Week One – Detection Dog Trainer Program

Introduction and Ethology

– Introduction to Professional Dog Training as a Career– Evolution of the Canine
– Canine Ethology, & taxonomy– Comparison of the Domestic Dog and other
Canids– Pedigree ResearchLanguage of Dogs
– Reading and Understanding Canine Body Language and Stress Signals in Dogs
Applied Dog Behavior – Understanding applied dog behavior– Clicker training
as a method of Positive Reinforcement
– Baiting and Luring dogs, using food as a reinforcement
Selection of Detection Prospects
– Selecting and Testing Puppies– Selecting and Testing Adult Dogs
Drive Development for Detection Work:
Puppy developmentUnderstanding and Assessing Prey DriveHunting Ability
Record Keeping and Report Writing
Canine Case Law
Detection Cases and the 4th Amendment
Week Two – Detection Dog Trainer Program
Practical Application of Baiting and Luring Dogs
How Dogs Learn – Learning Theory and Principles
– Application of Reinforcement Schedules
– Behavior Shaping and Fundamentals of Training
EXCEL-erated Learning
Working with Puppies Crate Training and Housebreaking/ Puppies
Detection Training Equipment:
– Leashes and Collars– Lines– Detection Boxes– Remote Training Devices
Week Three – Detection Dog Trainer Program
Proper Application of Training Tools
Practical Socialization
Testing Dogs
Purely Positive Training
Training Narcotics Detection Dogs
– Imprinting– Simple Direct Association– Deferred Response– Other Detection
Training Methods– Search Methods– Teaching the Alert– Proofing
Training Explosives Detection Dogs– Recognition of Explosives and Explosive
Devices– Imprinting– Search Methods– Teaching the Alert– Proofing– Problem
Solving
Practical Detection Exercises
Week Four – Detection Dog Trainer Program
A Dogs’ Mind
Behavior Problems
– Effective Behavior Analysis
– Dominance and Aggression
– Phobias and Fear Aggression
– Possessive Aggression
– Territorial Aggression
– Maternal Aggression
– Idiopathic Aggression
– Neurotic Behaviors
– Successfully Resolving Problem Behaviors
Dog Aggression BITING
Behavior Analysis Assignment
Unconventional Detection Odors
– Mold Detection– Bed Bug Detection– Scat Detection– Termite Detection–
Truffle Detection– Other odors
Practical Detection Exercises
Week Five – Detection Dog Trainer Program
Marketing Your Dog Training Business
Advertising Strategies for Dog Trainers
Website Planning and Design
– Site Structure– Form vs. Function– Blogs and other Web Marketing Ideas
Kennel Management
Running a Boarding Kennel
Working with Clients
Practical Business Management Assignments
Behavior Analysis Practical Examination
Practical Detection Exercises
Week Six – Detection Dog Trainer Program
Explore Dog Specialties
– Agility
– Treibball
– K9 Scent Work
– Protection
– Search and Rescue
Attend a Private Lesson
Pet First Aid and CPR
Veterinary and Canine Medical Issues
– Understanding What is Normal
– Preventive Medicine
– Treatments for IllnessAgility Training for Detection Dogs
– Agility Course Layout– Confidence Development– Teaching Practical Agility
Practical Detection Exercises
Week Seven – Detection Dog Trainer ProgramBEGINNING OF 8 WEEK
PROGRAM
Detection Dog Handler Instruction
– Teaching Detection Dog Handlers– Creating Effective Lesson Plans– Aspects of
Remedial Training
Practical Detection Exercises
Week Eight – Detection Dog Trainer Program
Advanced Detection and Interdiction Methods
– Effectively Searching Passenger Vehicles– Commercial Vehicle Searches–
Criminal Interdiction Methods– Practical Search Exercises
END OF 8 WEEK PROGRAM
Week Nine – Detection Dog Trainer Program
Building Search Methods for Detection Handlers
– Building Search Methods– Building Search Strategies– Introduction of High /
Deep Hides– Conducting Effective Parcel Searches– Problem Solving–
Maintenance TrainingPractical Detection Exercises
Week Ten – Detection Dog Trainer Program
Commercial Vehicle Search Methods
– Tractor Trailers– Airplanes– Trains– Other Commercial Vehicles– Problem
Solving– Maintenance TrainingPractical Detection Exercises
Week Eleven – Detection Dog Trainer Program
Commercial Detection Services
– Understanding the Commercial Detection Industry
– Special Aspects of Commercial DetectionPractical Detection Exercises
Week Twelve – Detection Dog Trainer Program
K9 Unit Supervision and Management
Certification Issues and Requirements
The Role of Scenario Based Certifications
Practical Detection Exercises