Our Courses

Human Remains Detection Dog Handler – Technician Level 1

This course is designed to develop a reliable foundation for HRD dog teams, with training that reflects real operational expectations: safe practice, consistent handling, clear indication behaviour, and professional decision-making in varied environments.

Who it’s for

  • New or developing HRD handlers seeking a structured Level 1 route

  • Teams that want clear standards, progression, and documented learning

  • Individuals preparing for future advanced development (Level 2 and specialist modules)

What you’ll learn (Level 1 outcomes)

  • Core search principles and handler roles/responsibilities

  • Indication behaviour development and maintaining reliability

  • Search planning basics and working methodically

  • Environmental factors that affect scent movement (wind, terrain, temperature)

  • Safety awareness, scene conduct, and practical risk management

  • Objective recording and professional reporting habits

Training style

Welfare-first training with clear structure: theory supports practical work, and practical exercises are planned to build confidence, accuracy, and consistency step by step.

Assessment (overview)

Assessment is standards-led and focuses on:

  • Handler control and clarity

  • Search approach and safe working

  • Dog behaviour, reliability, and indication quality

  • Team professionalism and documentation habits

Certification & alignment

Successful teams can be prepared for HRDD International certification, with training structured to reflect operational expectations and recognised testing principles.

Our standards-led approach is informed by:

  • IRO/FCI International Trial Rules for Search and Rescue Dog Tests (testing structure and principles)

  • INSARAG Guidelines (international USAR doctrine that includes expectations for canine capability and readiness where teams deploy with dogs)

  • Relevant British Standards for detection dog practice (professional delivery, welfare and operational considerations)

Location

Based in Annan, Dumfries & Galloway. Training locations and delivery format are confirmed during enquiry.

Therapy Dog Handler – Level 1 / 2 / 3

Our Therapy Dog Handler pathway is built for teams who want to work professionally in community and supportive settings. The programme is progressive: each level introduces new expectations and environments rather than repeating the same tests.

Level 1 – Foundation

Focus: suitability, calm behaviour, and safe public interaction

  • Dog handling fundamentals in low to moderate distraction

  • Calm greetings, neutrality, and appropriate engagement

  • Basic visit etiquette and handler professionalism

  • Welfare monitoring: recognising stress and maintaining confidence

Level 2 – Complex environments

Focus: reliability under distraction and increased responsibility

  • Working calmly in busier or more unpredictable environments

  • Stronger expectations for handling skill and team communication

  • Environmental awareness and practical risk reduction

  • Professional conduct and consistency across locations

Level 3 – Advanced readiness

Focus: demanding settings and higher responsibility roles

  • Advanced behaviour reliability and stability

  • Higher-level handler judgement and professionalism

  • Structured readiness checks and scenario-based performance standards

  • Clear boundaries, welfare thresholds, and duty-of-care expectations

Enquire

Email: info@specialistdogstraining.com
We will recommend the correct entry level based on your dog’s temperament, training history, and your intended work environment.

Location

Based in Glenrothes, Fife. Training locations and delivery format are confirmed during enquiry.