MS Webb has launched a specialist dog handling section with ambitions to set a new benchmark for canine security by prioritising dog welfare, formal qualifications, training and welfare for both handlers and dogs.

The new unit, comprising a team of five experienced, directly employed handlers and their dogs, has been established to meet growing demand for professional dog patrol, deterrence and security services.

The launch marks the first phase of a wider recruitment campaign for MS Webb, which intends to build a substantial in-house canine team, recruiting at least 20 further handlers in the near future.

According to Adrian Kollnberger, Canine Training & Compliance Manager at MS Webb, welfare is not only an ethical responsibility when working with animals, but also the foundation of excellent performance. 

Canine wellbeing

He states: “The dogs that perform best in security roles aren’t the most aggressive ones. In fact, it’s the opposite: they’re the calmest, most switched-on and most securely bonded to their handler, whose needs are understood and consistently met both at home and at work.

“Investing in canine wellbeing is the right thing to do and is also beneficial operationally. A settled, confident dog is more observant, more consistent and ultimately more reliable when deployed.

“When someone joins our dog section, they join with their own dog. Our handlers do not work with a dog allocated from a pool or whichever dog happens to be available for a particular shift, they work with their dog on every deployment.

“The handler and dog are trained, assessed and licensed as a team, with the partnership fundamental to safe and professionally compliant canine security.

“We believe there should be greater scrutiny of canine security professionals and businesses should pay close attention not only to the qualifications and competence of individual handlers, but also to the certification, welfare and ongoing assessment of the handler-and-dog team as a whole.”

Investment

Alongside recruiting experienced, qualified and directly employed handlers, MS Webb is investing in the development of its in-house dog section from an early age with its first dog trained from puppyhood.

The German Shepherd has recently joined the business and is being trained through a structured, welfare-led development programme. 

Using positive reinforcement, training focuses on building confidence, socialisation and obedience, alongside familiarisation with a range of environments, sounds, surfaces and distractions. Young dogs then progress to specialist training, assessment and licensing when they’re ready.

For Darren, a Canine Unit Supervisor, the connection between him and his two-year-old German Shepherd Narla is central to the team’s approach. Because she lives with Darren and his young family, Narla has a clear distinction between “work” and “home”.

Darren explains: “Dogs can detect potential threats long before humans through their exceptional hearing and sense of smell, so having canines brings a completely different layer of security.

“I’ve worked in the industry for 30 years and, in that time, I’ve concluded that working animals need to feel like part of the family. It benefits the bond between the animal and handler, leading to better support, protection and care for each other.” 

Partnership

The emphasis on a mutually supportive partnership also attracted Lexie, Security Dog Handler Supervisor, to the role.

With a deep-rooted desire to work with dogs, she was drawn to the training opportunities and the prospect of working with her four-year-old German Shepherd, Lila.

“I knew joining the MS Webb team was right for me because of the focus on dog welfare,” she said.

“As a supervisor, I oversee handlers on site and ensure the dogs’ welfare remains one of the top priorities for everyone. After all, your dog must trust you and love you to protect you, so a personal bond to a security dog is very important.”

As part of its commitment to high standards in its dog section, each MS Webb handler-and-dog team undertakes regular training and assessment in line with the relevant NASDU standards.

This includes handler control and obedience, confidence and resilience, working safely around people and distractions, and decision-making under pressure.

Approved training

MS Webb is also investing in its own training expertise, with Adrian Kollnberger, Canine Training & Compliance Manager, due to undertake NASDU’s approved trainer programme. This will support MS Webb in delivering training in-house that is in- line with industry requirements.

Kollnberger concludes: “We also want to see greater recognition of what it takes to be a professional canine security handler.

“The wider security industry has extensive regulation and training requirements, but the qualifications, knowledge and competencies needed to work effectively with a security dog aren’t always given the attention they deserve.

“For us, that means setting a clear standard for the people we employ as well as the dogs they work with. Handlers need the right qualifications, training and understanding of canine behaviour, because welfare and professional performance go hand in hand.

“While we’re certainly excited about our department, this isn’t just about launching a new service. We want to advocate for working dogs and encourage all industries to see them as colleagues. By investing in the welfare of our dogs and their handlers, we provide a better service for everyone who depends on us.”