Meet Nico – Police’s new wellbeing dog who is ‘lifting spirits and boosting morale’

WEST Yorkshire Police has revealed its newest wellbeing dog, who is “lifting spirits and boosting morale”.

The force first welcomed Nico, a Leonberger, to the team in August and told the public “not to let his size fool you”.

A spokesperson for police added back then: “He is a gentle giant and likes nothing more than a cuddle.”

Nico at Javelin House Police Station, at Five Lane Ends (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

Nico at Javelin House Police Station, at Five Lane Ends (Image: West Yorkshire Police) Nico and his handler became “fully fledged” at the end of September and he made his first appearance at Javelin House Police Station, at Five Lane Ends, last week.

Nico giving out his famous cuddles and kisses (Image: West Yorkshire Police) The force spokesperson said: “As you can see from the second picture (above) he gives the best cuddles and kisses.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and he can’t wait to visit you all.”

The gentle giant was out and about again this week, meeting officers in the Bradford district.

Nico out and about this week (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

Nico out and about this week (Image: West Yorkshire Police) The spokesperson for police said: “Lifting spirits and boosting morale with our Team 4 Bradford Patrol officers, he’s been at it again giving everyone lots of hugs and kisses.”

West Yorkshire Police’s Dog Section also includes General Purpose Dogs and Specialist Support.

Nico out and about this week (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

Nico out and about this week (Image: West Yorkshire Police) The General Purpose Dogs tend to be German Shepherds and Malinois.

Their jobs include tracking, searching for people and property, and criminal work.

The specialist dogs are either Spaniels or Labradors and they are trained to find explosives, money, drugs, firearms, and digital media.