T raining of Mine Detection Dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina Training of Mine Detection (NPA Global Training Centre) Global Training (NPA Dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina (NPA Global Training Centre) Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining 7bis, avenue de la Paix P.O. Box 1300 CH - 1211 Geneva 1 Switzerland Tel. (41 22) 906 16 60, Fax (41 22) 906 16 90 www.gichd.ch i Training of Mine Detection Dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina (NPA Global Training Centre) ii The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) supports the efforts of the international community in reducing the impact of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The Centre provides operational assistance, is active in research and supports the implementation of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. For further information please contact: Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining 7bis, avenue de la Paix P.O. Box 1300 CH-1211 Geneva 1 Switzerland Tel. (41 22) 906 16 60 Fax (41 22) 906 16 90 www.gichd.ch [email protected] Training of Mine Detection Dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina (NPA Global Training Centre), GICHD, Geneva, December 2004. This project was managed by Håvard Bach, Head of Operational Methods Section ([email protected]). ISBN 2-88487-034-2 © Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the GICHD concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area, or of its authorities or armed groups, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. iii Contents Foreword 1 Introduction 3 NPA GTC MDD training definition 4 Structure of the book 6 SECTION I. GENERAL ACTIVITIES Chapter 1. NPA GTC MDD training process and use of rewards 8 NPA GTC MDD training process 8 Use of rewards 9 SECTION II. BREEDING PROGRAMME Chapter 2. MDD breeding programme 14 Breeding programme objectives 14 Developmental stages and corresponding handling agenda 15 Puppy assessment process 20 NPA GTC evaluation of puppies 22 SECTION III. PUPPY PROGRAMME Chapter 3. Puppy programme 26 Puppy programme activities 26 Chapter 4. Socialisation, interaction and environmental training 28 Socialisation training 28 Interaction training 29 Environmental training 29 Chapter 5. Drive and motivation training 32 Leather rag 32 Kong toy 33 Activity and passivity sessions 33 Chapter 6. Off-ground pressure-search training 39 Chapter 7. Track training 41 Basic track training 41 Advanced track training 43 iv Chapter 8. Long-leashed MDD training 46 Introduction 46 Direction training 47 On-ground pressure-search training for long-leashed MDDs 48 Integration of direction and pressure-search 50 Reward system 53 Chapter 9. Short-leashed MDD training 54 Procedure 54 Rewarding techniques 56 Chapter 10. On-ground pressure-search training 57 Procedure 57 Chapter 11. Carousel training 60 Preparation and maintenance of the carousel 61 Carousel training methodology 63 Procedures in rewarding in carousel exercises 65 Chapter 12. Internal assessment process, testing and policy 67 Requirements for tracking 67 Requirements for interaction 69 Requirements for carousel searching 70 Policy 71 SECTION IV. MDD TRAINING PROGRAMME Chapter 13. Imprint training 74 Carousel 74 Indoor sandboxes 75 Training methodology 76 Training fields 77 Chapter 14. Maintenance and developmental training 79 Physical stamina and endurance training 79 MDD maintenance and development training 80 Chapter 15. Transfer preparation 82 Retired dogs 82 Chapter 16. NPA Bosnia MDD handler 83 Selection criteria 83 Training philosophy 83 NPA MDD Bosnia handler training course 84 Issues related to matching a handler to a dog 85 Handlers of short-leashed MDDs 86 Handlers of long-leashed MDDs 88 Chapter 17. NPA Bosnia MDD trainer 91 Key skills of trainers 91 MDD trainer course 92 Annexes 1. NPA Bosnia’s MDD standing operating procedures 93 2. Climatic and environmental conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina 99 3. Overview of the NPA Bosnia MDD Project 100 v 4. NPA Bosnia MDD Project testing procedures 102 5. NPA MDD GTC training areas and kennel facilities 105 Bibliography 109 Glossary of acronyms 111 Photo credits Cover photo: ©Mary Kelly Figures 26, 46, 48-52 and 57 ©Damir Atikovic (Communication Officer, NPA MAP in BiH); 2-10, 14-21, 23, 53, 63, Annex 1:1b, Annex 2: 1a-b, Annex 5: 3,4 ©NPA; all other photos ©Mary Kelly. vi Acknowledgements The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) would like to acknowledge all of the people who generously made time to share their views and experiences during the study period. In particular, thanks go to the staff of Norwegian People’s Aid, who have all been very helpful and who demonstrated great hospitality and openness throughout the project. The base managers and their staff deserve a special mention for all their support and hospitality to the project. In addition, individual thanks are due to Kenan Muftic (MDD Co-coordinator), Håkon Ovland (MDD Training Co-coordinator), Tom Fossdal (Consultant), Nedim Fejzi (MDD Senior trainer), Marija Beze (MDD trainer), Livadiæ Elvir (MDD Team Leader), Bajriæ Midhat (MDD trainer), and Mujagic Elvir (MDD handler), all of whom have provided valuable input. Production of this document for the GICHD was managed by Håvard Bach and led by Mary Kelly. Editing was by Jack Glattbach, Ian G. McLean and Rebecca Sargisson. Layout was by Françoise Jaffré. 1 Foreword he Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) launched a study into mine dog detection in 1999. The study later evolved into a series Tof interrelated mine dog detection activities and research projects and the development of international mine action standards for mine dog detection. One of the key components of this study was an examination of mine detection dog (MDD) training methodology. The training of MDDs is a complex process, often using many different methods, and accompanied by an equally varied range of opinions and training techniques from one organisation to the next. Until now, detailed documentation of MDD training has not been available to the general MDD community. This case study describes the MDD training programme used by Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) in its Global Training Centre (GTC) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is not a training manual, its aim is to promote the dissemination of information about successful programmes to the larger MDD community and to encourage evolution of methodologies by providing an example of one particularly successful method among the many MDD training programmes. The study had been requested by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), but should also be of interest to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS), as well as to non-governmental organisations, national mine action programmes and commercial companies training and using MDDs. The GICHD would like to thank the United Kingdom Department for International Development for funding the project. Ambassador Stephan Nellen Director Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining 3 Introduction his book provides an examination and a descriptive account of the methodologies used by Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) at its Global Training TCentre (GTC) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia) for training mine detection dogs (MDDs). In the following material, the phrase training methodologies is used to describe the methods implemented in the training of both the dog and the handler. The methodologies and techniques described are constantly undergoing modifications with the aim of improving the training system. It is generally acknowledged that styles of dog training vary and there are strong differences of opinion and belief among the members of the many dog-training communities (GICHD, 2003). There is no doubt that dog training is a complex process and can be undertaken successfully in a variety of different ways. A description of one such system is provided here. NPA is one of the few non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that uses MDDs. NPA has gained competence during operational experience in many countries and regions, including Angola, Bosnia, Cambodia, Croatia, Kosovo and Mozambique. It was NPA’s desire to establish a standardised set of guidelines for the training of MDDs. A uniform and familiar system among all NPA MDD programmes has led to the development of a central MDD academy, the Global Training Centre, to supply all NPA centres with dogs. As of 2004, NPA implemented the Global Training Centre for MDDs and established an in-house breeding programme that are independent of the Regional Mine Action Programme. The training facility operated by NPA GTC in Bosnia (henceforth referred to as “the School”) has achieved a high standard, and it is the training system operated in Bosnia that NPA chose as its standard for all programmes. This study provides a description of that programme and includes analysis and justification of each stage of the training process. It is expected that the information describing the training model will be of use to other training centres for comparative purposes, with the aim of encouraging the transfer of knowledge and experience throughout the MDD training community. 4 Training of Mine Detection Dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina NPA GTC MDD training definition NPA defines an MDD as a dog trained to detect target substances, specifically, mines, certain types and quantities of explosives, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and fragments of mines and UXO, above and below the surface of the ground. The quality of work and successful deployment of the School’s MDDs in mine clearance operations are based on intensive training, testing and analysis performed on a strict and continuous basis. As a result, the capacity, ability and accuracy of MDDs deployed in operational work can be predicted. The psychophysical characteristics of the dogs, a modern and inventive imprinting methodology, and an intense physical-endurance training programme are key elements of the training style.