General Purpose Security Dog Handler (Level 2)

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The nationally recognised Level 2 Award for a General Purpose Security Dog Handler aims to provide the learner with the basic skills, knowledge and understanding required to ensure the provision of a professional level of service as a General Purpose Security Dog Handler.

This qualification has been developed by NASDU to meet the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Security Dog Handling and the training requirements contained within BS 8517-1:2016.

This programme meets the requirements of those learners who have experience as a Security Officer and wish to become General Purpose Security Dog Handlers. It would also be suitable for members of HM Armed Forces, Police or Prison Service who wish to take on a General Purpose Security Dog Handler role.

The minimum age for vocational training as a Security Dog Handler is 18 years old.

The NASDU Level 2 Award for a General Purpose Security Dog Handler is endorsed by Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) who are a recognised and regulated awarding organisation with OFQUAL, SQA and the SIA.

Training would be delivered over a number of weeks and would be of sufficient duration to ensure competency, having a minimum of 60 guided learning hours (GLH’s).

GLH’s are recorded hours of direct training given to an individual learner and not the duration of a course. Learners with an untrained dog should expect additional hours of training and harness time with the dog.

The programme is flexible with a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of 4 Units (3 Core Units plus 1 Pathway Unit) all of which are compulsory (see Content).

All learners should hold an appropriate S.I.A. licence (unless exempt) and should be trained and competent in a general Security Officer role (Unit 1 – Working in the Private Security Industry and Unit 2 – Working as a Security Officer).

All learners should have a minimum standard of Level 1 in literacy. The English language i.e. speaking, listening, reading and writing skills should be confirmed by the Instructor/Trainer prior to commencement of training.

Learners who have proven GP dog handling experience as a Police or Prison Officer or a Member of HM Armed Forces within the last 5 years may apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) of up to 35 GLH’s.

The dog should be of an acceptable breed and above 12 months old, possess the suitable drives for its role and have had basic obedience training. Please contact us if you have any quesitons about your dog suitability. 

A minimum of 15 GLH’s shall be required for final assessment and examination and to confirm understanding of the private security industry dog sector.

Course assessment shall be carried out by an Approved NASDU Instructor/Trainer, the mode of assessment shall be by practical on-going assessment by question and answer sessions and by written examination(s).

End Point Assessment (EPA) regarding the efficient safety and control of a GP dog during an operational patrol (scenario) including pick up and indication, handler protection, bite and release, shall be observed by an independent sector competent person who does not have an interest in the learner achieving or who has not been involved with the learners training.

Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) shall be carried out by NASDU, with external endorsement of the learning provision and External Quality Support (EQS) carried out by HABC.

The successful learner can proceed onto the Level 3 Certificate for a GP Dog Handler. Qualified handlers can also progress to Mobile Patrol Officers/Supervisors, Detection Dog Handlers or into Security Dog Training

This nationally recognised Award can also provide the underpinning knowledge to assist learners to progress to NVQ’s and higher qualifications

Endorsed certificate from HABC shall be for the Handler (lifetime achievement).
NASDU certificate shall be as a Team i.e. Handler & Dog (12 month expiry)

Unit 01 Roles and Responsibilities of a Security Dog Handler

• Underpinning Knowledge
• Selection

Unit 02 Control of a Security Dog

• Basic Control
• Emergency Stop
• Speak on Command
• Steadiness to Noise

Unit 03 Controlling a General Purpose Security Dog

• Patrol – Internal/External
• Handler Protection – Weapon Attack/Arrest
• Search – Property/Persons
• Entry Control

Unit 04 Health, Well-being and Safety of a Security Dog

• Inspection and Grooming
• Transportation
• H & S Assessment

Achieving this qualification does not automatically entitle an Individual to NASDU Membership; application forms for Membership can be obtained from us or NASDU head office. Applying for Individual Membership during training attracts a discount.