(BEIJING, July 23) -- On a particularly hot day in the Olympic City, 30 police dogs, forming part of Beijing's armed police force, were training at a police canine squadron training ground in the city's outskirts.

The police dog squad, including German Shepherds and English Labradors, were learning to always be on guard and ready to obey commands the way soldiers are trained to follow orders from superiors.

"Search!" "Roll!" "Sniff!" "Rescue!" With each command the trainer called out, the police dogs reacted immediately, every movement perfect. The police canines were relentless in carrying out their duties.

During an "emergency explosive removal" training exercise, the police dogs were fearlessness, ready to risk their lives without hesitation.

These traits are the result of the intensive training the police dogs have been put through. Only those police dogs that are the cream of the crop will be chosen to become part of the security team for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Last August, a specialized training program was introduced for the police canines. According to Petty Officer Third Class Chan Yuegui, the police canine squad trainer, the training program has three subjects - basic foundation, practical use, and innovation - and is currently in the intensive training phase.

To address special tasks the security team might need to handle during the Olympic Games; specialized subjects have been added to the program, including training for rescuing hostages and the emergency removal of explosives.

Following this intensive training phase, two elite police canines will be chosen to participate in the selection contest to fine the best candidates to fulfill the security objectives of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, organized by the Ministry of Public Security and Olympic Security.

The armed police force currently employs only top-grade canine breeds, canine training facilities and trainers.