Skip to main content

Tell us whether you accept cookies

We use cookies to collect information about how you use this service. We use this information to make the service work as well as possible and improve this service.

Set cookie preferences

You've accepted all cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Find apprenticeship training for your apprentice

We're improving Find apprenticeship training. What did you think of this service? (opens in a new tab)

  1. Search
  2. Course search results
Apprenticeship training course

Detection and protection working dog specialist (level 3)

No training providers available for this course yet

We can ask training providers if they can run Detection and protection working dog specialist (level 3). If a training provider can offer the course, we'll send you their contact details.

You can use this service if you employ apprentices. You'll need to be signed in to your apprenticeship service account.

Ask if training providers can run this course.

Or you can try searching for another course.

Information about Detection and protection working dog specialist (level 3)

Manage specialist working dogs effectively to support business objectives when operating in complex or high pressure environments or situations.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • Principles of planning, siting and management of sustainable accommodation, including kennels, free runs and other areas tailored to the setting and specific need.
  • Approaches to planning and reconnaissance prior to deployment.
  • Capabilities and limitations of DPWDs and how they can be applied in different settings.
  • Coaching and mentoring techniques used to support and develop junior dog handlers.
  • The agencies and stakeholders available to support and enable DPWD capability.
  • Health and safety risks and how to mitigate them.
  • How to interpret behavioural changes to identify changes in physical health, inform training and improve performance.
  • Learning theory including operant conditioning, its use, effects and practical application, including the differences between positive and negative reinforcement and positive and negative punishment.
  • Legislation and policy relating to DPWD transportation.
  • How to maintain DPWD physical condition.
  • Principles of assuring safe and effective DPWD capability.
  • Digital and paper record keeping requirements including certification or licensing, task reports, animal passports, veterinary records, and continuation training documents.
  • Regulations relating to the disposal of biological waste.
  • How to develop and implement schedules of reinforcement and how they can be used to establish and maintain desired behaviour.
  • The welfare needs of DPWDs, how to recognise signs of good and poor welfare and approaches to promoting welfare needs.
  • Techniques and procedures for operating a DPWD safely and effectively.
  • The conflicting demands of animal welfare, societal expectations, and the safety of the public.
  • The factors affecting DPWD through life management including, the preparation of DPWD for retirement.
  • Methods used to maintain and monitor the health needs of DPWDs including preventative care strategies, infection prevention and control and the application of first aid techniques.
  • The performance standards and approach to assessing performance of the DPWD relevant to the sector in which it is used.
  • The factors to consider when planning the potential deployment and operation of a DPWD, including logistics and the environment.
  • The safe and effective storage and handling of training aids.
  • The local threats and hazards and factors relevant to DPWD tasks and how to avoid and mitigate them.
  • DPWD welfare legislation, policies and procedures.
  • Joint Decision Models, and how they should be employed as part of operational deployment.
  • Types of feed and the nutritional requirements of DPWDs relevant to life stage, health status, activity levels.
  • How to evaluate DPWD performance, identify training needs and develop, maintain and implement individual DPWD training plans.

Skills

  • Establish requirements, prepare and manage accommodation.
  • Apply knowledge of behaviour patterns, body language and communication methods of DPWDs to identify physical and psychological concerns and improve performance.
  • Evaluate recorded information, to devise appropriate training.
  • Carry out dynamic risk assessment and management.
  • Communicate the capability and limitations of the DPWD and adapt for different stakeholders.
  • Communicate welfare policy and procedures and how they affect performance.
  • Deploy and operate the DPWD in accordance with organisational practices and procedures.
  • Keep detailed records relevant to training, health and performance.
  • Design, apply and evaluate integrated training programmes to maintain the performance of DPWD teams.
  • Develop and implement a health and safety and security plan appropriate to the setting.
  • Prepare DPWD for licencing or certification and support assurance to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the DPWD capability.
  • Develop, implement and monitor nutritional plans and the safe storage and handling of food.
  • Evaluate DPWD performance and design and deliver training in order to ensure standards of efficiency are maintained.
  • Identify and implement transitional requirements for retiring DPWDs to support the retirement process.
  • Maintain and monitor the health needs of DPWDs provide first aid, implement preventative care strategies, including infection prevention and control.
  • Manage the handling and storage of equipment and training aids.
  • Plan, select and prepare appropriate transportation of the DPWD.
  • Plan, review and adapt the integration of the DPWD into a complex task or operation.
  • Select, evaluate and employ the appropriate equipment and practices in order to protect and promote DPWD welfare and desired operational performance.
  • Support, coach and mentor DPWD handlers.
  • Create, implement, evaluate and modify individual DPWD training plans with realistic targets for a desired behaviour based upon the principles of learning and the intended outcomes of the training specific to the DPWD.

Behaviours

  • Committed to delivering good animal Health, Welfare and Ethics, whilst also meeting the needs of the organisation, and any societal expectations.
  • Acts in a professional, moral and ethical manner, and shows empathy and respect to both animals and people.
  • Recognise own limitations and seek qualified professional advice as necessary.
  • Committed to the adoption and promotion of safe working practices.
  • Acts in a way that builds and maintains positive working relationships.
  • Committed to self-reflective practice and keeping up to date with industry best practice.
  • Supports an inclusive culture, treating colleagues and external stakeholders fairly and with respect.
  • Committed to the adoption and promotion of environmentally sustainable practices.
  • Able to work independently and with autonomy within their scope of practice.
  • Able to adapt to change in conditions, technologies, situations and working environments.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Agriculture, environmental and animal care
Qualification level
3
Equal to A level
Course duration
24 months
Funding
£12,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Explosives detection dog handler
  • Specialist dog handler

View more information about Detection and protection working dog specialist (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.