Dog training services

Tender description

DSTL conducts research studies into canine behaviour, olfaction and performance in support of the UK Ministry of Defence. Part of this work is to evaluate the ability of dogs to detect certain odours or to learn new tasks, based upon certain training tools and techniques. To fully understand the effects of new tools and techniques, there is often a requirement to conduct studies with search dogs that are in the early stages of their training, usually before they have been trained to detect specific odours. DSTL requires the ability to regularly access a pool of skilled dog trainers/handlers and dogs to further the understanding of canine learning, behaviour and odour recognition, and support the operational deployment of dogs by UK Government. DSTL wishes to establish a pre-competed pool of dog Contractors with whom tasks can be placed, in short time-scales, to facilitate studies as and when required. A framework agreement to select suppliers for research studies including: assessing the effect of a particular training technique or tool on the performance of dogs; Behavioural observation of same; double blind testing; Potentially ineffective or deleterious training techniques;