BASIC K9 HANDLER SCHOOL

Search Techniques

The most important part of searching is safety and recognition by the  handlers that the dog is in odor or scent.  As we train the handler in  search techniques and patterns, we will also train the handler to  recognize the indicators in his dog. These indicators can be very  subtle, however our training techniques will teach the handler to  recognize these indicators and interpret them to bring their deployments  to a successful conclusion. This will increase the team’s productivity  and safety on the street. Our many years of combined experience set us  apart from  others.

Officer Protection

The  canine partner provides added safety for the handler. When the team  is properly trained, the canine will respond to the handler’s request  for assistance. The teams will operate efficiently and the canine will  not create a greater hazard to the handler.  One of the 7 deadly sins in  canine is the belief that the dog will save their life, and this is not  reality in real life. There are many scenarios we can provide for the  canine team that will achieve the highest level of competency and  understanding.  It will allow the handler to also make better decisions  in his/her own protection and the protection of others, understanding  when it is appropriate to deploy the dog given certain circumstances.

Call Off / Call Out

Case law decisions are very clear in this area. The  dog must respond to  the verbal orders of the handler. This is  accomplished with a solid  foundation in working obedience and subsequently verified in  certifications that will be conducted by outside evaluators to confirm  training goals are being achieved.  The call off or re-call is one of  the most important profiles needed to protect you and your agency from  liability.

Suspect Detection

The canine team will have extensive training in the area of locating  suspects.  This is covered extensively in search techniques and scenario  based training. The primary purpose of the police canine is that of a  locating tool.  In many situations the location of the suspect can be  pinpointed by the dog and in many cases physical contact by the dog may  not be required.  We introduce de-escalation techniques in these  situations to avoid use of force when applicable. This improves the  handler’s decision making process regarding the force option the canine  provides.

Preparation of K9 Records and Reports

There are some systems available for agencies to maintain proper records. One of the best systems we have found is the “KATS”  K9 Activity Tracking System  created by Eden Consulting Group.  Handlers  are encouraged to maintain  records throughout training and are provided guidance in proper  documentation. These records are the most important step toward risk  management. We also provide a working document the handler can use for  all use reports. This report writing format is recommended by the best  legal experts in the country regarding canine deployments.

Scenario Based Training

One of the most overlooked areas of canine training today in the United States is scenario based training with an emphasis on decision making. We focus more effort on scenario based training. During  these  scenarios we introduce many facets of the training profiles listed above such as: search techniques, decision making, officer protection, suspect detection, bite work, controlled aggression and potential liability.  In addition, we place the team into actual scenarios that other handlers have faced in real live deployments. Training results are discussed with an emphasis on decision making.

Working Agility

We conduct basic work related agility training. Our training consists of training the teams so they gain confidence in clearing fences and obstacles they may encounter in the field. This training helps to clearup any environmental issues a dog may suffer from prior to working the street.

Vehicle / Car Control

Based on your agency policy,  we conduct basic and ongoing training in regards to car control. Recognizing this has a potential of high liability, it is  important for the dogs and handlers to understand  their roles.

Training Evaluation of Handler Teams

The  agency will receive a monthly report in regards to each canine team  and  their performance during the training program. If an issue arises  during training that we feel  needs immediate attention, the unit  supervisor or commander will be  contacted.

K9 Selection

We  have dogs available for your agency to choose from and we will  assist as needed in that selection. We will also accompany members of  your agency to other vendors for K9 selection if requested. There will  be an hourly  rate for the trainer’s time of $50.00 per hour.