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it’s a dog’s life...


how good guard dogs are trained to obey


and protect. Denise Cousin Ward Security


of smell is so enhanced,” says Ali. “They also offer the most effective visual deterrent.


“Intruders, vandals, or people wanting to steal, damage goods or property, will think twice knowing there’s the possibility of coming up against trained dog patrols.”


It’s clear that patrol dogs are psychologically demoralising to criminals; well-trained dogs show controlled aggression against anyone who confronts their handler. And, as anyone who’s witnessed a bite test will know, given the command, a dog will simply not let go of an offender until he’s told to.


Using dog patrols can be more cost-effective, particularly if a company has large open areas to protect (parkland, industrial parks etc.). “If you do have suspects on the premises or someone missing, a dog can cover the ground a lot faster than a person can,” says Ali. “In


this situation, you can use one dog in place of five or more people, offering customers a more efficient, cost-effective service,” he says.


Dogs can also be used to patrol areas with a restricted line-of-sight (large construction projects, warehouses, transport yards etc.) and for areas considered too dangerous for security guards alone (gang related problems, underground parking, high crime areas etc.).


But it’s the combination of physical presence and special abilities in situations such as airport security where dogs really come into their own, whether it’s providing general purpose patrol or specialist services like bomb and drugs detection.


“If the public see dogs in a high security area, then there’s a perception of greater safety,” says Ali. “Whether you're searching or not doesn't really come into it – it’s about having


that added presence and peace of mind that dogs can provide.” Ward Security has conducted a number of specialist searches for the Metropolitan Police and a number of City institutions.


When it comes to specialist searches, dogs are extremely flexible; they can move easily, unlike mechanical instruments, and they’re not likely to break down. They also offer a more cost- effective solution – particularly when things deviate from the norm.


Of course, it’s important that the dogs are trained to recognised standards. NASDU (the National Association of Security Dog Users) is the organisation that promotes welfare, standards, training and education within the security dog sector. It maintains nationally recognised training and operational standards for security dogs, their trainers and their handlers; security companies who adhere to NASDU Inspected status can demonstrate the highest levels of operational efficiency.


Ali, who has been an instructor since 1998 and is a fully accredited ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) General Purpose, Explosive Detection and Narcotic Detection Dog Instructor, says this can help clients make the right choices for their dog security provision. “If you say your dogs can provide highly- technical skills like bomb and drugs detection, then it’s important that the dogs are trained with the real thing,” says Ali. “It’s important to ensure that dogs are actually worked on proper explosive and that individuals examine the training records of these animals. Don’t take someone’s word for it!”


NASDU standards also govern dog welfare and the all-important relationship between handler and dog, something which Ali says is critical for optimum performance. “All our dogs live at home with their handlers – they see them more than their own partners. Everything needs to be audited and recorded, from vet treatment down to worming and flea treatment.”


And, while Ali admits that a dog team might be more expensive than static guarding, he says the efficiencies that a dog can bring to a security situation, well outweigh the costs involved, offering not only a more effective but more cost-effective security solution.


“There’s no doubt that dogs are more cost- effective, they're a good deterrent, and they're also good publicity as well,” says Ali.


“Just make sure you choose a NASDU


recognised provider, and don’t base your choice on the cheapest price. It might just come back to bite you!”


www.ward-security.co.uk > 17


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