Specialist detection dogs for UK and international operations

Welcome to the internet home of Wagtail UK Ltd. Established in 2003, Wagtail UK has seen an increasing demand for its specialist detection dog (sniffer dogs) services from clients globally. This is due to the rise in drugs trade and an escalation in terrorism. Typically clients include the Police, Immigration and Customs (the UK Border Agency), the Ministry of Defense, high profile Blue Chip companies, UK sporting venues and a number of overseas clients in the Middle East, Africa, the Far East, Mainland Europe and North America. All our detection dog handlers and detection dog training is to British Military and Police standards

Wagtail UK is one of the few companies to hold a Home Office licence to store and keep substances for detection dog training.

Wagtail UK Ltd's philosophy is simple: When it comes to Safety and Security; ONLY THE BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH!

Due to confidentiality and the fact we have many high profile clients, we ask those who would like testimonials or a list of previous clients for our detection dog services to contact us individually for details.

Dog and Handler Teams

Wagtail UK Ltd can provide detection dog teams at short notice for military and Government agencies UK wide. We can also provide our detection dog team services for private companies and organisations, such as night clubs, offices, security firms, aviation. We have the following detection dog teams available for deployment:

• -Proactive & passive drug detection dog teams
• -Explosive detection dog teams
• -Cadaver detection dog teams
• -Body detection dog teams, for the detection of illegal immigrants or stowaways.
• -Tobacco/counterfeit tobacco detection dog teams

Other detection dog teams available with given notice:

• -Bat and other animal carcass detection dogs (Conservation/surveying purposes)
• -Animal scat detection dog teams(Conservation/surveying purposes)
• -Tobacco/counterfeit tobacco detection dogs and dog teams
• -Mountain rescue dogs
• -Urban disaster (confined space) detection dogs
• -Hydrocarbons detection dog Teams
• -Personal protection dog deams

Detection dogs for UK & international operations

Wagtail UK Ltd are one of the UK's leading supplier of detection dogs. Wagtail UK Ltd hold a Home office license to store drug scents and explosive scents for the purposes of detection dog training. Detection dogs available for Government agencies, established organisations, security companies include:-

• -Passive Drug/Narcotic detection dogs
• -Proactive drug detection dogs
• -Explosive/Bomb detection dogs
• -Tobacco/Counterfeit tobacco detection dogs
• -Cadaver detection dogs
• -Protection dogs
• -Body detection dogs
• -Scat detection dogs
• -Carcass detection dogs for detecting protected animals including bats
• -Search and rescue dogs, including confine space/urban disaster dogs
• -Arson detection dogs
• -Bespoke trained detection dogs

Specialist dog handler courses

Wagtail UK Ltd run a variety of specialist detection dog handler courses. These include:

• -4-6 Week explosive detection dog handler course
• -4-6 Week drug detection dog handler course
• -Body detection dog handler course
• -Cadaver dog handler course
• -Hydrocarbons detection dog handler course
• - Bespoke detection dog handling, for example, scat detection, carcass detection, mice detection, mine detection.

The current list of courses available can be seen here

All our detection dog handler courses are based on a total of 4 or 6 weeks training depending on the individual’s experience. Courses are designed to progressively build up dog handler knowledge and skills, culminating in a series of real-time scenarios and an independent assessment. On successful completion of the course a certificate will be awarded listing all subjects covered. The course syllabus Includes:

• -Health & safety
• -Safe handling of explosives OR drugs
• -Classification of explosives OR drugs
• -Selecting a search dog
• -Stages of training
• -Scent picture
• -Reasons for counter terrorist searches/ drug detection searches
• -Capabilities and limitations of an search dog
• -Routes, vehicles, buildings, aircraft, ships and freight
• -Search planning, operations, methods of search
• -First aid, documentation, environmental training
• -Demonstrations
• -Licensing

The above list is a only sample of topics included in our drug handler and explosive handler syllabus. It is by no means exhaustive and is subject to change without notice.

Consultancy and risk assessments

Wagtail UK utilise the vast experience and skills of a team of some of the UK's leading authorities on Counter Terrorist issues.

Wagtail together with our team of leading consultants can train and educate your staff to plan, develop and expedite counter terrorist search measures for various events including: major sports events, political functions, visits by Royals or Heads of State, perceived threat situations and bomb or terrorist threat scenarios. In addition we can provide risk assessments against the threat of terrorism resulting in the use of specially trained search teams trained to search and locate bombs and improvised explosive and incendiary devices. Risk assessments includes maritime search to comply with the International ship and facility code.

Our two leading consultants' experience and expertise include:

Bob Coote, Counter Terrorist Search Adviser
A former accredited UK Home Office Search advisor (POLSA). A POLSA is usually of Inspector rank who is trained to plan, conduct and teach all aspects of searching in order to assist in countering the terrorist threat from whatever source.
• -Served for 30 years with Merseyside Police
• -Head of Force Dog section
• -POLSA and search advisor for over 70 major events requiring counter terrorist measures including a number of Aintree Grand Nationals
• -Resident speaker on the activities of explosive search dogs at the world renowned Royal School of Military Engineering in the UK for 6 years
• -Adviser to the United Nations on matters pertinent to search dogs*
• -Adviser on Police matters to the board of directors of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers

Alan Hatcher of ISSEE, Counter Terrorist Search Consultant and advisor in Explosives
• -Counter Terrorism, Search and Security related training.
• -Over 30 years military experience with the RAF and Army as EOD operator
-RAF Staff Officer for EOD Extensive experience in management of complex and dangerous tasks,human resource management, policy implementation and co-ordination of repair and maintenance activities in support of military operations.
-Assisted in redefining, writing and implementing EOD and Improvised Explosive Devices Disposal (IEDD) policies for the RAF and was instrumental in the establishment of Joint EOD operations in the Balkans.