Key Takeaways
- Ripper, a skilled detector dog, has been featured in the 2026 Police Dog Trust Calendar for her exceptional abilities in detecting narcotics and cash.
- Ripper’s handler, Derbyshire, has built a strong trusting relationship with her over the years, understanding her likes and dislikes, and knowing how to motivate her.
- The pair has worked together in various locations, including Auckland, Tauranga, and Northland’s Kerikeri, and has even traveled to Melbourne to work with the Victoria Police.
- Ripper is a sensitive soul who searches off-lead and is rewarded with a squeaky ball and treats for her hard work.
- Ripper is set to be replaced by her young apprentice, Kai, a 17-week-old pup who is being trained to follow in her footsteps.
Introduction to Ripper
Ripper, a champion detector dog, has been making headlines with her incredible skills in detecting narcotics and cash. Her handler, Derbyshire, has been working with her for years, and their partnership has been a successful one. In a recent demonstration, Ripper was able to detect shredded cash hidden under a vehicle, following the scent and sitting proudly in front of her find. Her reward for a job well done was a squeaky ball, which she loves, and a few nibbles of dried tripe.
Building a Trusting Relationship
Derbyshire has spent years building a trusting relationship with Ripper, understanding what motivates her and how to get the best out of her. It took about a year for the pair to develop a strong bond, and now they have a relationship where Ripper will go sniffing even if she’s not in the mood, as long as her handler asks her to. Derbyshire has learned that Ripper is a sensitive soul and cannot be forced to work, having tried to push her early on in their career and learning the hard way. Instead, he has developed a approach that works for both of them, and their partnership has been highly successful.
Ripper’s Unique Abilities
Ripper is special in that she searches off-lead, as long as she’s in the eyesight of her handler. This allows her to work more freely and effectively, and she has been able to detect a wide range of substances and items. The pair has worked in various locations, including Auckland, Tauranga, and Northland’s Kerikeri, and has even traveled to Melbourne to work with the Victoria Police. During their time in Melbourne, Ripper struggled to detect Australian cash, as the scent was different from that of New Zealand’s, but she was eventually able to find it.
A Typical Week for Ripper and Derbyshire
A typical week for Ripper and Derbyshire can vary greatly, with some days involving multiple jobs and others involving none at all. They may attend four jobs in a single day or one in an entire week. When they’re not working, they like to fill their time by going into the community, handing out Ripper’s caller cards, and visiting local schools and preschools. Ripper loves children, and her visits are always a hit. The pair’s work is not only important but also rewarding, and they have developed a strong reputation as a top-notch detection team.
Ripper’s Legacy
As Ripper approaches retirement, she will be replaced by her young apprentice, Kai, a 17-week-old pup who is being trained to follow in her footsteps. Kai is a bundle of energy compared to Ripper, but Derbyshire says that Ripper likes to help the pup in line. Eventually, Kai will take over from Ripper, and it’s likely that he will become just as skilled and successful as his mentor. Ripper’s legacy will live on through Kai, and her contributions to the detection team will not be forgotten. The 2026 Police Dog Trust Calendar, which features Ripper, is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and it’s a great way to support the important work of police dogs like Ripper and Kai.
Conclusion
Ripper’s story is an inspiring one, highlighting the importance of building strong relationships and trust between handlers and their dogs. Her skills and abilities are a testament to the hard work and dedication of both Ripper and Derbyshire, and their partnership will be remembered for years to come. As Ripper enjoys her well-deserved retirement, she can look back on a career filled with success and achievement, knowing that she has made a real difference in the community. The 2026 Police Dog Trust Calendar is a great way to support the work of police dogs like Ripper, and it’s a must-have for anyone who loves dogs and is interested in the important work that they do.