British Pathe

Use version on tape *PM0113*

M/S of the doorway of a country house with French windows open; a postman walks into shot carrying letters and a sack; an Alsatian dog runs up. C/U as the dog, Willie, attacks the postman, tearing the sack out of his hands and chasing him away into the woods.

M/S...

Use version on tape *PM0113*

M/S of the doorway of a country house with French windows open; a postman walks into shot carrying letters and a sack; an Alsatian dog runs up. C/U as the dog, Willie, attacks the postman, tearing the sack out of his hands and chasing him away into the woods.

M/S of three kennel maids in white overalls working at the kennels of the Canine Defence League in Hampton, Middlesex, where problem dogs are taken for special training. Two of the women go into pens to feed the dogs, another walks past with a bucket and broom.

M/S of a man in a white coat who is training Willie, "a confirmed postman biter" says commentator. Willie now seems quite docile and obedient; he walks to the man when beckoned, walks round the back of him, sits down and offers a paw to be held; the trainer congratulates him. M/S as a postman walks towards Willie and the trainer, and gingerly reaches out his hand to the dog. Commentator says "...After a month's training, Willie (or whoever the dog is) is reintroduced to a postman (or rather some brave chap dressed up as one), and gradually allowed to get used to the uniform". Willie starts to bark at the postman; the trainer puts the postman's hand on Willie's head, so he can pat him, and Willie calms down somewhat. All three of them walk off; the postman takes Willie's lead and walks alone with him. They stop and Willie sits down, allowing the postman to stroke him.

A trainer appears on a Lambretta LI150(?) scooter; we see a Cocker Spaniel with another trainer - this dog is "the type who chases cars and motor cycles". The Lambretta comes to a halt and the other trainer gets on the back carrying the Spaniel; they drive around as the commentator says "The point is, once he knows what it is, the chances are that he loses interest." M/S as we see the three of them riding off.

Note: One of the trainers may be Robert Horsfall who supervises training. Newspaper article on file on the 'Bad Dogs Borstal'. This issue has been transferred to Digibeta twice in error - also on tape *PM0113* - use *PM0113* version - better quality.