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NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 2025
Edition 7
CONTENTS
•
Welcome and Head Office Report
•
Use of Security Dogs in public spaces
•
Working in the Local Community
•
How to choose good dog food
•
Transporting and kennelling working dogs and care of dogs in vehicles on site
•
Reports from Admin, Inspectorate and Quality
•
HMCA – exclusive offer to NASDU members
•
Trainer responsibility and standards
•
The Thin Blue Paw charity
•
In the news
WELCOME AND HEAD OFFICE REPORT
Welcome to our latest edition of the NASDU newsletter.
As we approach the height of the Summer, having had the hottest Spring on record, a third Heatwave by early July and the first of, may I suggest, many hosepipe bans, our thoughts must be with our Dogs, especially those in vehicles.
Whilst as Professional Dog Handlers you are aware of these issues, it must be our “Duty to Educate Others”. Nobody would want to be left in a vehicle in this heat with just the window left slightly open, so please be aware of what is happening around you this Summer.
Head Office, having now submitted to HABC our L3 Detection Qualifications for renewal, await final confirmation in August that they have been approved for a further three years, Both our L2 GP qualifications and the L4 EDD have already been approved earlier this year.
Regarding our L3 GP (Tracking) Qualification. This has now been reviewed and amended (following discussions at this year’s AGM) with the removal of the “Chase and Detain” and the inclusion of “Send Away & Re-Direction” within Distance Control, together with additional guidance for the delivery of this type of training. We will now shortly be submitting this for its three yearly renewal with HABC.
Currently this L3 (Tracking) – Learning Programme has been suspended (pending these changes) but GP Instructor/Trainers with the Necessary “Skills Knowledge & Understanding” of advanced Tracking and Distance Control, who wish to be considered to deliver this Programme, should in the first instance contact Admin Office.
All that remains is for me to wish you a good Summer, and remember those Dogs.
Please also remember, that when calling Head Office and I don’t pick up, please leave a message as I was probably on the other line, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Steve Hill –
Association Company Secretary and HABC Centre Contacts
Tel: 01483 224320 Option 2
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nasdu.co.uk
EDITORS NOTE:
Thank you Steve for the introduction and welcome to the latest edition of the
NASDU newsletter.
This issue includes an article on a charity that may be unfamiliar to some of
you: The Thin Blue Paw. This charity aims to help retired and serving police
dogs who may need support with vets bills following their years of service.
Following recent enquiries, we have a reminder on the use of GP security dogs
in public spaces.
We have an update from HMCA, regarding health insurance that is available
to NASDU members. If you didn’t follow this up from the last issue, it is well
worth taking a look.
We have a story from Michelle Porter , Director of Stance Security.
She is working in Lincoln, with the local Squirrels, Cubs, Beavers, Scouts and
Explorers groups, aged 4 up to 18 years old, with the aim to teach the children
about Drugs detection dogs, their role and how and where they are deployed,
helping to better understand and ultimately feel safe with them.
The Management Committee has put together a very important article on best
practice for Trainers. Please take the time to read this.
Finally, as we always say, this newsletter is for our Members and it is a much
more enjoyable read if it contains your stories and successes. Deadlines and
ideas for the our Autumn issue is 20th September 2025.
Catch up with Bear and his fellow
retired Police Dogs in our article on
The Thin Blue Paw charity. You
can also hear on the BBC World
Service Programme ‘Outlook’ how
Bear helped to find a missing
man whilst out on a walk with his
owners.
EDITOR:
Thanks to Roger for this update ..
USE OF GP SECURITY DOGS IN PUBLIC SPACES
NASDU has recently had several enquiries about use of GP security dogs in public spaces and whilst this is hard to answer definitively, as each case is different our general advice is as follows.
(This would mostly apply to all disciplines of dogs working in public areas.)
Working in such environments should only be undertaken when clear assignment instructions are issued to the handler, containing:
• Defined duties
• Site boundaries
• Escalation procedures
• Safety precautions to be observed
Companies deploying dogs to these areas should ensure that:
• A site inspection and full risk assessment have been completed
• There is a clearly defined legal basis for deployment
• Handler competence is suitable for the level of public interaction involved
• Relevant Legal and Welfare Considerations
The use of dogs in public spaces (including housing estates, communal areas, and retail environments) must comply with a range of legislation and standards:
•
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 – covering dogs that may be considered “dangerously out of control” in public places
•
Guard Dogs Act 1975 – requiring that guard dogs are used to protect premises and are kept under control
•
Animal Welfare Act 2006 – including a duty of care to avoid unnecessary suffering or stress
Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs (DEFRA) – provides practical guidance under the Animal Welfare Act, reinforcing responsibilities around control, mental wellbeing, and appropriate working conditions.
BS 8517-1:2016 – sets out best practice for the operational deployment of GP dogs, handler competence, and dog welfare.
Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – places a duty on employers to protect both employees and the public.
Additionally, handlers and employers must remain mindful of the Five Freedoms, which underpin the dog’s physical and psychological welfare — especially in high-stress or unpredictable public environments.
NASDU Summary Position
Security dogs should not be used for general patrols in public-facing environments unless all legal, welfare, and operational safeguards are in place.
Deployment must be justified, risk-assessed, and controlled, appropriate insurance — with selected and suitably trained GP teams and clear assignment instructions.
WORKING IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
I am Michelle Porter, Director of A.M.P Security Lincs Ltd T/A Stance Security. I have been active in the security industry for the past 11 years, and during this time, my passion for working dogs has only grown stronger.
My journey into the world of working dogs began when I acquired my first Springer Spaniel. She was full of energy and I needed a way to keep her engaged while maintaining my own sanity. That led me to explore scent detection, a fascinating and eye-opening experience. Transitioning from owning pet dogs to training a working dog was a significant shift. While I never officially licensed my first search dog, my enthusiasm led me to establish my own breeding program for working Springer Spaniels. I dedicated more time to search training and in 2020, I became a licensed proactive drug dog handler with Arya, a dog from my own breeding program.
During one of my recent litters, I encountered Cynophobia, the fear of dogs. A wonderful family purchasing one of my puppies shared their experience with their daughter, who had suffered from Cynophobia. She had even appeared on one of Paul O’Grady’s shows, where they helped individuals overcome their fear of dogs.
Through many discussions with this family, I realised how often I had witnessed people being afraid of dogs in public spaces, particularly during security searches at events like football matches. Adele, the mother of the young girl, suggested that I develop an educational program to introduce children to working dogs, teaching them about their roles, how they are trained, and why they are important. She also highlighted the potential to help children with Cynophobia, giving them positive exposure to dogs at a young age to reduce their fear as they grow older.
In 2024, I reached out to local community groups, including Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, and Guides. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Our visits to these groups have been met with enthusiasm and the children love learning about the dogs, following their progress, and seeing firsthand how they work. The youngest Springer in training has particularly captured their interest as she embarks on her journey to becoming a Drug Detection Dog.
Throughout these sessions, we have met many children – and even parents – who struggle
with Cynophobia. However, by the end of each session, children who were once too
frightened to approach the dogs often find the confidence to pet them. Seeing their
transformation is incredibly rewarding.
My dogs and I regularly visit groups around Lincoln on a voluntary basis with the goal of
educating young people whilst also providing valuable experiences for the dogs. Children can
be unpredictable and their behaviours often differ from what the dogs experience during
traditional training with adult volunteers. These interactions help prepare the dogs for
real-world scenarios whilst fostering a better understanding and appreciation for working
dogs within the community.
Michelle Porter
How to Choose Good Dog Food
Many of us encountered the food pyramid at school. However, we seldom consider what a similar nutritional guide for dogs might entail. You may have heard the term “complete and balanced” dog food, but what does this actually mean, and how can you determine which dog food is genuinely “good”?
Complete and Balanced Dog Food
A “complete and balanced” dog food provides your pet with the appropriate amounts of every essential nutrient in each meal. Such a formulation is designed to be fed as a dog’s sole diet, making it vital to seek out products that bear this designation.
It is important to note that each dog’s dietary requirements are unique, varying according to life stage and breed. For example, a senior dog has different nutritional needs compared to a puppy, and a Great Dane will require a different nutrient profile from that of a Pug. To ensure that a dog maintains a healthy diet, there are six crucial nutrients that should be included:
Vitamins
Vitamins play a vital role in a wide range of bodily functions, including bone development, eye function, cell maintenance, and the release of energy from nutrients.
Palatants
Palatants are essential for enhancing the flavour of the food, ensuring that it is appealing to your dog. Unlike other nutrients, their primary function is to improve taste.
Minerals
Minerals are indispensable for maintaining healthy bones and supporting muscle, cellular, and nerve functions.
Fat
Fat is an excellent energy source and improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. These nutrients are critical for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, promoting immune function, and supporting the development of healthy joints, as well as brain and vision.
Protein
Protein and amino acids serve as the building blocks of your dog’s body, essential for forming new skin cells, promoting hair growth, and developing muscle tissue. Additionally, protein functions as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide an efficient source of glucose for energy, generate heat, and can be stored as glycogen. They also play a key role in managing a dog’s weight.
Choosing the Right Dog Food
Selecting high-quality dog food can be challenging given the multitude of brands and their various claims. Every brand asserts that theirs is “the best.” The most prudent approach is to conduct thorough research, ask the right questions.
Brought to you by Sam at The Canine Classroom promoter of Trainers Favourite Dog Food www.thecanineclassroom.co.uk

At the office we have had some disturbing incidents brought to our attention and the following article is to remind everyone of the importance of ensuring your dogs are safe and their welfare is ensured.
Unfortunately, this is a recurring problem and applies to some who are very experienced and should know better or have not fully thought through the risks involved.
We are currently in the process of suspending membership of two handlers that will invalidate their team membership for keeping a dog on site in a van, working it continuously between them on opposing 12-hour shifts over several days.
We have also received reports of some NASDU members and non NASDU members taking groups of very young dogs or multiple dogs on deployments leaving them unattended whilst the handler is working. It has also been mentioned that some dogs are being driven in vans with bulkheads and no other ventilation for long periods of time.
We accept that if on a suitable deployment and with the correct type of vehicle a handler may take two working dogs especially if two disciplines are worked at the same venue and perhaps also a dog that is being trained, but this should be the limit.
It is not appropriate, especially for young dogs under a year, to spend many hours in a van for no reason other than the handler has nowhere else for them to go whilst working.
Handlers of all disciplines need to think carefully before sourcing any dogs about how they can kennel and care for any dogs whilst on or off duty. If you are unable to provide the correct care and accommodation for any dogs you are considering sourcing, then don’t get the dog.
As an Association we realise that it is difficult for many handlers to obtain housing which is suitable for working dogs especially in certain areas of the country, but this should not be an excuse for poor welfare. If you can not provide the correct welfare standards for your dog unfortunately you should not pursue a career as a dog handler.
NASDU realises that some handlers have spent a lot of money ensuring vehicles are suitable for transporting and resting multiple dogs.
Transporting and kennelling working Dogs, care of Dogs in vehicles on site.
However, handlers should consider what would happen to the dogs in the vehicle if they were incapacitated at any stage or involved in a road traffic accident.
Are you relying on others to ensure your dogs are sorted out? If so, would this be practical and is this arrangement made at every job?
Can you do the job you were deployed for effectively or will you have to keep returning to your vehicle to sort out the other dogs? What happens if something changes on deployment and you can not get back to the vehicle when you wanted to?
Is the client aware that you are spending time looking after dogs that are not connected to your deployment during the time they are employing you?
This is not just about dogs being in hot cars, it is also about the dog’s mental and physical welfare, ensuring that it is not spending long periods of boredom in confined spaces with very little enrichment and exercise.
Sometimes, some very good handlers that spend a lot of time, effort and money ensuring their dogs welfare, can become tunnel visioned about what they are doing.
Please take a step back from what you are doing and ask yourself
•
If things go wrong and I am unable to attend to the dogs I have with me will their welfare be endangered?
•
Is it really in the best interest of my dog’s welfare to bring them on deployments they are not required for?
•
Is it fair on the client or other handlers on deployment that I bring these dogs?
•
Am I making decisions about this because it is best for the dogs or best for me?
•
Before I source another dog do I have a system in place for its care if I can not take it on task with me or am no longer able to care for it?
Dogs should never be kennelled in a vehicle permanently.
Security dogs can live either in the home or outside in a kennel but only kept in a vehicle whilst traveling to work or on rest during a working shift.
A handler may have to keep the dog in a vehicle for longer periods if working at an event or staying on site whilst working away from home.
If this is the case the handler should not leave the dog unattended in the vehicle during periods between shifts or park up in public areas. There will also be the need for extra space for the dog, more exercise and welfare checks.
This should not be a permanent home for the dog. For example, it is not acceptable to keep a dog on site full time in a vehicle with different handlers working it on different shifts.
Wherever and whenever you kennel a dog you should carry out a risk assessment first to ensure it will be safe for the dog and safe for anybody else that may enter or be near that area.
DOGS DIE IN HOT VEHICLES
•
The outside temperature does not have to be particularly hot to cause a dog distress or harm.
•
The effect of the sun on glass and metal, even if the air temperature is relatively cool, can cause a vehicle to heat up quickly.
•
Do not leave a dog unattended in a vehicle during warm weather or bright sunshine.
•
Park in the shade where possible.
•
Always remain close to your vehicle when taking rest breaks so you can observe and monitor what is happening. For instance, the weather changes or somebody unexpected approaches the vehicle.
•
Ensure your vehicle has suitable ventilation, air flow, fans and vent locks will help.
Whatever system you use air needs to flow into the vehicle and the heated air inside the vehicle be expelled.
•
Use sunshades/blankets to cover windows.
•
If using a van with a bulkhead remember the cargo space may become too hot when traveling even if the driving compartment is a reasonable temperature.
Transporting dogs
Ensure the vehicle is roadworthy.
Ensure you are fit to drive. If doing long shifts especially overnight or at events, ensure you have had sufficient rest before starting any journey.
Use a secure kennel for the dog with an escape hatch in case of accidents.
The kennel should be strong enough to prevent escape and large enough for the dog to stand up turn around and lie down in comfort.
On longer journeys stop every 2 hours to exercise (somewhere safe and suitable) and water the dog.
Drive with care and consideration for the dog, the driver is in a seat with a seat belt on the dog is not. If you speed round corners or over speed bumps the dog will be thrown about and may be injured.
Ensure the kennel has an I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) sign attached with emergency contact numbers, dogs name, advice on dogs’ temperament, handlers name and security dog warning.
It would be normal for the exterior of the vehicle to be marked as a security vehicle with dog warning sign and contact number for the Company.
Resting the dog in a vehicle
Ensure that no one can get into the vehicle especially the kennel or the dog cannot get to anyone from the vehicle. Dogs can be protective over their territory.
As well as ensuring the vehicle is not too hot, care needs to be taken that it does not become too cold.
The dog needs to be exercised regularly and should not spend more than 2 hours in the vehicle kennel without exercise, enrichment. If at an event, it would be necessary for the dog to spend a minimum of 8 hours for undisturbed rest in every 24 hour period, but the handler must stay close by and regularly check that the dog is not becoming distressed. This may happen because the dog needs to toilet and does not want to in its sleeping area.
Care should be taken when deciding where to park especially if the dog barks a lot as the dog’s noise could become a nuisance to others.
Equipment that should always be carried in the vehicle, clean and in good repair.
• First aid kits (human & dog)
• Fire extinguisher
• Water for dog (at least 5 litres), food container
• Lead/collar/muzzle and a spare of each
• Grooming kit, poo bags
• Water/feed bowl
• Cleaning equipment (Animal friendly cleaning products)
The following link is the government code of practice for the welfare of all dogs
Code of practice for the welfare of dogs – GOV.UK
REPORT FROM THE ADMIN OFFICE
It has been a very busy couple of months for the staff with the annual renewals of the company memberships.
We have had three company membership packs returned as not known at this address and this is concerning. Whilst we understand that some companies may use shared office space or rent rooms within a managed building etc., we need to have a current address that a company can be physically attached to for membership purposes.
It seems suspicious that a company would give a false address and is something NASDU will be looking into.
The other issue we have had with several companies is the ability to provide insurance specifically mentioning the use of dogs. It is important that if your Company is supplying dog handlers whether your own (PAYE), or sub-contracted from another company, or sub-contracting to self-employed dog handlers, you have your own adequate insurance covering this.
It is still a requirement that anyone you sub-contract should also be insured themselves.
We have currently had 181 company members renew with several late entries still being processed.
•
10 affiliate company members
•
48 individual members
•
2245 current team memberships across all disciplines
There are still issues with false certificates being presented. Due to more employers using the team verification checker, this has identified these issues, which was the reason it was introduced.
I am currently working on the NASDU GP Level 2 manual and would appreciate any comments for things to be included or changed from the current manual. If you have any thoughts whether you are a handler or trainer please contact me at [email protected]
As usual thanks to the office staff and all who assist us and those of you that keep us informed of what is happening on the ground.
Roger Flett
Admin Office
ISO9001 AND INSPECTORATE UPDATES
Following our successful reaccreditation in February, work continues in the background to maintain our accreditation.
Steve Hill and I met in June to review all our documentation, as part of the requirements for ISO9001, risk assessing our processes to ensure they are still fit for purpose.
Internal audits of our inspection renewal process took place in May and will continue during August.
We hope to have an article on compliance within the Security Sector in the Autumn issue.
Trainer inspections took place in May as per the new twice-yearly regime. The next planned tranche in October have been brought forward to August and are now in the process of being confirmed.
Sara Rathbone
NASDU Quality
HMCA – EXCLUSIVE OFFER TO NASDU MEMBERS
An exclusive offer to provide private medical plans for members of NASDU has been arranged with HMCA, including a £100 gift card or £150 off your first-year subscription upon joining a private medical plan.
If you already have a private medical plan, are you paying too much? You could save money by transferring to HMCA. Why not request a no obligation quote ahead of your renewal? You may transfer to HMCA at any age, without a medical examination and will receive guaranteed acceptance under our transfer facility.
This offer is also available to you if you do not currently have private medical cover. With hospital waiting lists at a record high, there has never been a better time to start a private medical plan.
HMCA offer four levels of private medical plans for individuals, family groups and companies as well as dental plans, hospital cash plans, travel plans and vehicle breakdown recovery. Our many years of experience ensures we have a plan to suit your needs at the best possible price.
Who are HMCA
HMCA was established over 45 years ago and has grown to be one of the most successful membership benefit providers in the UK. HMCA membership is also one of the most exclusive as our plans are only available to the members of trade, professional and membership groups and subscribers of select publications. Therefore, HMCA is not on any comparison website. You will not see HMCA advertising to the general public and this means minimal marketing costs so we can arrange comprehensive and flexible medical plans that are great value for money.
For further information and quotations contact HMCA by telephone on 01423 799949 or visit the exclusive HMCA NASDU website here: https://www.hmca.co.uk/nasdu
HMCA/S PLC (trading as Hospital and Medical Care Association, HMCA and HMCA Members) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:307587). HMCA/s PLC is a company registered in England, company number: 01362094, registered office: Beech Hall, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0EA.
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Trainer Responsibility and Standards
A Reminder from the NASDU Management Committee
As part of NASDU’s ongoing quality assurance process, a number of trainer renewal inspections were carried out in the early part of the year, with a large proportion taking place throughout May. While many of these were positive and reaffirmed the high standards we expect, it is only fair to say that a small number fell short.
The NASDU Management Committee fully recognises the pressures involved in running courses — especially for freelance, independent trainers who are often managing all aspects of their business alone. Balancing course delivery, venue logistics, welfare, assessments, admin, and general day-to-day demands is a significant undertaking. We acknowledge these challenges and appreciate the effort involved.
However, holding NASDU trainer status carries a responsibility. Whether delivering training to seasoned operational handlers or those entering the industry for the first time, there is an automatic level of trust placed in trainers — a trust that must not be taken lightly or abused.
The NASDU logo is more than just a badge — it represents a respected, commercially recognised brand built over many years. For many, this brand is a key factor in attracting learners and securing work but that recognition comes with an obligation: the NASDU brand must be protected. Trainers are expected to deliver to consistent standards and operate in line with NASDU’s Trainers Code of Practice and the wider expectations of our industry.
The Committee would therefore encourage all trainers to reflect on their delivery and ensure that standards remain high and consistent. Trainers set the tone for the next generation of handlers, and the impact of that responsibility cannot be overstated.
To those continuing to uphold NASDU’s standards with professionalism, consistency and care — thank you. Let’s maintain those standards together.
NASDU Management Committee
IN THE NEWS…
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY…
To ensure we produce a newsletter each quarter we have decided to publish our deadlines for submissions to our newsletters through to end of 2026 as follows:
October 2025 – deadline 20th September
January 2026 – deadline 20th December
April 2026 – deadline 21st March
July 2026 – deadline 20th June
Oct 2026 – deadline 19th September
COMING NEXT TIME…
A more in-depth article with The Thin Blue Paw, with an update on their campaign for pensions for retired Police Dogs and featuring case studies on what it takes to adopt and care for a retired Police Dog. If you have a story to tell on this matter, please do let us know and we can feature you and your dog.
Dave Sparks, of Red Latitude, is a Senior Risk Advisor and we hope to include an article on this vital area of security.
We are also hoping to have an interview with one of our smaller training organisations showing a Day in the Life of a security dog trainer.
Any more ideas you would like us to include, please do let us know.
We are still looking for a social media volunteer to assist with monitoring our social media email and Facebook pages and looking for interesting articles for this newsletter.
If you are interested and have a few hours per month to spare, please contact us at the following email address:
[email protected].
THE THIN BLUE PAW
I recently contacted The Thin Blue Paw charity to ask if we could include an
article on their work in this newsletter. I had seen them via an appearance on
Breakfast TV. They were delighted to send us the information below, including
a quote from their Chairman, Kieran Stanbridge.
You can find lots of information about the charity on their website:
https://www.thinbluepaw.org.uk/what-we-do
They recently launched a campaign calling for pensions for police dogs and we
are happy to highlight this initiative:
https://www.thinbluepaw.org.uk/pensions-for-police-
dogs
Thin Blue Paw Chairman Kieran Stanbridge said:
“Fiji has needed almost £10,000 in support over
the years, for emergency surgery and for regular
medication to help with an ongoing condition and
ensure she has the best quality of life in her
retirement.
“This is why we founded the charity; to be there for these heroic dogs in their
hours of need. I’m proud that we’ve been able to be there and play a part in
saving Fiji’s life so she can continue to enjoy her retirement with her loving
family.”
Here are some photos of Fiji who has now retired to live with Claire Bird,
Operational Dog Handler, and Claire’s family.
Fiji – https://www.thinbluepaw.org.uk/dogs/rpd-fiji
Captain – https://www.thinbluepaw.org.uk/dogs/rpd-captain
Neo – https://www.thinbluepaw.org.uk/dogs/rpd-neo
Bear – https://www.thinbluepaw.org.uk/dogs/rpd-bear
Here are some more retired police dogs who have benefitted from The Thin
Blue Paw Charity. Follow the links to read their stories.
Distributor
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in this newsletter are the views of the author of that article and not necessarily those of NASDU.