In December 2025, APOPO Ukraine completed a two-week Mine Detection Dog (MDD) Team Leader Course, strengthening national leadership for humanitarian demining operations in Ukraine.
Held from Dec. 8 to Dec. 19, 2025, at APOPO’s Krasylivka Dog Training Center, the course prepared experienced dog handlers to step into team leader roles. Training focused on how to plan and supervise operations safely, support handlers in the field, and maintain high standards of dog training and welfare.
The course supports APOPO Ukraine’s objective to transition team leader positions to national staff ahead of the 2026 operational period.
“By investing in capacity building for national team leaders, APOPO strengthens not just daily operations but also the long-term resilience and professionalism of humanitarian demining in Ukraine. The staff attended the team leader course with high motivation throughout the whole course and developed excellent teamwork that will be vital during future operational work,” said Per-Arne Bergstrom, MDD/TSD Training Manager Ukraine.
Developing Leadership for Safe and Effective Dog Teams
The course brought together 10 Ukrainian dog handlers and one international team leader, with three additional international participants scheduled to complete the program in early 2026.
Participants added to the leadership and decision-making skills needed to manage MDD and technical survey dog (TSD) teams in demanding and high-risk environments. Training emphasized how team leaders balance operational effectiveness with safety, ensuring that both people and dogs are protected while meeting national and international requirements.
Instruction was delivered by an experienced training team, including Mikael Bold, APOPO’s Dog Program Manager; Per-Arne Bergstrom; Morgan Kline, Global IM Manager; and Yuliia Nahorna, Mine Detection Dog Trainer, APOPO Ukraine.
What the Training Covered
The course curriculum was designed to meet international expectations for MDD Team Leaders while remaining practical and grounded in real operational conditions. Key areas included:
- Understanding how the mine action sector works and where mine detection dogs fit within wider clearance efforts.
- The land release process, from survey and clearance through quality checks and handover of land to communities.
- Canine anatomy, behavior, and physical limits, helping leaders recognize signs of stress, fatigue, or reduced performance.
- How dogs detect scent and how environmental factors can affect search results.
- Daily care, preventive health measures, and basic first aid for working dogs.
- The principles behind dog training, allowing team leaders to assess performance and support handlers effectively.
- How training and testing sites are set up and managed safely.
- The full process of training, testing, and accrediting mine detection dogs.
- Planning and supervising ongoing training to maintain performance over time.
- Managing safety risks during field operations for both staff and dogs.
By the end of the course, participants demonstrated a clear understanding of how leadership decisions directly affect safety, quality, and operational results.
Assessment and Certification
Participants were assessed through written tests, practical exercises, and continuous observation throughout the course. All 11 participants successfully achieved certification as MDD team leaders.
Results showed consistently strong understanding across operational planning, dog training principles, and welfare considerations, supporting APOPO’s confidence in expanding national leadership roles.
Building Sustainable Mine Action Capacity in Ukraine
This training marks an important step toward building a nationally led mine action program in Ukraine. As APOPO prepares for the next operational phase in late March and early April, newly certified team leaders will support planning, supervise field teams, and help ensure that operations meet required safety and quality standards.
Their leadership will contribute directly to faster land clearance, reduced risks for communities, and the responsible and effective use of mine detection dogs in humanitarian demining.
Supported by International Partnership
This training was funded by UNDP Ukraine, supporting the development of skilled national professionals able to lead mine action operations safely and effectively.
APOPO acknowledges UNDP Ukraine’s support in facilitating this capacity-building training:
