Standards & Welfare

Welfare-first training and professional standards

We believe credible dog work starts with welfare, structure, and clear professional conduct. Our approach prioritises:

  • Dog wellbeing, confidence, and sustainable performance

  • Clear handler responsibility and appropriate behaviour in public-facing settings

  • Structured progression and transparent expectations

  • Safe practice and risk awareness for people, dogs, and environments

HRD standards alignment

Standards-led HRD training (what that means)

We build HRD training around clear expectations for performance, safety, professionalism, and animal welfare. Our HRD programme supports preparation toward national and international certification and is developed with reference to recognised testing principles and operational frameworks.

Frameworks we reference for HRD

  • IRO/FCI trial rules (international testing regulations and principles for rescue dog tests)

  • INSARAG guidance (USAR doctrine and operational readiness considerations where canine capability is relevant)

  • British Standards relevant to detection dog practice (professional delivery and welfare/operational considerations)

Competency and currency

  • Competency means a team can perform to the required standard.

  • Currency means those skills are maintained over time through continued practice and appropriate re-checks.

Where applicable, we will advise on suitable ongoing development to maintain readiness.

Data protection and professionalism

Enquiries and participant information are handled responsibly. We only use your details to respond to your request and provide relevant course information.

Important note

Alignment with external frameworks means we use them to inform course design and assessment principles. It does not imply endorsement by those organisations unless explicitly stated.