NPA Global Mine Detection Dog Training Centre (GTC)

The NPA GTC is located in Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH) and it supports all NPA programmes worldwide. Currently 27 people are employed at the centre and approximately 75 dogs are under training annually. The facilities have been steadily upgraded over the last few years and are today an excellent frame for breeding and training of dogs, dog handlers and dog trainers. The centre has built up an international recognition as one of the leading MDD centres in the world. Through the cooperation with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), GTC has also spearheaded the development of Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD).

GTC has been able to breed high quality dogs and currently has a capacity of producing 100 puppies a year. The centre has competent staff mainly recruited from the NPA Mine Action (MA) programme in BiH. The facilities in Sarajevo are ideal for breeding and the training of dogs.

As dogs can be used within Technical Survey, clearance and verification methodologies, GTC fits very well into the NPA Land Release concept and offers quality and cost-efficient solutions.

Strategically NPA wants to expand its areas of operation and respond to requests for support both from NPA MA programmes and from other MA NGOs. GTC has formalized cooperation with other national mine action authorities such as CMAC (Cambodia) and EMAO (Ethiopia). GTC has managed to build a good internal breeding base and is not dependant on external dog purchases. There is occasionally, a need to purchase specially selected dogs for breeding material. Close supervision and training of the dogs, combined with a good veterinary system is fundamental for minimizing the number of dogs that fail accreditation. There is also a continuous process to improve the tactical use of dogs to reduce down time and increase productivity. Quality Maintenance MDD is a field that continuously changes and improves. GTC is actively participating in international forums to learn, and it will continue to question its current practices to improve its training methodologies. The centre will also put a strong emphasis on continuing to strengthen its human resources. Capacity

Personnel

27 staff, 4 expatriates and 2 seconded staff to other countries. 75 MDD

Donors

The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Veidekke AS, Gilde, NERA

Links

http://www.npa-gtc.org/