About us

Setting the standard for security dog teams across the UK.

BASDU brings together experienced handlers, trainers, assessors, IQAs and security companies to make sure every handler and dog team is properly trained, fairly assessed and openly accountable.

Setting the standard for security dog teams across the UK.
15+ years Leadership experience in training and assessment
UK-wide Network of members and partners
Seconds To verify any certificate online
Audit-ready Training records for compliance

Our story

Built by the people who do the job

BASDU has continued to develop and grow, built on the support and expertise of professionals from every part of the security dog sector.

Our community now spans England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We set out what good practice looks like, assess people fairly against it and keep open, checkable records so that clients can buy with confidence.

Experienced handlers Trainers Assessors Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) Security companies

Security dogs at work

What security dog teams do

Across the UK, trained handler and dog teams protect property, people and public spaces. These are the main roles our members carry out every day.

Patrol & site protection

General purpose security dogs protect construction sites, vacant properties, industrial estates and car parks, most often at night. A dog's hearing and sense of smell let it detect intruders long before a person could, and its presence alone deters most would-be offenders.

Search & detection

Specialist detection dogs search people, vehicles, bags and buildings for items such as drugs, explosives, firearms or cash at venues, events, ports and workplaces. They work quickly and non-invasively, covering ground far faster than a manual search.

Events & crowds

At festivals, stadiums and public events, dog teams provide a highly visible deterrent, patrol perimeters and support entry searches, helping to keep large crowds safe.

GUARD DOGS ON PATROL

Guarding within the law

Guard dogs on commercial premises must be used within the Guard Dogs Act 1975: a handler capable of controlling the dog must be present, unless the dog is secured so it cannot roam freely, and a clear warning notice must be displayed at each entrance.

Breeds at work

The dogs behind the job

Many breeds can work in security, but three are especially common in UK search, patrol and protection roles.

German Shepherd standing alert on a lead in a park
Search & patrol

German Shepherd

Intelligent, loyal and highly trainable, the German Shepherd is one of the most widely used breeds for general purpose patrol and search work. Its strong scenting ability suits it to searching vehicles, buildings and open ground.

Belgian Malinois standing alert in the street, ears up
Protection & detection

Belgian Malinois

Fast, agile and driven, the Malinois excels in protection and detection roles. Lighter than the German Shepherd and with great stamina, its energy calls for an experienced handler and consistent, controlled training.

Patrol & protection

Dobermann

Alert, powerful and naturally protective, the Dobermann makes an imposing patrol and protection dog. In the UK, working Dobermanns keep their natural ears and tail, as cosmetic cropping and docking are banned.

Our dogs on duty

Control and obedience come first

Real working security dogs. Before any search or protection work, every dog must be steady, obedient and fully under its handler's control.

German Shepherd standing steady and alert in a field
German Shepherd · Control The dog stands steady and focused, under full control and ready to respond to its handler's next command.
Belgian Malinois standing calm and steady, watching attentively
Belgian Malinois · Obedience A calm, steady stand on duty. Reliable obedience is the foundation of every search and protection task.
Rottweiler wearing a basket muzzle, standing on a short lead beside its handler
Rottweiler · Safe control Fitted with a well-fitting basket muzzle and kept on a short lead, so the dog stays safe around the public.

Our approach

Trust you can check in seconds

We believe trust should be earned through openness, not assumed. Every BASDU handler certificate and handler-and-dog team certificate can be verified online within seconds, by anyone who needs to check it.

Full training records are held securely and are available for audit, inspection and compliance purposes. Clients, contractors and regulators no longer need to rely on paper copies or wait for confirmation: the evidence is there when they need it.

Instant checks
Certificates verified online
Full records
Ready for audit and compliance
Setting the standard for security dog teams across the UK.

Our mission

To raise and maintain the standard of security dog handling in the UK through fair assessment, practical training and real care for working dogs.

Our vision

A sector where every team on duty is qualified, every dog is well kept, and anyone can confirm a handler's standing in seconds.

Join a community built on trust

Handlers, trainers, assessors, IQAs and security companies: BASDU membership shows clients you work to a standard they can check.

Contact us

Get in touch

Questions about courses, membership or becoming an approved centre? We're here to help, seven days a week.

Phone +44 800 246 5684 Email info@basdu.org
Registered address 131 Ayresome Street
Middlesbrough, England
TS1 4PN
Opening hours Monday to Sunday
9am – 5pm