DETECTING drugs, explosives and human remains are all in a day's work for the dogs in the police force.

But the specialist training required to be the best at the job does not come easily, with each animal having to undertake a rigorous 13-week intensive course.

North Yorkshire Police Dog Trainer PC Paul Donaldson, who trains the animals at the force's central kennels, near Northallerton, said dogs are normally taken on when they are at least nine months old.

The £6,000 training is wide-ranging and covers everything from basic obedience to tracking. Once a dog successfully completes the 13-week course it can then be trained in specialist areas such as explosives and human remains detection.

At this stage, the old adage "a dog is a man's best friend" is never more true, as the police dog is taught to look after its handler at all costs.

There are 21 officers working in the county's dog section, from bases in Scarborough, Harrogate and York. Like the dogs, the officers also have to pass a suitability course and this involves everything from the need to be physically fit to having an authoritative voice.

The training doesn't just end, and it is not unusual for dog handlers and their animals to be tested up to four times a year. To ensure police officers build up a bond with their dogs, the animals live with their handler - effectively becoming the family pet when it is off duty.

Sergeant David James said: "A police dog will never get a better life because it is trained to the highest standard, gets the best exercise, best food, best veterinary care, and receives love and attention from the whole family."