210.560.1308
210.560.1308
Universal K9’s live online K9 handler course is designed for law-enforcement officers assigned to single-purpose or dual-purpose working K9s. The program develops the officer and dog as an operational team, with practical instruction delivered through live video rather than a generic pet-training or career course.
Dog development typically takes approximately 5 to 8 weeks. After placement, the first week is reserved for the new handler and dog to bond. Live online handler development then runs for approximately two weeks through scheduled video instruction.
Single-purpose team development is intended for agencies deploying a K9 for narcotics or explosives detection. Instruction covers safe care, obedience, detection handling, search patterns, scent theory, documentation, legal considerations and deployment preparation.
Current single-purpose program cost: $4,500. Departments that qualify for the Police Dog Grant Program may receive the dog and eligible handler development at no cost under the approved placement.
Dual-purpose team development combines detection work with patrol functions. These dogs are sourced separately from trusted vendors, and the assigned officer is developed to handle the K9 safely and consistently across the roles required by the agency.
This program is for active law-enforcement agencies and officers selected to handle a working K9. Departments should have command approval, an assigned handler and the operational capacity to maintain the team after placement.
Universal K9 develops teams to recognized working standards but does not act as the third-party certifying organization. Independent third-party certification is required before deployment according to the department’s policies and applicable standards.
| 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:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Looking for a police K9 instructor course or police dog trainer school? Review Universal K9’s Police K9 Instructor Course.
Law-enforcement agencies can contact Universal K9 to discuss the correct program, current scheduling and the next steps for team development.
Agencies that have not yet selected a dog can review available Police K9 program options.
Related K9 Resources: Police Dog Grant Program | K9 Training Videos | Contact Universal K9
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:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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