Don't stop retrieving: How a sacked friendly police pup became top dog

A pup who wasn’t cut for Queensland Police has a new job greeting visitors to Government House.

Gavel, a German shepherd, was one of forty police dogs being trained for the Queensland Dog Squad when he joined in April last year.

The pup was fostered out to Governor of Queensland Paul de Jersey at the time and stayed with him at his Paddington residence in Brisbane.

Dog squad sergeant Dean Hansen said Gavel showed promise at the time.

“He is confident, with no nervous tendencies, and shows a willingness to retrieve, a prey drive, ball drive and can be motivated by food for a reward,” he said.

But Fairfax reports Gavel was deemed too friendly for the front line.

At a loss with what to do with the pooch the Governor gave him a new role.

“He may have missed out on becoming a Queensland Police Service Dog, but it is abundantly clear that Gavel has the characteristics necessary to adequately fulfil duties as Queensland’s official Vice-Regal Dog,” de Jersey posted.

A spokesman for the Office of the Governor told Fairfax the pooch had become a “valued and much-loved” part of Government House life.

"Gavel on occasions sits in on briefings with the Governor," he said.

"Gavel has also demonstrated his capacity to uphold the ceremonial importance of his role at State of Origin time."

The dog’s duties as Vice-Regal Dog consist of greeting visitors and tour groups to the grounds of Queensland’s Government House.