The squad has 34 dogs, but needs more to replace those approaching the end of their working lives.

Squad Sergeant Glenn Barrot said pure-bred German shepherds aged between one and two years were needed to help with searches for offenders, missing persons, burglaries, sexual attacks, brawls, prowlers and armed and violent situations.

Prerequisites include intelligence, boldness, keenness and the physical ability to cope with the strenuous demands of police work.

Successful dogs will undertake five months of intensive training involving obedience, agility, tracking, searching techniques and criminal work at the dog training centre in Attwood.

Unsuccessful dogs will be returned to their owners.

Details: Dog squad, 93331300.