
Dangerous Dogs Awareness
Course Background
Interacting with dogs can be a joy, but it can also pose risks, especially for professionals who may encounter potentially aggressive dogs during their work. Our Dangerous Dogs Awareness training is designed to address these risks.
What You’ll Learn:
This training provides the necessary knowledge and skills to safely handle situations involving aggressive dogs. Participants will learn to understand the signals and triggers that can lead to aggressive behaviour in dogs, enabling them to respond effectively. The training also covers the legal framework surrounding dangerous dogs and the responsibilities of dog owners.
Why It’s Important In the UK:
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This includes providing necessary training when employees’ work exposes them to potential encounters with dangerous dogs. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provide further legal guidelines for dealing with dangerous dogs.
Impact of Dog Bites:
Dog bites can have serious physical and psychological consequences for staff, affecting their ability to perform their duties and potentially leading to time off work.
Employer’s Responsibility
Employers have a duty to minimise the risk of dog bites. This includes conducting risk assessments, providing Dangerous Dogs Awareness training, implementing preventive measures, and ensuring that employees who have experienced a dog bite receive appropriate care.
By understanding this legislative landscape and receiving appropriate training, employees can confidently and safely navigate situations involving dangerous dogs, reducing risks and enhancing their well-being and security. This training is crucial for anyone whose work may bring them into contact with potentially dangerous dogs.
Dangerous Dogs Awareness Session Objectives:
- Understand UK Dangerous Dogs Laws: Get comprehensive knowledge of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, Anti-social Behaviour Act 2014, and other relevant workplace legislation around dealing with dogs professionally.
- Awareness of Banned Breeds: Understand the dog breeds banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and safety precautions around them.
- New Dog Owner Responsibilities: Learn about the updated responsibilities and requirements for all dog owners under recent legal changes impacting the general public and professionals.
- Canine Psychology Insights: Gain valuable insights into how dogs think and the motivations behind their behaviours to better understand them.
- Read Dog Body Language: Develop skills to interpret subtle and obvious body language cues that indicate a dog’s mood and intentions.
- Recognise Canine Stress Signs: Learn to identify signs a dog is stressed, allowing early intervention for a safer environment.
- Prevent Dog Encounter Injuries: Acquire proven strategies and techniques to prevent injuries when encountering dogs, including de-escalation methods.
- Handle Aggressive Dogs Safely: Build skills to effectively and safely manage aggressive dog situations while protecting yourself and others.
- Respond to Dog Bites Properly: Know the immediate actions to take if bitten by a dog, such as first aid and proper reporting procedures.
- Use Dog Handling Equipment: Explore available dog handling safety equipment, its applications, and effectiveness.
- Interactive Q&A Session: Dedicated Q&A to reinforce learning and address any specific questions or concerns.
Leave empowered!
This course equips employees with the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate encounters with potentially dangerous dogs while carrying out their work.
Safety Solutions Training is pleased to introduce our highly experienced Dangerous Dog Awareness trainers.

Andrew ‘Paddy’ Patterson
Dangerous Dogs Awareness Training Specialist
We are proud to introduce Andrew ‘Paddy’ Patterson, a distinguished addition to our Dangerous Dogs Awareness training team. Drawing from nearly three decades in law enforcement and specialised dog handling, Paddy brings exceptional depth of knowledge and hands-on experience to our training programs. As the former Head of South Wales Police Dog Training School, his expertise in dangerous dogs awareness and handling is truly outstanding.
Key Qualifications
- NPCC Police Dog Trainer and Instructor
- Dog Legislation Officer and Supervisor
- Victim Recovery/Crime Scene Dog Handler
- Explosive Detection Dog Handler
- Head of Police Dog Training School
Achievements
- King’s Coronation Security Team (2023)
- International Missing Persons Cases
- Counter-Terrorist Operations
- High-Risk Warrant Executions
- Cross-Border Investigations
With his extensive operational experience and comprehensive understanding of dog behaviour and legislation, Paddy delivers practical, real-world insights that are invaluable for anyone seeking to enhance their dangerous dogs awareness and handling capabilities.

Garth Stinson
Dangerous Dogs Awareness Training Specialist
We are proud to introduce Garth Stinson, our expert Dangerous Dogs Awareness trainer. With over 30 years of distinguished service in law enforcement and dog handling, Garth brings unparalleled expertise to our training programs.
Key Qualifications
- Qualified General-Purpose Dog (GPD) Handler since 1997
- Former Firearms Support Group (FSG) Handler
- National Police Recruit Instructor
- Explosives Search Dog Handler and Section Inspector
Achievements
- Police Federation National Bravery Award recipient
- Association of Chief Police Officers (Dogs) Incident of the Year Award
- Lord Brownlow Trophy recipient
- Led specialized explosive detection training initiatives
Garth’s extensive operational experience includes working in high-pressure environments, from providing security at major public events to responding to critical incidents. His practical knowledge and instructional expertise make him uniquely qualified to deliver our Dangerous Dogs Awareness Training, ensuring participants receive the highest standard of education and practical guidance.
Dangerous Dogs Awareness Session
Download a copy of the training program
Actions if confronted by a dangerous dog
Legislation advice for dog owners
ADDRESS
Safety Solutions Training Ltd.
7 Coryton Crescent
Cardiff
CF14 7EP