Truffle Detection (Hunting) Dog and Handler Course (Level 1)

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 INTRODUCTION

The Level 1 Certificate for a Truffle Detection Dog Team (dog and handler) aims to provide the learner with the basic skills, knowledge and understanding required to ensure the provision of a professional level of operating as a Truffle Detection Dog Team.

This qualification has been developed to meet the training requirements contained within BS 8517-2:2016, (in that) it is an assessment of the learner's (handler's) ability to read the indications given by a dog and to meet the required performance criteria.

FOR WHOM SUITABLE

This programme meets the requirements of those learners who have no previous experience and wish to become Truffle Detection Dog Handlers. Learners must be a minimum of 16 years old. The course is suitable for domestic dog owners or trainers not working in the Security Dog industry with interest in detection dog training and handling.

Level 1 - Certificate

COURSE DURATION

Training will be delivered over nine days and would be of sufficient duration to ensure competency, having a minimum of 70 guided learning hours (GLHs). Recognition of formal prior learning is permissible and may be awarded.

GLHs are recorded hours of direct training, structured learning and assessment given to an individual learner by their Instructor/Trainer and not the duration of a course.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The programme is flexible with a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of 5 Units (4 Core Units plus 1 Pathway Unit) all of which are compulsory (see content).

PRIOR LEARNING

The learner should be competent in the handling of a dog; it's compulsory that learners (and their dogs) are assessed prior to enrollment on the course for which any additional GLHs may be identified. Learners will be given some basic pre course dog training to carry out prior to the course start date. WhatsApp support will be provided via video evidence.

The dog should be of an acceptable breed and above 12 months old, possess the suitable drives required for its role and have had basic obedience training.

Dogs previously schooled in other disciplines must be identified to the Instructor/Trainer prior to commencement of training.

Learners who within the last 5 years have been formally certificated and have proven Detection Dog Handling experience either in the private security sector or in the public sector as a Police or Prison Officer or as a Member of HM Armed Forces, may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

ASSESSMENT

Course assessment shall be carried out by an approved instructor / trainer including practical on-going assessment, question and answer sessions and written examination(s).

End Point Assessments (EPAs) regarding the observation of a safe systematic search and the positive indication of target scents together with a Professional Discussion (PD) shall be carried out by a suitably qualified (i.e. NASDU, ACPO/DAC) external assessor who does not have an interest in the learner achieving and who has not been involved with the learners training.

PROGRESSION

The successful learner could progress onto a variety of dog detection handling, following further training including Drug Detection, Explosive Detection, Conservation Detection or Scent Work Pet Dog Training. This course is suitable as introduction for a career in detection dog handling.

CERTIFICATION

• In- House Certificate – accredited learning programme shall be for the handler (lifetime achievement)

• In- House Certificate – assessment of competency shall be as a Team i.e. Handler & Dog (12 month expiry)

CONTENT

Unit 1 Roles & Responsibilities of a Detection Dog Handler

- Underpinning Knowledge
- Selection

Unit 2 Control of a Detection Dog

- Basic Control
- Emergency Stop & Recall

Unit 3 Operational Control of a Truffle Detection Dog

- Prior Deployment
- Scent Awareness
- Safe Handling, Storage, Hide Placements and Care of Training Aids
- Locating – Open Terrain / woodland Search
- Indication –Location Open Terrain/ woodland search
- Safe Systematic Search

Unit 4 Health, Well-being & Safety of a Detection Dog

- Health & Safety Assessment
- Grooming & Inspection
- Transportation

Unit 5 Management of a Detection Dog

• Operational Management
• Progression of Training

You should attend quarterly assessments and refresher training to remain complaint with the BS 8517-2-2016. This will be charged at £100 based a 3 -1 dog to trainer / instructor ratio.