Beijing's Public Security Administration is currently training around 40 sniffer dogs in preparation for regular patrols of the city's subway system. They will be used to detect incendiary, explosive or highly flammable substances which are banned on the underground. And with the arrival of 2008, these dogs have officially started on patrol duty.

An official with the public transport section emphasized that the dogs would all be Labrador Retrievers and Spaniels - breeds renowned for their friendliness and calm nature - so those who are nervous near dogs need not be alarmed.

This passenger at Tiananmen East Subway, who had seen the dogs, agreed.

Their presence makes me feel safer. I'm not afraid of these dogs at all. I think they are all cute. They must have been well trained.

Despite this, police are still advising the public to keep their distance from the dogs and not to pet or try to feed them.

Hopefully, passengers will leave the dogs alone. Do not play with them, and do not interfere with their patrol work. After all, they are there to provide a safe traveling environment for the passenger, and their primary duty is to keep flammable items out of the subway stations.

Beijing police have been using sniffer dogs to detect drugs in public places such as at airports, subway and railway stations as well as shopping malls since last June, but many local residents are not familiar with regular dog patrols just yet.