Holbeach sniffer dog trainer urges volunteers to help ‘make a difference’

A passionate sniffer dog trainer who wants to ‘bring light’ to the lives of care home residents is looking for volunteer ‘stooges’ to come forward.

After providing a vital service as a dog handler in the army, Miguel Fontes, of Holbeach, now uses his skills and knowledge at events up and down the country — and needs south Lincolnshire residents to step up and play a role.

The 46 year old is a master trainer and launched his family business, Southern K9 Training, in 2003. The service has qualified instructors who specialise in training security, drug and pyrotechnic detection search dogs.

Miguel is now looking for volunteers to assist with training by acting as a ‘stooge’ or ‘courier’, who will be sniffed out by search dogs. He said: “I grew up with dogs and continued dog handling after I left the army.

“I find this job really rewarding and I wanted to do something for the community.

“We train our dogs so that they can go to clubs, festivals, football games and other events to sniff out drugs.

“I want us to use a voluntary group because it helps people get out of the house and also helps us train our dogs so they are confident enough at bigger events with lots of people.”

The business currently has a training centre in Wisbech, but is hoping to host a regular voluntary group at Holbeach Hub from the end of February.

Members will be able to meet dog breeds such as Labradors, Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels and will be asked to take part in various exercises such as wearing ‘drug socks’ that the animals need to discover through the power of scent.

After previously training with dogs and taking a step back, Miguel’s wife, Ewa Hartel, set up her own business, Paws with Purpose CIC.

The organisation works with Miguel and his team to give rescue dogs a second chance — and become a practical pooch with a purpose.

Miguel is hoping the new group can help people in the community, he added: “We hope that the voluntary group will be a great way for people in the community to socialise and help train the dogs to search for a drug scent.

“People can get out the house for a few hours and it’s always a bit of fun.

“For the handlers who bring the dogs, they need to do these sorts of activities so they can comply with the British Standard of training.

“It’s always beneficial for the dogs to have their training with real people, as it can make a real difference.

“I have known dogs who have only trained with mannequins and they can often become scared and panicked when you take them to a festival due to the amount of people.

“I think for some people the group will be the only thing that brings them out of the house and they will end up enjoying the social aspect of it.”

Miguel and his team have also previously visited care homes as part of a well being activity for residents – after feeling as though the elderly can sometimes get ‘left behind’.

Although the business has not yet visited any care homes in Lincolnshire, Miguel is hoping he can introduce this to the area soon and give residents the chance to play their part in his important work.

He added: “I think everyone keeps forgetting about the elderly and after visiting care homes in London, we could really see the difference it made to their day.

“When we first visited it was like they had no life in them and afterwards they were asking when we would be back – I think the dogs must have made an impression on them.

“If it’s something they don’t see often, it can bring light to their day and it is very safe.”

If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer call Southern K9 Training on 07725 362404.