Lissie, a two-year-old Labrador police dog with Lancashire Constabulary, retired early due to a phobia of slippery floors, which led to her reluctance in conducting criminal searches. Although she began her service in September with an expected career span of seven years, signs of work avoidance prompted her retirement earlier this month. During her short time in service, she assisted in a notable arrest involving suspected drug dealers. Former Royal Air Force dog trainer Sean Hesmondargues noted that such behavior isn’t uncommon among working dogs. Oakley, a springer spaniel, is currently in training to replace Lissie.
A “work-loving” police dog who showed signs of “work avoidance” was forced to retire early at just two years old.
Lissie, a Labrador who works for Lancashire Constabulary, has developed a phobia of “slippery floors” and has become reluctant to look for criminals or evidence.
She only enlisted in September and was expected to have a career that lasted at least seven years.
But she hung up her harness for the last time earlier this month and is now retired to a loving home.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police’s canine unit said: “Lissie was showing signs of avoidance at work and was not 100 per cent happy so we have retired her to a loving home.”
“Be happy, Lissie.”
They added: “Lissie had problems with slippery floors. She was unable to effectively search areas with such surfaces due to signs of stress.”
Despite her short tenure, Lissie was able to add one notable surgery to her name.
Lissie, a Labrador belonging to Lancashire Constabulary, developed a phobia of “slippery floors” and became reluctant to search for criminals or evidence.
Lissey only enlisted in September and was expected to have a career that lasted at least seven years.
Oakley, a springer spaniel (pictured), is currently training to replace Lissie in Lancashire Police’s dog unit.
In November, she assisted in the arrest of two suspected drug dealers in Burnley, East Lancashire. They were arrested on suspicion of possessing ketamine and marijuana.
Former Royal Air Force police dog trainer Sean Hesmondargues explained that Lissie’s experience was not unusual.
He told the Telegraph: “It is not uncommon for licensed working dogs or dogs in training to develop ‘work avoidance’ and be retired from service.”
“It is also not uncommon for dogs to have or develop negative feelings towards floor surfaces.
“It’s a condition where the dog’s self-confidence is compromised because the dog doesn’t understand the superficial type.”
Oakley, a springer spaniel, is currently training to replace Lissie in Lancashire Police’s dog unit.
