Dog too friendly for police academy comes out on top

Gavel nabs vice-regal job at Queensland mansion

A German shepherd puppy named Gavel was just too sweet for a police dog academy in Australia.

“Instead of tackling hardened criminals, the (dog) liked to meet strangers, and police in Australia felt he ‘did not display the necessary aptitude for a life on the front line,’” the BBC reported.

Recommended Videos



That’s why a dog is man’s best friend, right? You can’t blame him for being friendly.

Or, maybe you can.

Gavel just couldn’t get it together in time -- and flunked out of the academy for being too sociable, according to the BBC.

But bigger things awaited.

Gavel is now the “vice-regal dog” at the Queensland mansion, the official home of the Queensland governor. He had been fostered there since he was 6 weeks old.

The office of Gov. Paul de Jersey posted on social media about Gavel and the important role he plays.

“There were lots of comments from people at Open Day ... expressing how much they enjoyed following via social media Gavel's progression from aspiring police pooch to vice-regal dog,” the office said. “The truth is that we at Government House have loved sharing his story with you! And so ... we are releasing, and re-releasing, some of our favourite Gavel moments, some more candid than others.”

There were lots of comments from people at Open Day on the weekend expressing how much they enjoyed following via social...

Posted by Governor of Queensland on Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Gavel has brought “untold joy” to the lives of the governor, his wife, Government House staff and the thousands of Queenslanders who have since visited the estate, the BBC said.

The office jokingly refers to Gavel’s “career change."

It was February 2017 when Gavel’s handlers decided he wasn’t fit for police work. Despite coming from “a long line of pedigree,” according to a news release from police cited by the BBC, Gavel’s role with authorities wasn’t meant to be.

Gavel now welcomes guests and tour groups to the Queensland grounds.

He also takes part in special ceremonial occasions -- and wears his very own custom-made uniform.