A failed police dog is looking for a new home after it was deemed that he was "too soft" to make it in the force. 

Little Arnie had a "rough start" after officers found him abandoned, tied to a lamppost, but authorities had hoped he would make an ideal police dog given his breed - a German shepherd cross.

However, police dog trainers soon discovered that Arnie was just too friendly and did not have the aggression required to serve in the force.

Durham Constabulary, who had been training Arnie, is now searching for a loving home for the fun-loving and confident pup. Although he is strong and a little boisterous, Arnie gets along well with other dogs and people.

The Northern Echo: Arnie, Durham's failed police dog.

The police force has invited anyone interested in offering Arnie a new home to email them with information to support their application,

Durham Constabulary said: "Could you offer this handsome little guy the forever home he deserves?

"Arnie is a five-month-old German Shepherd cross who didn’t have the best start in life when he was found abandoned and tied to a lamppost.

"Given his breed and boisterous nature, we thought he’d make an ideal police dog and began putting him through training. 

"Unfortunately though, he is just a bit too soft and we believe he will be much more suited being someone’s pet in a loving home.

"Despite his rough start, Arnie is a fun-loving, confident, and happy boy.

"He is very social with other dogs and people, but given his size and breed is quite strong and can be a little boisterous.

"All homes will be considered but strictly no cats, and experience with the German Shepherd breed is preferred.

"Anyone who is interested in offering the lovely Arnie a new home, please email Natalie.raine@durham.police.uk.

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"Please include information to support your application such as other pets, work commitments, lifestyle, house occupants (ages), and home environment.

"Home checks will need to be carried out before Arnie is rehomed. Applications will start to be checked and replied to next week."