Level 2 National Award for General Purpose Security Dog Handler, in accordance with BS8517-1:2009.                  

Level 2 Narcotic Detection Dog Handler

First Aid Appointed Person

Centres of Excellence

IMPORTANT

Some dog handlers have been wrongly informed that they are required to take further qualifications to meet the BS8517-1:2009.  We have received several enquiries regarding this, therefore we would like to clarify a few points.

 1. The British Standard is a guide line for best practice it is NOT a legal requirement.

2. Under the BS 8517-1:2009 the minimum training requirement is 50 hours covering:-

• a)  roles and responsibilities of a handler

• b) current legislation relating to the use of a dog

• c) control security incidents with the use of a dog

Etc Etc,  all those who have taken the EDI Level 2 National Award for General Purpose Security Dog Handlers will be aware of the remaining points.

 3. The British Standard states ; “Continuation Training should be used to ADVANCE the handlers’ and dogs’ knowledge and skills, and should be assessed and recorded”.

4. The standard also states that the competence of handlers should be assessed at least quarterly and the assessment recorded.

 5. If a canine company or individual dog handler wish to work to the British Standard then a copy should be purchased and followed, these are available from the British Institute or through IPSA who have offered discount to NTIPDU  members.

 6. The National Award cannot be revoked if a dog handler does not carry out CT every month, whether he or his company are working to the BS8517-1:2009 or not

 To conclude:  Once you have passed the EDI Level 2 National Award for General Purpose Security Dog Handlers and are undertaking CT at least once every three months (and advancing your skills and knowledge) you are meeting the minimum requirement of the British Standard, with regards to training.

If you are not advancing your skills we strongly suggest consulting your trainer, if this doesn’t work change your trainer.