Handlers Course

Single Purpose Handlers Course

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Single Purpose K9 Team Development

Our Single Purpose K9 Team Development program is designed for agencies seeking a reliable detection dog for narcotics or explosives. Instead of a traditional canine handler course, this program focuses on developing the handler and dog together for real-world deployment.

– Detection-focused K9 (narcotics or explosives)
– Structured K9 Team Development approach
– Real-world deployment preparation
– Preparation for independent third-party certification

Program Cost: $5,500

Departments that qualify for our shelter dog program may receive a detection dog at no cost. In these cases, the handler development portion may also be provided at no cost as part of the program.

Subject # Title Course Time (Hours) Lecture / Lab (Total)
CH-01 Canine Safety & Care 1 / 9 (10)
CH-02 Obedience Training 2 / 8 (10)
CH-03 Detection Dog Training 2 / 23 (25)
CH-04 Search Patterns 1 / 9 (10)
CH-05 Scent Theory 2 / 8 (10)
CH-06 Handling Explosives & Narcotics 1 / 4 (5)
CH-07 Validation & Legal Considerations 2 / 23 (25)
80 (total)

Subject Descriptions:

CH-01: Canine Safety & Care

In this subject, students will learn the proper techniques in the following topics which include feeding, kennel care, vet care, medication, safety in transportation, first aid, urgent care, illicit drugs, and proper care of canine equipment. [Prerequisites: none] 10 hours

CH-02: Obedience Training

In this subject, students will learn the theory and practical applications in obedience training in the following topics which include commands, basic obedience exercises, proper use and functions of canine training equipment, off-leash obedience training, and canine control at a distance training. [Prerequisites: none] 10 hours

CH-03: Detection Dog Training

In this subject students will learn the theory and practical applications of canine detection in the following topics which include principles of detection, seek-fetch, types of reward and responses. Students will also be introduced to techniques in handler actions, false response identifications and pinpoint. Students will participate in extensive field work in narcotics & explosives detection. [Prerequisites: none] 25 hours

CH-04: Search Patterns

Students will be introduced to systematic searches in vehicles, open areas, buildings, luggage and schools. Students will learn specifics of canine handler techniques with bomb threats, VIP sweeps and US Customs searches. Field practical instruction will include participating in actual searches (both narcotics and explosives) in open areas, schools, vehicles, homes, commercial buildings and luggage. [Prerequisites: none] 10 hours

CH-05: Scent Theory

Students will be introduced to canine scent theory, including the mechanics of scent dispersal. Special topics will include canine and climatic effects on canine scent work. Applications to deployment of detection canines and search techniques will be discussed. [Prerequisites: none] 5 hours

CH-06: Handling Explosives & Narcotics

Student will be instructed in narcotics handling and storage procedures, responsibility, procedures, storage, destruction and control. Students will also be instructed in explosives handling and storage procedures, responsibilities, procedures, storage, destruction and control. [Prerequisites: none] 5 hours

CH-07: Validation & Legal Considerations

Students will be instructed in methods for validation of a detection canine. Students will discuss legal considerations, including validation, documentation, and search & seizure concerns. [Prerequisites: none] 10 hours

DUAL PURPOSE HANDLERS COURSE 

Dual Purpose K9 Team Development

Our Dual Purpose K9 Team Development program is designed for agencies that require both detection and patrol capabilities. This program develops a complete working K9 team capable of detection, tracking, apprehension, and handler control in real-world environments.

- Detection and patrol (dual purpose) K9
- Structured K9 Team Development approach
- Real-world deployment and control scenarios
- Preparation for independent third-party certification

Program Cost: $6,500

This program is designed for agencies seeking a fully capable working K9 team with expanded operational capabilities beyond detection alone.

Subject # Title Course Time (Hours) Lecture / Lab (Total)
DH-01 Canine Safety & Care 1 / 9 (10)
DH-02 Obedience Training 2 / 8 (10)
DH-03 Detection Dog Training 2 / 18 (20)
DH-04 Patrol Dog Training 2 / 18 (20)
DH-05 Search Patterns 1 / 4 (5)
DH-06 Scent Theory 2 / 3 (5)
DH-07 Handling Explosives & Narcotics 1 / 4 (5)
DH-08 Validation & Legal Considerations 1 / 4 (5)
    80 (total)

Subject Descriptions:

DH-01: Canine Safety & Care

In this subject, students will learn the proper techniques in the following topics which include feeding, kennel care, vet care, medication, safety in transportation, first aid, urgent care, illicit drugs, and proper care of canine equipment. [Prerequisites: none] 10 hours

DH-02: Obedience Training

In this subject, students will learn the theory and practical applications in obedience training in the following topics which include commands, basic obedience exercises, proper use and functions of canine training equipment, off-leash obedience training, and canine control at a distance training. [Prerequisites: none] 10 hours

DH-03: Detection Dog Training

In this subject students will learn the theory and practical applications of canine detection in the following topics which include principles of detection, seek-fetch, types of reward and responses. Students will also be introduced to techniques in handler actions, false response identifications and pinpoint. Students will participate in extensive field work in narcotics & explosives detection. [Prerequisites: none] 20 hours

DH-04: Patrol Dog Training

In this subject, students will be introduced to both the theory and practical applications of patrol work and bite work. Topics include controlled aggression with correct positioning and commands, agitation and handler techniques to develop controlled aggression, out, attack , false run, re-attack, escort, gunfire and cover. Field practical instruction will include student participation in scouting, building searches, decoy techniques for temperament, instinct, prey drive, play drive, defense drive, fight drive, pack drive, nerve strengthening, imprinting, compulsion, anthropomorphism, shaping, rewards, and learning curves. [Prerequisites: none] 20 hours

DH-05: Search Patterns

Students will be introduced to systematic searches in vehicles, open areas, buildings, luggage and schools. Students will learn specifics of canine handler techniques with bomb threats, VIP sweeps and US Customs searches. Field practical instruction will include participating in actual searches (both narcotics and explosives) in open areas, schools, vehicles, homes, commercial buildings and luggage. [Prerequisites: none] 5 hours

DH-06: Scent Theory

Students will be introduced to canine scent theory, including the mechanics of scent dispersal. Special topics will include canine and climatic effects on canine scent work. Applications to deployment of detection canines and search techniques will be discussed. [Prerequisites: none] 5 hours

DH-07: Handling Explosives & Narcotics

Student will be instructed in narcotics handling and storage procedures, responsibility, procedures, storage, destruction and control. Students will also be instructed in explosives handling and storage procedures, responsibilities, procedures, storage, destruction and control. [Prerequisites: none] 5 hours

DH-08: Validation & Legal Considerations

Students will be instructed in methods for validation of a detection canine. Students will discuss legal considerations, including validation, documentation, use of force, and search & seizure concerns. [Prerequisites: none] 5 hours