As a “centre of excellence”, the Watchdogs Ltd training centre is accredited by the two main recognised industry training organisations for security and search dogs.

The British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (BIPDT) and the National Association of Security Dog Users (NASDU) both recognise and approve Watchdogs as a training and examination centre.

Our instructors are able to train both dogs and handlers in preparation for examination by either body and they are fully conversant with the current legislative requirements governing the use of dogs within the commercial sector.

Should a handler not have their own dog we are able to provide a “pool” dog in order to enable the handler to receive training prior to obtaining one.

We are firmly committed to helping to raise the standards of dogs and handlers within the security sector.

We believe that by raising the standards companies and individuals involved within the sector will be treated as professionals and will be able to charge more realistic rates for the services that they provide.

In general all three organisations are looking for a similar standard of theoretical knowledge regarding: The Law, Canine Welfare and Husbandry and practical handling skills in Obedience, Agility and Protection.

Obedience: Heel work including turns to the left and right, the sit, the down, the stay (in sight of the handler), the recall and the present (the dog to sit up in front of the handler to re attach leash).

Agility: The dog must be taught to negotiate certain obstacles, e.g. A long jump, 3ft hurdle or clear jump, a 4ft 6″ solid wall and an “A” frame whilst remaining under full and proper control of the handler.

Patrol, Location and Criminal Work: The handler is taught to patrol in a proper co-ordinated manner with his or her dog and to recognise indications given by the dog that there may be an intruder on the premises. The dog is taught to bark having located an intruder.

The dog and handler team are taught how to deal with an intruder once they have been located and the dog may have to demonstrate its ability to protect its handler from attack. Once the situation has been brought under control the dog and handler team will be shown how to safely escort the intruder to a designated area.

Other: The handler must be able to fit a muzzle to their dog and must be able to carry the dog if required for at least 10 paces.

The dog must not react adversely to loud noises i.e. gun fire.

Available Courses

Watchdogs Ltd routinely offer HABC Level 2 General Purpose Security Dog Handler courses. Each 5 day course is run from the Watchdogs head office and prices are available on application. For further information, please contact David Hollis on 0870 750 0545.

As an option to attending the intensive 5 day course the learner has the opportunity to break the course into smaller modules taken at a more leisurely pace over a longer time span. Taking this option allows the learner up to six months to successfully complete the course.

The currently available courses can be found by clicking on the following link …

Available Courses

Watchdogs deliver the Highfields Awarding Body for Compliance level 2 General Purpose Security Dog Handlers course in conjunction with the National Association for Security Dog Users.

The HABC Level 2 National Award for General Purpose Security Dog Handlers 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.

Introduction:

The HABC Level 2 National Award for General Purpose Security Dog Handlers 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.

For Whom Suitable:

This programme meets the requirements of those learners who have experience as Security Officers who 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 with-in the private sector. It’s also suitable for none UK personnel of the Armed Forces, Police, Emergency Services or Private Security who wish to take on an General Purpose Security Dog Handler role in their country of origin.

Awarding Body:

NASDU & HABC – Accredited and regulated by OFQUAL a recognised Awarding Body by the S.I.A.

Level:

Level 2.

Course Duration:

A minimum of 50 Guided Learning Hours.

Programme Structure:

The programme is a mixture of theory and practical tuition.

Prior Learning:

All learners should hold an appropriate S.I.A. licence (unless exempt) and should be trained and competent in a general Security Officer role. If you hold any other licence than Security Guarding or Close Protection you will be given a self study pack and sit a multi choice exam during your course period. If you have applied for your licence you may attend the course as long as you’ve completed a recognised course and have proof of this. Although we will not be able to apply for your NASDU/HABC certificate until you have a licence number.

Suitable Dog:

If you have your own suitable breed of dog with the ability to be trained as a security dog we encourage you to bring him on the course with you. If not we have limited numbers of suitable dogs that we can loan for the course duration. We have only a few dogs available on loan so it’s on a first come first served basis.

We can also assist students in obtaining their own dog.

Assessment:

Assessment shall be carried out by an Approved NASDU Trainer/Instructor; internal moderation shall be carried out by NASDU with external moderation carried out by HABC.

Progression:

The successful learner can proceed onto NASDU Advanced Awards, qualified handlers can also progress to Mobile Patrol Officers/Supervisors, Detection Dog Handlers and ultimately into Security Dog Training.

We provide continuation training days every month which is discounted to previous students of the GP course.

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

Course Content:

Unit 01 – Roles and Responsibilities of a General Purpose Security Dog Handler
(10 GLH)

Unit 02 – Controlling a General Purpose Security Dog under Operational Conditions
(30 GLH)

Unit 03 – Maintaining the Health, Well Being and Safety of a General Purpose Security Dog and Handler
(10 GLH)

Location / Venue:

Moor Farm, Whilton Road, Great Brington, Northampton, NN7 4JG

Course Price:

£660 incl VAT.

Practical Training Assistants Course (Foundation Baiters Courses)

The Practical Training Assistants Course (Foundation Baiters Courses) is designed to train suitably experienced individuals so that they have a good understanding of and are proficient at carrying out training practices safely and effectively in the training and testing of general purpose security patrol dogs in intruder detection and handler protection exercises at a basic level.

Available Courses

Watchdogs Ltd routinely offer Practical Training Assistants Courses. Each 2 day course is run from the Watchdogs head office and prices are available on application. For further information, please contact David Hollis on 0870 750 0545.