During this course, we will provide you with valuable information regarding police service K-9 unit expectations and capabilities. You will learn how to structure a K-9 unit and how to select and train K-9 teams. Unique leadership strategies involving team building exercises will be an integral part of the class.

We will examine the care and maintenance as well as retirement and replacement decisions for the police service K-9. We will also discuss the specialized budgetary and records management responsibilities of the K-9 unit. Finally, we will provide you with legal updates and policy development as they relate to this unit.

Topics Include

• Evolution of the police service K-9
• Police service dog capabilities
• Leadership strategies
• Structuring a K-9 unit
• Selection and expectations of K-9 teams
• Training for a police service K-9
• Team building development
• Care and maintenance for a police service K-9
• Records management
• Retirement and replacement decisions for a police service K-9
• K-9 legal updates and policy development

Audience

Experienced and newly appointed K-9 unit supervisors

This course is restricted to sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel.

Course Length

32 hours

What Our Students Are Saying

• “Starting from scratch, this course has been so useful and helped me immensely. Excellent instructors - probably the most helpful/supportive/outgoing I’ve had at a LE training. Humor, stories and knowledge from such experienced, professional instructors makes it easy to stay focused.” – Special Ops Sgt. J.B.
• “Great course – many of the questions I had upon arrival were covered in course material, and I’m leaving with many takeaways to try out and make my program better. Well worth the time and money to attend. I’m better prepared to manage the canine program at my department.” – M.S.
• “This was one of the best classes that I have taken in my 10-year career. Not only is this class useful to my K-9 unit, but I can take these new ideas back to my patrol squad. Thank you both for everything." – Sgt. J.S.
• “I learned a great deal in this class. It was all new to me and very valuable. Both instructors were personable/knowledgeable and kept us all engaged in the material. The information they provided was extremely relevant. Their LEO and K-9 experience was evident. This was a great class!” – Sgt. B.K.
• “Would recommend this course to anyone new to supervising a K-9 unit. Material was very helpful.” – Sgt. N.R.
• “I really learned so much from the class and felt like the instructors were invested in helping me with solving problems in my program. Both instructors are very approachable and knowledgeable. Thanks for a great week!” – Cpl. J.C.