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

  • Trained final response 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 national certification, with training structured to reflect operational expectations and recognised testing principles.

Our standards-led approach is informed by:

  • National operational framework

  • 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 the enquiry.