal care experience is required. Carers receive 24/7 support and all food, equipment, and veterinary expenses are covered. The ABF also provides care for the puppies if carers go on holidays.
Foster carers must have a secure yard, be committed to socialising the puppy, provide regular exercise, and attend three training sessions each year at a DDP facility.
Established in Melbourne in 1993, the DDP’s specialised breeding and training program has produced thousands of skilled detector dogs for use across airports, seaports, mail centres, and cargo depots nationwide. These dogs play a crucial role in screening for narcotics, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and currency.
A highlight of the meeting was when the puppies made their rounds – literally working the room.
The parenting instincts of many Probus members were clear. Any puppy fostered by a club member will no doubt have a large extended family among the club’s close-knit membership.
For more information on becoming a foster carer, visit Foster a Detector Dog on the ABF website.
