Since the terrorist attack on 11 September that killed over 4000 Americans, the demand for explosive detection dogs (EDD), handlers, as well as qualified trainers has skyrocketed. Government agencies and private canine companies are scrambling to push out dogs and handlers as fast as possible. It is assumed that in the rush to get EDD teams in the field, there is the inherent danger that the quality of handlers and dogs will diminish. Presently, there exists no universal EDD standard for dog and handler training, evaluation, and certification. Additionally, there exists no central focal point for government and private canine units to come together for information sharing, networking, or joint training.

If you care about our profession and want to see it elevated to the prominence our work should have had long ago, join us.

MISSION:

The IEDDA seeks to serve in a world leadership role for the bomb dog community, facilitating teamwork, networking, research, training, and act as the final decision making authority on guidelines and standard procedures for explosive detection dogs.

OBJECTIVES:

·To bring together in a mutual cause, all individuals and public & private organizations, that use explosive detection dogs to defend and protect the innocent against the threat of terrorism.

·To promote camaraderie and a common connection with those individuals and organizations interested and/or engaged in the supervision, training and/or utilization of the EDD.

·To establish unified, definitive training and certification standards for bomb dogs, their handlers, trainers, kennel masters, and evaluators.

·To provide free of charge, certified IEDDA evaluations of any EDD team, member or not.

·To coordinate the exchange of ideas on any advanced training & utilization methods and research.

·To foster professional relationships and joint training opportunities with law enforcement bomb squads and military explosive ordinance disposal units, developing better teamwork for bomb threat responses and EDD positive alerts.

·Assist sponsoring member organizations with hosting EDD competitions, field training, academic seminars, and research projects.

·To improve the portrayal of the explosive detection dog and their mission in protecting lives & property.

·To give the public peace of mind in knowing that any IEDDA certified EDD team is the very best.

·To give support to those public and private concerns with regard to the formation of an Explosive Detection Dog component within their specific organizations.

·Act as a nonpartisan lobbying organization on issues and policies impacting the EDD community.

·Make available professionals in the EDD field for expert testimony in courts of law and other testimonial bodies