ASET Level 2 National Award for General Purpose Security Dog Handlers

The ASET 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.

Unit 01: Roles and responsibilities of a general purpose security dog handler (10glh)

This unit provides an overview of the main roles and responsibilities of a general purpose security dog handler within the security industry building on the knowledge and understanding acquired during basic security guard training. Learners will explore and apply current legislation relating to the handling of a general purpose security dog with particular reference to the use of a dog in apprehending and deterring people wanting to participate in crime. The unit also develops the learner’s knowledge and understanding concerning how to effectively and efficiently deal with security incidents with the assistance of a security dog. Methods for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with customers are considered promoting best practice when carrying out day to day activities.

Unit 02: Controlling a general purpose security dog under operational conditions (30glh)

This unit deals with the practical aspects of controlling a general purpose security dog. It provides opportunities for the development of trust and understanding between dog and handler via obedience work. The learner will develop the skills required to patrol, control access and carry out searches for property and persons, in a variety of situations, using a general purpose security dog. Actions a learner should take to deal with incidents caused by a general purpose security dog will be stressed. The unit covers consideration of conflict resolution techniques allowing the learner to explore strategies enabling the diffusion of potentially violent confrontation. Practical training will cover using the general purpose security dog to engage a suspect armed with a weapon in the event of a personal attack on the handler.

Unit 03: Maintaining the health, well being and safety of a general purpose security dog and handler (10glh)

This unit provides the learner with the knowledge and understanding of how to effectively care for a general purpose security dog. The need to maintain the health and well being of the security dog is stressed and the learner will develop skills in monitoring the dog’s condition and how to safely transport the animal. The learner will gain an understanding of health and safety issues involved in working and handling a general purpose security dog. They will develop skills enabling the minimising and managing of risk to include the importance of effective communication with others. Emphasis will be placed on the importance that the handler checks that the dog is suitable to carry out customer requirements (their perceived needs).