Regulation for Inclusion in the National School of Service Dog Training (NSSDT) Instructor Register
1. General Provisions
1.1. This Regulation governs the voluntary certification procedure for practicing dog handlers who have not undergone training at the “National School of Service Dog Training” (hereinafter — NSSDT), with the purpose of inclusion in the official Register of NSSDT instructors. The candidate voluntarily expresses the intention to undergo the qualification evaluation provided by NSSDT (theoretical and practical exams) in order to receive official confirmation of their professional skills and to be included in the public Register. Inclusion in the Register grants the instructor access to their individual profile, status, client reviews, and other functions of the system. By providing their personal and other required data, the candidate consents to its processing and public display to the extent necessary for the operation of the Register system. The candidate submits a video recording of the exercises for the selected category, in accordance with the technical assignment outlined in the PDF files presented in Section 4 of this Regulation. Upon a positive decision by the commission, the candidate is allowed to proceed to the theoretical exam. Based on the results of both stages, a decision may be made to include them in the Register.
1.2. This Regulation is a public offer. Any candidate submitting an application thereby confirms their acceptance of all terms and conditions.
1.3. Inclusion in the Register confirms the fact of passing the certification exam and the candidate's professional level, but it does not equate to the status of “NSSDT Graduate” and does not grant the right to use the NSSDT brand in commercial or advertising activities without a separate written permission. Strict and accurate reference to the fact of having passed the exam and being included in the NSSDT Register is permitted, without distorting the essence of the certification or claiming any representation or employment relationship with NSSDT.
2. Instructor Categories
2.1. The National School of Service Dog Training (NSSDT) maintains a unified Instructor Register, where specialists are listed with one or more qualification categories. A category confirms the instructor’s level of training and the set of training programs they are proficient in.
• Category 3 — confirms competencies in obedience, minimum obedience, the general obedience course (OKD), the role of a Probable Opponent (VPR), and assisting in protection and guard dog training (sport protection, ZKS).
• Category 2 — confirms proficiency in obedience, OKD, ZKS (guard and protection service), and the ability to act as a VPR.
• Category 1 — confirms skills in the following areas: OKD, ZKS, search service (RS), escort duty (SS), object protection (SOOB), guard and search (OS), training guide dog handlers for the blind, and canine therapy. Also grants the right to mentor and train other instructors.
The category reflects the confirmed level of the instructor’s competencies. An instructor with Category 3 may have knowledge and skills corresponding to higher categories, but has not passed their formal confirmation.
2.3. Each instructor receives a personal number and an open profile in the Register indicating their assigned category, the date of last qualification confirmation, and current status.
3. Application Conditions
3.1. Eligible participants are dog handlers who meet the following criteria:
• age 18 or older; • at least 2 years of practical experience working with dogs in the chosen field; • confirmation of agreement with the NSSDT Instructors’ Code of Ethics and Work Standards; • acknowledgement and acceptance of the terms of this Regulation.
3.2. Submitting an application and participation in the procedure are free of charge. A repeat application after an unsatisfactory result may only be submitted no earlier than 3 (three) calendar months from the date of rejection, or after completing the NSSDT cynologist course and successfully passing the exam as a student.
4. Application Steps
4.1. The application process consists of two stages:
Stage 1: Video Presentation of Skills
• The candidate downloads the PDF file with the list of requirements for the selected category:
Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3
• Records a video demonstrating completion of all tasks as per the instructions. • Sends the video to support@dogschool.od.ua with the subject: “Certification — Category X — Last Name First Name.”
Stage 2: Review and Feedback
• Within 7 working days, the NSSDT committee evaluates the submission. • If approved, the candidate is invited to the final exam (online or offline). • If the submission is unsatisfactory, the candidate receives feedback with a list of mistakes and a recommendation to complete full training at NSSDT.
5. Final Examination
5.1. The exam consists of three parts:
• a theoretical test (minimum 80% correct answers); • an oral interview; • demonstration of practical skills (online or at the NSSDT facility).
5.2. The decision to include the candidate in the Register is made by the NSSDT examination committee by majority vote.
6. Inclusion in the Register
6.1. After successfully passing the exam, the candidate is entered into the Register and assigned an individual registration number.
6.2. The profile includes the category, date of verification, and status (active / revoked).
7. Responsibilities and Oversight
7.1. An instructor included in the Register agrees to:
• follow NSSDT standards in working with animals and clients; • not use the NSSDT brand or claim to be a graduate without completing the course and/or formal collaboration; • confirm their status annually via a short online test.
7.2. NSSDT reserves the right to revoke the instructor’s status and remove them from the Register unilaterally under the following grounds:
• cruel or abusive treatment of dogs; • violation of safety protocols during training; • using training methods that contradict accepted international standards and may cause physical or psychological harm to the dog; • client complaints supported by factual evidence.
7.3. If an instructor is removed from the Register, their profile remains visible with a “revoked” label. All previously published reviews remain accessible. NSSDT reserves the right to retain this data to ensure reputational clarity and transparency for clients and the professional community.
8. Final Provisions
8.1. This Regulation comes into force on the date of its publication. Any amendments take effect upon publication of the updated version on the NSSDT website.
8.2. All decisions regarding inclusion or removal from the Register, as well as any related actions, are made solely at the discretion of the NSSDT administration and are not subject to appeal by third parties.