The OSCE conducted a training course for canine border guards in Turkmenistan from February 17, 2025. This ToT course is the last in a multi-part series and aims to equip officers with vital skills for detecting threats while emphasizing the welfare of the dogs. It is supported by the EU BOMCA-10 Programme and the German government.
The OSCE initiated a training of trainers (ToT) course for canine border guards on February 17, 2025, in the Farap etrap, Lebap velayat, Turkmenistan. This five-day training gathered twenty-four participants including canine officers, veterinarians, and dog breeders, forming the final course in a series offered across all Turkmenistan’s velayats.
Two certified national canine experts and a veterinarian facilitated the sessions, in collaboration with the EU BOMCA-10 Programme. The training commenced with a presentation of a comprehensive Dog Training Manual, developed by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat alongside local canine officers, aimed at establishing foundational training protocols for working dogs.
The course covers crucial aspects of canine training, equipping future trainers with techniques necessary for detecting weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs, as well as conducting rescue operations. The curriculum also emphasizes the physical and emotional welfare of the dogs, including first aid and physical conditioning methodologies.
Participants engaged in practical exercises utilizing drug imitators to refine detection skills for explosives and drugs, with a focus on a force-free, reward-based training approach. This hands-on experience reinforces effective training techniques for dog handlers.
The ToT program is a part of the OSCE Centre’s broader objective to enhance the capabilities of Turkmenistan’s State Border Service, funded by Germany’s government support and structured within an extrabudgetary multi-donor framework.
The OSCE has successfully launched a comprehensive ToT course for canine border guards in Turkmenistan, focusing on the essential skills for detecting illegal materials and ensuring the well-being of working dogs. The structured training is supported by international partnerships to strengthen border security efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.osce.org
