The Canine Search & Leadership Programme is a structured series of sessions that gives students a deeper insight into the vital roles that make up a search team.
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Working in small groups, students rotate through specialist positions, learning how each role contributes to a successful search. From handling the dog to planning trails, supporting the team, and observing behaviour, students experience first-hand how communication, responsibility, and decision-making shape the outcome.
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Across six sessions, the programme builds progressively, allowing students to develop leadership, teamwork, and practical problem-solving skills through real search dog exercises.
Who the CSL is Designed For
Students aged 11-18
Designed for middle, secondary and upper school students across a wide range of abilities.
Enrichment or Curriculum Delivery
A natural starting point before moving into structured leadership or certificate pathways.
Leadership & Teamwork Programmes
Ideal for schools seeking a progressive, role-based learning experience.
Inclusive & Mixed-Ability Groups
Supports a wide range of learning styles, including SEN and neurodiverse students.
Students become part of a working search team, organised into specialist “pods” that represent the key roles within a real K9 unit.
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Each pod has a specific responsibility, from handling the dog and planning trails to observing behaviour, managing safety, and supporting the wider team. Across the programme, students rotate through every pod, gaining a well-rounded understanding of how each role contributes to a successful search.
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This rotation ensures that every student experiences leadership, responsibility, communication, and teamwork from multiple perspectives.
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1. Pod Briefings & Role Rotation
Students are introduced to the dog and learn how search work begins.
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2. Search Planning & Preparation
Trail and operations pods work together to design and prepare the search, considering terrain, scent, and safety.
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3. Live Search with Active Pod Roles
Students take part in live search exercises, handling, observing, and supporting the dog as it works.
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4. Pod Rotation & Team Reflection
Students rotate into new pods and reflect on how each role shaped the outcome of the search.
What Students Experience
Key Student Outcomes
Leadership Through Responsibility
Students take ownership of specialist roles within a working team.
Observation & Decision Making
Students read the dog’s behaviour and adapt their actions accordingly.
Communication under Pressure
Students learn to share information and support each other during live searches.
Team Resilience & Awareness
Students learn how to support teammates and manage pressure together.
Practical Information
Format: Structured 6-session programme with a pre-programme briefing included
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Session Structure: Students rotate through specialist team pods across the programme
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Typical duration: Six 1-hour sessions delivered weekly or adapted to suit the school timetable
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Student groups: 6–32 students per session, adaptable to school structure and learning goals
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Location:
Delivered on school grounds or in a suitable nearby outdoor area
Equipment:
All dogs, equipment, and safety materials provided
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Delivery:
Led by accredited specialists experienced in real educational environments
Bring Search Dog Training to Your Students
Every school is different, which is why we work with you to tailor the right programme for your students, whether it’s a single Gateway session, a structured leadership programme, an intensive course, or a certificate pathway.
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We handle the planning, safety, and delivery, providing your students with a meaningful, well-structured learning experience.