🌍 Anti-Poaching Canine Training in Zimbabwe: A Mission to Protect Wildlife 🐾
The #NASDU Overseas Endorsed International Tracker Dog Handler Course - Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside two incredible organisations in Zimbabwe – the Anti-Poaching Canine Foundation Trust and the Sabakwe Anti-Poaching and Conservation Group. Together, we’re making a tangible difference in the fight against poaching through expert canine training and handler certification.
Having visited Zimbabwe three times now, the journey began with a fact-finding mission in September 2023 and the training local handlers in detection and search techniques, at my own expense and time. Since then, I’ve developed and implemented the #NASDU-Overseas Endorsed International Tracker Dog Handler Course, and the results speak for themselves:
✅ Two successful courses completed in May and September 2024.
✅ Three paying customers (from the UK and New Zealand) trained to the highest standards.
✅ Five Zimbabwean handlers trained and certified – empowering them to protect their land and wildlife with International recognised certification and up to date training.
But don’t just take my word for it – here’s what Billy Barton, a participant from our May 2024 course and a seasoned working dog proffesional from New Zealand, had to say: Stephen Barton
"Being behind a Mal tracking scent through the bush was certainly an exhilarating experience for me. Each day was well-structured, and Simon guided us clearly, ensuring we built confidence and skills to work independently. The course exceeded my expectations – I came away educated, with new skills, and a real sense of achievement. If you’re thinking about it, just book it – you won’t be disappointed."
💡 Make a Difference Today
Whether you’re a dog handler, a conservation enthusiast, or someone passionate about protecting wildlife, this is your chance to be part of something bigger. Join us this September and help shape a better future for Zimbabwe’s wildlif
Ada on her holidays
While I’m out of the country for a few weeks, a very kind customer is looking after trainee #BombDog #EDD Ada, and it’s safe to say she’s made herself right at home!
Lovely Ada will be greatly missed, but she’s available for the right handler or organisation, whether in the UK or overseas.
I’m being incredibly selective about where she goes, as I’m extremely fond of her, to say the least!
Feel free to reach out for more details if you think you might be the right fit for this talented young lady.
Trainee #bombdog #EDD Ada who's been trained solely in live venue settings, on real Explosives including Bulk and HMEs which is somewhat unique.
She's two years old in February entire and UK kennel club registered.
More importantly she's quite the character and a very easy loving dog.
This is earlier today no edits warts and all, i haven't even looked back over it. A deep hide inside a cupboard 5g of a high *ish* target odour explosive scent / odour.
She's never been in this room before.
Ada's for sale and will be missed, hence I'm extremely fussy as to her future owner and handler.
If you want a ready to hit the road dog too British Standards then she's perfect👌
She's for sale at £4,600.00 which is a gift considering the work I've put in to her, BUT I'm fussy not just anyone can have her!! This isn't about ££££££
Equally she's available in conjunction with an #NASDU EDD course here in the #UK with myself on a one-to-one course at a discounted packaged rate.
For more information please email [email protected]
A brand new venue today that had lots of outdoor sports equipment. I took the opportunity to train on bikes (a very likely useable viable device placement for a terrorist).
It's not always easy to gain access to bicycles or motorbikes or electricbikes for training purposes. Possibly one or two but never in large numbers.
Both dogs and handlers are trained and back doing monthly assessments and refresher training.
Neither dogs have ever had a hide on a bike.
HGVs cars and even harrier jump jets 😂 but never a simple bike
I was mistaken my thinking was a quick easy hide and hit on a bike, job done.
Dog one wanted to search everything else but the bikes
Dog two managed to knock one of the bikes over and scare herself
Needless to say i adjusted the training and spent a little extra time on this than originally planned.
Note to self train on bikes 🤦 even buy some old ones for training purposes
Truffle Hunting Dog Training- A little unorthodox from what I'm used to but why not. Any thoughts on this??
BTW the patio thing is a great way to get them fucus searching the ground 👌
Another clip of Menace, being tested for Truffle Hunting training suitability.
He's using his eyes in conjunction with nose, but hey this a brand new game. I like him he's got great potential.
Menace being tested for suitability as a Truffle Hunting Dog for a customer.
Definitely full of character 😁
Anyone know what breed he is ?
Tip of the day from this morning - Whilst Truffle Hunting Dog Training
#tipoftheday
#trufflehunting
#truuffledog
#truffles
#detectiondogtraining
#detectiondog
#detectiondogs
#Searchdog
#dogtraining
#scentwork
#nosework
Dam you #Greggs Greggs ☠️🤦♂️
Just a little trainee #bombdog #EDD Ada clip. Pushing the boundaries searching in the dark using torch light, and a very tricky deep hide. I didn't plan this it moved and spooked her, but she was happy to go back in and give a freeze indication. #gooddog #goodgirl #NASDU
Ada is available and for sale to suitable individuals and organisations both in the #UK and Overseas.
For further information please email [email protected]
A super days training today. Day 14 of a 41 day #EDD #bombdog #NASDU initial course .
In addition a trained team joined us for refresher training.
Today we concentrated on searching stairs, scent ID training and internal building safe system of search "The System".
This is the last day of our initial block modules for this EDD course. The weather has hindered us slightly so we lost a couple of days which we'll make up before the Christmas break.
We've introduced the Getxent tubes supplied by Gradko International Ltd. Using the tubes the handler will keep the dog ticking over. I provide WhatsApp and video support at no additional cost inbetween. I'll see them again for a nine day module in February 2025.
I have some limited availability next year for new customers wishing to attend one-to-one NASDU EDD or GP courses. These can spread out over a number of months or completed over a shorter period, ensuring the recommended minimum GLHs Guided Learning Hours are covered.
I specialise in training novice handlers with little or no previous experience, in conjunction with green dogs.
For further information and to arrange a no obligation warts and all telephone call please email [email protected]
Trainee #EDD #bombdog Ada earlier today, i emphasise trainee as she hasn't undertaken an independent assessment as yet. However if teamed with a trained competent handler I reckon she's not far off if not ready.
This is video number 5 of 5 following on from my earlier posts. They are an interesting view all be it a little lengthy.
You can see two very different dogs carrying out the same search with the same handler in very similar conditions.
All be it Ada who's the younger less experienced dog, took an additional 15 minutes to complete this one mile route.
1- She's a Labrador
2- She's inexperienced
3- She's very methodical
4- She's expecting more frequent hides, so she's checking checking and double checking every likely hide area.
