Guarding Watch - Dog day afternoon

There are a number of misconceptions surrounding the use of dogs in security work and often the end user has no idea of the legal implications of hiring a dog and handler team, especially if things go wrong. The conversation below is an example of the type of telephone conversation that we sometimes receive.

" I want a dog to look after my premises, I've been broken into again and I want to make sure that next time, the little b******* get what they deserve. In fact I want to see the biggest ugliest, snappy snarly dog here with the biggest teeth imaginable. Can you supply what I need?"

"Thank you for your call, I'm sorry but this association and its members cannot help you with those requirements. However, we can put you in touch with companies who supply qualified, trained handlers and dogs and who can provide a first class professional service, one which complies with the requirements of current legislation."

While we can understand the caller's frustration, it is clear that he has misconceptions - but after asking appropriate questions and pointing out the pitfalls of the caller's requirements, we find that a suitable arrangement can be achieved.

So when would you consider employing the services of a security dog and handler ?

The caller's original request is partly valid. There is nothing more off putting to a potential intruder than the sight of a big dog. That, added to the peace of mind a handler has, knowing that he or she is carrying legal protection, can only promote confidence in performing some forms of high profile duties and patrols.

Patrolling of large open areas is also extremely effective because of the olfactory sense the dog possesses. The dog is capable of detecting movement and the scent of a person at incredible distances, therefore a trained 'team' can recognise signs of a possible intruder and deal with the problem accordingly.

Legal Areas

The dog sector of the security industry is the only area in which legislation exists, that being the Guard Dogs Act of 1975. The Act defines the use of a dog as one which is present to protect the handler, the premises and property which he is guarding. This applies only to private places and does not extend beyond the boundaries of premises being protected.

If a dog is used to protect a public area there could be big trouble ahead as the law changes to that of the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. Once within this domain, if a dog simply barks and frightens a member of the public who then makes a formal complaint to the police, it could end up with the handler and the company in court and worse case, the dog being destroyed. It is therefore imperative that security dogs are not used in public places. And if there is no alternative to walking a security dog in a public place then we recommend that it should be muzzled.

Other requirements of the Guard Dogs Act are that both dog and handler should be properly trained so that there is a capability of control on the part of the handler over the dog and the dog is capable of being controlled. Any premises that has guard dogs on site must display warning signs at the entrance and exits to the property.

In addition to the legislation, NASDU has its own Codes of Practice which all of its companies must adhere to. Our inspection process is carried out by the Inspectorate of the Security Industry (ISI). The Codes, which were written in association with the RSPCA and are recognised by the Home Office, cover areas such as Health Safety & Welfare and the operational use of the dog together with the training of both dogs and handlers.

Risk Assessment

The requirement to assess risk applies particularly to the dog sector. For instance, there should be a clearly defined assignment instruction which outlines the proper use of the dog within premises and around the perimeters.

No dog should be allowed near a kitchen or dining area or where hygiene is a priority. Patrols should be carried out so that the dog is not able to have physical access to the perimeter fence thus alleviating any possible risk to anyone on the other side.

There should be a suitable area in which the dog can be housed, caged or tethered so that it is unable to come into contact with any other person other than a trained handler.The dog must always be under control when on site and never allowed to roam freely about the site.

Staff, visitors, sub contractors etc. should be made aware of the presence of a security dog on site and must be instructed not to approach the dog, however friendly it may appear to be.

How to be sure

Accidents can and will happen but by applying simple common sense rules they can be avoided. Many end users are enquiring about the possibility of employing the services of dogs and handlers for all sorts of different assignments. The simple advice we give is to contact NASDU for a list of inspected and approved suppliers.

Once invited to tender for your work, ask to see a NASDU Company Certificate. Ask also to see the Qualified Handler Certificates and the Registered Dog Certificate for those who are to work on site. Be aware that all certificates are issued on an annual basis following re-inspection and re-testing. Incidentally, NASDU will not issue a Qualified Handler Certificate unless the individual has been security screened to BS 7858.

Finally, ask for details of insurance cover and ask for a Risk Assessment of the site to be carried out prior to starting the contract.