Nasdu – National Association of Specialist Dog Users

NASDU promotes standards, training and education within the private specialist detection & search dog sectors and offers support and guidance to both members and end users. The specialist division of NASDU© was introduced in 2016, following NASDU’s successful work within the private security dog sector having originally been established in 1996.

NASDU is recognised within the specialist detection dog industry together with the Home Office, NPCC, DATR, as well as many Animal Welfare Groups. NASDU keeps members up to date with the industry and related topics together with British Standards, Codes of Practice and training materials. The following pages contain information about NASDU, how to join, together with the benefits of membership. Regular updates will be made on our website and Facebook page announcing news and items of interest within your sector.

NASDU is also an Approved Centre with the awarding organisation HABC (who are regulated by OFQUAL and SQA) for the delivery of accredited learning programmes.

Our Aim

To achieve and promote national standards for ALL Trainers, Handlers and Dogs used within the private specialist detection dog industry and for those who are concerned with care, health, safety and welfare of dogs within these sectors.

Our Objectives

To maintain nationally recognised standards for the training of specialist Dog Trainers.
To maintain nationally recognised training and operational standards for specialist Dog Handlers.
To maintain nationally recognised training and operational standards for Dogs.
To maintain nationally recognised standard for the care, health, safety and welfare of the specialist Dog.
To maintain a recognised Code of Practice for the training and operational requirements of Dog Trainers, Dog Handlers, Dogs, Dog Training Companies and those who have responsibilities for their care, health, safety and welfare within the specialist dog sector.
To continually promote NASDU and the reason for its existence within the specialist detection dog sector to all relevant organisations, associations and individuals.
To maintain the acceptance and backing of the specialist detection dog sectors, all relevant organisations, associations and individuals, for the Aims and Objectives of NASDU.

Our Management

Companies Act 1985 – incorporated 4th November 1996 whose Memorandum & Articles of Association refer to NASDU as charity is required to have three Directors who act as trustees.
Committee – in accordance with its Constitution and Rules the affairs of the Association are conducted by the NASDU Committee, which shall consist of nine persons elected by a majority decision of the members of NASDU at the Associations Annual General Meeting.
Co-opted Members – from time to time the Committee may co-opt members to assist with specific functions relating to both the specialist dog sector and the search & rescue sectors.