Detection Dogs
Detection dogs that find hidden threats
NCTAS-P accredited explosives detection teams, plus NASDU-qualified drugs and pyrotechnics detection — screening people, vehicles, freight and venues. Mobile, non-disruptive and available nationwide.
Or call 0203 751 8383
Watch
The history & biology of canine detection
A short film on why a dog's nose remains the most capable detection tool available — and how GSS detection teams put it to work.
Overview
What are detection dogs?
Detection dogs are trained to locate specific hidden substances — explosives, drugs, pyrotechnics, or other select target odours — by scent, then signal their handler with a trained 'indication' when they find the target odour.
An explosives detection dog (EDD) team provides an efficient, accurate, non-disruptive way to search buildings, vehicles, cargo, and large areas in real time. A dog's nose is tens of thousands of times more sensitive than a human's.
- Breeds
- Common breeds: Spaniel · Labrador
- Standard
- NCTAS-P (EDD)
- Targets
- Explosives · select target odours
- Indication
- Passive (freeze)
Detection disciplines
Detection disciplines, matched to the threat
Explosives dogs are trained on that discipline alone — combining explosives and drugs in one dog is avoided, because the operational response to each find is fundamentally different. Drugs and pyrotechnics, by contrast, are commonly trained as a dual capability in a single dog. We deploy the team trained for the threat you are managing.
—Explosives detection (EDD)
GSS is an NCTAS-P affiliated company, and many of our EDD handlers hold current NCTAS-P accreditation — the national standard recognised by the Home Office, Counter Terrorism Policing and the NPSA. The NPSA strongly recommends using only EDD teams holding current accreditation, and we deploy accredited teams where the tasking requires it. Deployed for pre-event venue sweeps, corporate and government sites, VIP and pre-visit sweeps, vehicle checkpoints, mail and freight screening, route and open-area searches. NASDU-qualified explosives detection teams are also recognised across the industry — GSS fields both NCTAS-P accredited and NASDU-qualified teams.
—Drugs and pyrotechnics detection
Commonly delivered as a dual-trained capability — one dog, both target sets. Deployed for stadiums, licensed premises, concerts and festivals; workplace and for-cause searches; education, custodial and secure environments; property searches and logistics. As much about deterrence and duty of care as detection.
Beyond these disciplines, dogs can be trained against bespoke target odours for specific operational challenges — it starts with a conversation about what you need to find.
How it works
How a detection dog search works
A systematic, standards-led process for screening people, vehicles, freight, and venues.
- 01
Define the requirement
We scope what you need screened — venue, vehicles, freight, or people — and the threat picture you're managing.
- 02
Accredited team deploys
An EDD team (a specific, verifiable dog–handler pairing) deploys; for explosives, handlers hold current NCTAS-P accreditation.
- 03
Systematic search
The dog searches methodically; a passive indication (freeze or sit) marks a trained odour without disturbing a potential device.
- 04
Find response & handover
The handler assesses indications and triggers your agreed protocol. A suspected device is never confirmed by the dog — emergency procedures take over.
Capabilities
What detection dogs find
Teams matched to the threat and the environment you need screened — explosives always single-discipline; drugs and pyrotechnics commonly dual-trained.
—Explosives (EDD, NCTAS-P)
—Drugs & pyrotechnics
—Vehicle, freight & delivery screening
—Venue, route & open-area sweeps
The expert behind this service
As national canine lead for Counter Terrorism Policing, I helped design and develop NCTAS — the cross-government standard for explosive detection dog teams. I bring that standard into everything we deliver.
Dave Pitt
Director of Specialist Services — former national canine lead, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTPHQ)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What can detection dogs detect?
GSS detection dogs cover explosives, drugs and pyrotechnics. Explosives dogs work that discipline alone; drugs and pyrotechnics are commonly trained together in one dog. Each dog is trained to a specific target set, which is what makes the detection reliable.
What is NCTAS-P and why does it matter?
The National Canine Training and Accreditation Scheme – Private industry (NCTAS-P) accredits each explosives detection dog team annually to a standard recognised by the Home Office, Counter Terrorism Policing, and the NPSA. The NPSA strongly recommends only using EDD teams that hold a current NCTAS-P accreditation. GSS is an NCTAS-P affiliated company and many of our EDD handlers hold current NCTAS-P accreditation.
How accurate are detection dogs?
Highly effective, but not infallible — an indication signals a trained odour, not a confirmed device. Detection dogs are used as part of a layered security approach, not in isolation.
Can one dog detect both explosives and drugs?
No. Explosives detection is never combined with drugs in the same dog, because the operational response to an explosives find is fundamentally different from a drugs find. Drugs and pyrotechnics, however, are commonly trained as a dual capability in one dog.
Where are detection dogs used?
Events and venues, corporate sites, vehicle checkpoints, cargo and freight, and pre-visit sweeps for VIPs — wherever rapid, mobile, non-disruptive screening is needed.
Talk to us about screening your venue, vehicles, or freight
Explosives, drugs or pyrotechnics — tell us the threat and the setting, and we'll recommend the right detection team — NCTAS-P accredited for explosives.
Get a tailored solutionGet in touch