Dog training services

Tender description

Dog training services. 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. It is not desirable or practical to internally resource a permanent pool of part trained search dogs. For example, there are periods of time when no dog studies are required; thereby any pool of dogs kept solely for Dstl purposes would be under-utilised. Dstl wishes to establish a pre-competed pool of dog Contractors with whom tasks can be placed, in short timescales, to facilitate studies as and when required.