Fur Real: Teams Tackle International Canine Biathlon

1st Military Working Dog Regiment's Rutland barracks has hosted an International Canine Biathlon for the first time since 1986.

A total of 46 teams took on challenges across a 10km route including a variety of obstacles with military twists.

Competitors from the UK, US, Belgium and Latvia took part.

The course is designed to prepare the dogs and their handlers for problems they could face on real operations.

Private Chloe Jones said the competition helps to improve their bond:

"You know each other's boundaries from stuff like this.

"I had to chuck her in a skip full of water to know whether she likes the water or not."

Lieutenant Colonel Neil Lakin, Commanding Officer, 1st Military Working Dog Regiment says each task helps to instil confidence:

"The lifting, the carrying, the control, the obedience, are all exactly the same thing handlers need in their working role."

Next years' event is due to take place in the United States.