The UK has a reputation for excellence in the provision of highly skilled guard and detection security dogs. Dog handlers undergo rigorous training regimes and security companies must pass and maintain the highest possible accreditations and standards in order to provide dog security. But while the UK has a number of excellent specialist dog security providers other countries are experiencing problems. David Ward explores the issue and suggests a solution for the lack of specialist security dog handlers in the Middle East market.
The global demand for security dogs remains strong particularly for specially trained munitions detection dogs and for guarding in remote or hazardous locations. In the Middle East, security awareness is high with governments in high political risk countries willing to invest in security measures as a means to both secure premises and keep people safe as well as to reassure companies that they offer a safe haven to do business. Given the proximity of war zones and risk of domestic unrest the Middle East potentially is one of the fastest growing areas for the security industry and consequently there are a growing number of state and private institutions actively using and seeking professional dog security.
In general the use and acceptance of dogs as a key security device with private sector businesses has increased, particularly those businesses that have properties based in high profile locations, or with sites that temporarily stage major events or have one nearby are beginning to increase their use of dog handling teams to conduct perimeter searches of their premises. Since people tend to be more scared of dogs than cameras some types of private security work are better served with patrol dogs. This is certainly the case where security officers might be at risk or if there are large areas to patrol. Businesses that store goods outside such as exhibition centres, manufacturing sites, construction developments and car showrooms are often better served with a guard dog. Overall, the presence of a dog on a premise will be enough to deter intruders entering the property.
As dogs and handlers become more accepted and requested the need to train dogs is an ongoing exercise however, historically in the Middle East, there has been little investment into providing training programmes on dog security which means there are countries such as Dubai where there is a real shortage and issue when sourcing experienced dog handlers and trainers. In terms of plugging that gap, it would on the face of it seem a relatively easy solution to simply ship dogs out to fill the need. Supplying novice dogs that are displaying the correct aptitude to become competent service dogs or perhaps even re-housing trained ex-military and former police guard dogs might be useful. But ideally security dogs start their training with their handler when they are between one and two years old before being ready for use in action. They live with their handlers during this time, their career and once they are retired. That means it is important to match the dog with the handler and to find dog handlers who see their career as a true vocation.
Exporting dogs or any animal is a real challenge, not just in the medical and administrative paperwork involved in air freighting but in making sure that kennel management, animal husbandry and breeding is properly understood in the recipient country. Furthermore, it would be irresponsible to simply send dogs and then not have people on the ground able to train or manage them to a good operational standard.
The main way to address the problem is in the provision of specialist training courses for dog handlers, by investing in developing those skills will invariably solve the long term issues these countries face. The UK security industry prides itself as having a reputation as one of the best in the world. This is largely due to the stringent British standards that are required in order to provide security services and the use of dogs by the police is a long standing and accepted practice for law enforcement as well as search and detection.
Over the years I have meet with a number of private and state-owned businesses based in the Middle East to discuss the problems and to identify a range of suitable solutions. Today, our associate network offers bespoke programmes designed by highly experienced dog handling experts that transfer our knowledge of dog handling, breeding and training to clients internationally as well the Middle East.
Dog shortages in the Middle East can be solved, it will take time but what it needs is an ongoing investment in training and committed experienced partners that can share knowledge and skills.
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