Simon Mallin K9 Training & Consultancy

06/06/2026

Coffee, paperwork and a quiet hour before training starts.

Today marks the start of Module 3, Day 23 of a 41-day NASDU Level 4 Explosive Detection Dog course. Before meeting the learner and dog this morning, I'm doing what I've always done between training modules – reviewing attendance records, lesson plans, assessment sheets, training logs, action plans and video footage from the previous training block.

We've just had a four-week break between modules. During that time I haven't been running courses. Since stepping into my role at NASDU, my focus has been elsewhere. This particular course was already underway before I assumed the role and, as agreed, I am honouring a small number of existing training and assessment commitments whilst transitioning away from UK-based NASDU training delivery.

After several weeks away from a learner and dog team, it would be unrealistic to rely purely on memory. Good record keeping is therefore essential. It allows both trainer and handler to look back at what was achieved, what still requires development, what action plans were issued and whether those actions have actually been completed during the break.

One of the advantages of a modular programme is that it allows you to assess what has genuinely been retained away from the training environment. It's one thing finishing a module strongly; it's another returning four weeks later and demonstrating that the learning has been maintained.

During the break, the handler was issued with a detailed action plan. This included environmental confidence work, route searching, vehicle searching, search stamina. The objective was not simply to keep the dog busy, but to maintain momentum.

Part of that continuation training involved the use of properly impregnated Getxent tubes supplied by Gradko International Ltd. and sourced through Alford Group . These were not used as a replacement for live explosive odours. The dog had already been exposed to and trained on live explosive training aids during the course. The Getxent® aids were provided to allow the handler to safely and practically continue training during the break, reinforce search behaviours, maintain motivation, carry out discrimination exercises and keep the dog mentally stimulated until the next module commenced.

Over the next few days we'll find out very quickly where the team are. Has confidence improved? Has independence improved? Has the continuation training been carried out to the required standard? Most importantly, have the foundations remained in place?

If the answer is yes, we move forward.

If the answer is no, we revisit, reinforce and adapt the training plan accordingly.

Training starts long before the dog comes out of the vehicle.

25/05/2026

With the warmer weather starting to arrive, I thought this might actually be a useful discussion for handlers and dog owners alike.

For many professional handlers, dog transportation vehicle setups are part of day-to-day life. Some handlers work multiple dogs, different disciplines, or rotate dogs between work and rest periods throughout the day.

Most properly set up working dog vehicles now utilise insulated kennel systems, airflow management, fans, temperature monitoring, air conditioning or auxiliary cooling systems — but technology and setups are constantly evolving.

So rather than turning this into the same argument every summer, it would actually be useful to hear from people on what genuinely works well.

🐾 What cooling systems or ventilation setups would you recommend?

🐾 Any reliable fan systems, AC units or temperature alarms?

🐾 Any equipment you’ve found ineffective or not worth the money?

🐾 Any practical tips for keeping working dogs safe and comfortable during hotter weather?

Feel free to share photos, links, recommendations, or lessons learned.

Constructive discussion and shared knowledge is probably far more useful than social media outrage — and ultimately everyone wants the same thing: safe, healthy dogs.

22/05/2026

I've got a very greedy Spaniel who puts weight on so easily AKA *retired*. This stuff really does work 😁 Burns Pet Nutrition

Is your pet always craving more? Feed smarter with Burns Weight Control Chicken & Oats. Developed by a vet, this healthy, low calorie dog food will help your pet to feel fuller for longer and keep off those extra pounds.

22/05/2026

Today we remember the victims, survivors, families and all those affected by the Manchester Arena attack on 22 May 2017.

As an Association involved in security, public safety, detection dog disciplines and protective security environments, we recognise the lasting impact this attack had across the UK and the wider security community.

Our thoughts remain with the people of Manchester and everyone whose lives were changed forever that night.

17/05/2026

BBQ guard duty 👌 earlier today 😁

14/05/2026

He's not daft 😁😂

13/05/2026

Bandit’s officially moved into a supervisory role.

Apparently my ACT Awareness / ACT Security training now requires independent canine oversight to ensure standards are maintained.

Current observations from the assessor:

- attention span poor
- too much coffee
- questioning why we’re e-learning
- likely to fail if snacks not provided

To be fair, he’s taking retirement from operational EDD work very seriously. He’s now progressed into quality assurance and passive judgement duties.

🐶💻☕

10/05/2026

Another weekend off — “I don’t even recognise myself anymore” 😁

I’m very nearly becoming normal… almost !!

Can’t quite work out whether Bandit is positively smiling, or gurning “not another bloody photo dad” 🤔

Earlier today at Penarth Sea Front and Pier.

05/05/2026

Bandit – 10 years old today.

Happy birthday Bandit 🎂
Penblwydd hapus, Bandit! 🎉🐾

Bandit started out like many others dogs around me at the time — one of a group of green dogs I was bringing on for training and selling on.

He was one of ten I was training up for explosives, some destined for overseas contracts.

But he never left 😁

I had a soft spot for him early on.
Very good dog, easy going and a real character — but also a bit of a softie, and I knew he wouldn’t have thrived in some of the environments others were heading into.

So he stayed.

He lived in the kennels, worked on courses, and was often loaned out to handlers on courses who needed a dog to qualify — but I always kept an eye on him.

Over time, he just became mine.
From 2019 onwards, he lived in my home and we worked together as a team. Not full-time, but properly — and that mattered.

In February 2025, at eight going on nine, we completed his NCTAS-P team assessment together.

That was something I wanted to do — and we did it.

We've done a few interesting jobs together.
COP26 in Scotland, NEC, Wimbledon, events across Cardiff, and even a job in France — no fuss no drama, he just got on with it and just as important to me he's great company.

Earlier this year, I made the decision not to renew his operational certifications.
Not because he couldn’t — but because he doesn’t need to anymore and the time is right.

He’s slowing down, and I haven’t got the time to work him operationally and maintain his training the way I’d want to.

So this is a different phase now.
He’s still working — just differently.
Helping on a EDD course, doing demonstrations, being handled by a learner.

A steady, trained dog like him makes a big difference — it lets people focus on the system.

And he enjoys it.

He’s still sharp, still keen, still a proper character.

No retirement fund either (his employer didn’t contribute…),
so he’ll still be earning his keep one way or another 😄.

We might even try something different — a bit of seasonal truffle work.

Less pressure. More freedom.
But he won’t be standing still.

10 years old today.

Job done — just not finished.