FAQs

NASDU is a trade and certification body and as such do not provide training or dogs directly.  NASDU has a set of dog handling qualifications that it has developed and certifies through its NASDU approved trainers.

All these trainers are individual companies that deliver their training in a variety of different methods and at different costs. Our advice is to contact several and see what they offer and chose one that suits your needs best. Please remember any contract for training will be between you and the training company you choose not NASDU.  To find a trainer please follow the link Current Approved Instructors/Trainers – NASDU

A list of NASDU Approved trainers is on our website. Current Approved Instructors/Trainers – NASDU

They are based across the UK, you maybe required to travel and possibly a overnight stay.

No, the levels refer to the type of work and level of supervision.  They do not reflect a progression in training.  A student could train as a Level 4 EDD handler and then complete a Level 2 General Purpose course at a later date or vice versa.

In accordance with British standards BS-8517 the dogs NASDU certify are:

• German Shepherds
• Belgium Shepherds
• Rottweilers
• Dobermanns
• Dutch Herders

Or very near crosses of, if unsure please contact a NASDU Approved Trainer

In accordance with British Standards BS-8517 Part 2 the dogs NASDU certify are:

• Labradors
• English Springer Spaniels
• Cocker Spaniels
• Pointers
• Border Collie

Or very near crosses of, if unsure please contact a NASDU Approved Trainer

Some of our NASDU Approved Trainers will have a trained dog that learners are able to use to complete a course.  This will lead to a handler only certification.

It is a pre requisite that before gaining HABC GP Level 2, handlers certification or NASDU team certification students should be trained and competent in a General Security role (Unit 1-Wking in the Private Security Industry and Unit 2-Working as  a Security Officer).  A relevant SIA license would be taken as proof of this or valid certification of training covering these unite.  A trainer may be able to offer the relevant training alongside the dog handler training.

It should be noted that a relevant SIA licence will be required to work in the contract Security Industry.

Our list of qualifications and fact sheets can be found here:
Learning Programs (Qualifications) – NASDU

Before committing to training, you should research the type of work you wish to do and what is available in your area. It is probably worth contacting security companies locally to see what work is available. Dog handling usually involves long, unsociable hours often as a lone worker, whilst often being rewarding for those with a passion for dogs does not suit everyone. There are also many ongoing costs involved such as vehicles, insurance, training, veterinary bills, dogs etc so that should be considered.

NASDU does not run a “Train the Trainer” course, so unless you already hold a Service Dog Trainer Qualification, then you will first, need to obtain your Training Skills & Experience prior to any formal application.

Once you have the Skills Knowledge & Understanding to become a Trainer, you can then apply to become a NASDU Approved Trainer, for which you would need to submit the following:

• Completed Application Form
• Comprehensive CV
• Supporting Documentation, including:
  • L3 Teaching Qualification
  • Service Dog, Instructor/Trainer Qualification
  • Handler Qualification(s) in Discipline you wish to Teach
  • First Aid Qualification
  • Details of CPD

Full details can be found In our Fact Sheet “How to Become a NASDU Approved Instructor/Trainer”

To find all our fact sheets, please follow the link https://nasdu.co.uk/securitydogs/how-to-become-a-nasdu-approved-instructor-trainer-delivering-core-disciplines/