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Foundation launches Association of Handlers
We are very proud to launch the National Association of Police Dog Handlers (NAPDH) to support the work of handlers and work together to improve the welfare of police dogs.
We launched the NAPDH at the Emergency Services Show, in Birmingham, in September (2025).
Our Chairman Kieran Stanbridge said:Â “Police dog handlers play an essential role in policing across the UK. We have launched the Association to bring this community together, providing them with a strong network of colleagues and peers to support their day-to-day work, as well as offering dedicated guidance on the care and welfare of their dogs.Â
“The Association will be a hub for committed professionals who share a passion for championing the welfare and best interests of police dogs. Through the NAPDH, we will advocate the highest standards of training, care and welfare for serving police dogs.
“In addition, the NAPDH will provide handlers with opportunities to enhance their professional development through training, peer support and collaboration with the Foundation, alongside other specialists, experts and organisations.
“Training currently offered to police dog handlers is often a postcode lottery, entirely dependent on local force budgets.”
“Over recent months, we have seen police budgets come under real strain, and we feel it is our duty to ensure that, no matter which police force a handler and dog are serving with, they are provided with the same access to training as their peers in neighbouring forces.”
Virtual sessions will take place throughout the year, offering handlers free canine first aid training, advice on nutrition and training techniques, and insights from leading national and international experts.
There will be an annual conference giving handlers the chance to connect with fellow handlers and learn from colleagues and experts in the field of dog welfare, training, operational best practice and professional development.Â
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