Classes Taught

Seminars

	Basic Cadaver Search Seminar
	Water Search Seminar
	Training the Search Dog

Training Schools

	Basic K-9 Cadaver Search
	Advanced Cadaver Search
	Trailing for the Real World
	Advanced Trailing
	Disaster Search for the First Responder

Seminars

Basic Cadaver Search Seminar (3 days, 24 class hours)

The seminar is designed to give search dog handlers a working knowledge of cadaver search. It covers training principles and methods and allows time for hands-on training.

The emphasis is on obtaining a firm commitment to a scent source on the part of the dog and developing the handler’s ability to properly "read" the alert.

Subject matter includes:

	Types and handling of training materials
	Imprinting and training techniques
	Scent theory
	Conducting an effective search
	Introduction to water search
	Planning an on-going training program

Seminar is limited to 20 teams

Water Search Seminar (3 days, 24 class hours) [Click Here for Outline]

This is an intensive seminar to prepare handlers for water search for the drowned victim. It combines classroom instruction with intensive hands-on water work. The emphasis is on developing a reliable, readable alert and proper search techniques to successfully conduct a water search.

Subjects covered include:

	Scent theory
	Training principles and methods
	Setting up water search problems and scent sources to use
	Water search strategy and tactics

Seminar is limited to 20 teams

Training the Search Dog (2 or 3 day seminar)

This class covers the basic principles of training and how to apply the principles to training a search dog. Combines classroom instruction with hands-on work. Special emphasis on motivation, reading the dog and training the refind.

Subjects covered include:

	Training principles - shaping and chaining behaviors
	Motivation
	Refind
	Solving training problems
	Developing training plans
	Individual problem solving

Seminar is limited to 20 teams

Training Schools

Basic K-9 Cadaver Search (7 day, 56 hour course) [Click Here for Outline]

This intensive training program is designed to prepare K-9 handlers to conduct an effective search for human remains. It combines classroom instruction and practical field work in above ground and buried body search techniques and an introduction to water search for drowned victims.

Subjects include:

	Types and handling of training materials
	Training principles and methods
	Scent theory
	Legal requirements - reports, search warrants, court testimony
	Preservation and processing of crime scenes
	Planning for ongoing training
	Above ground, hanging, buried and water problems

All teams are tested at the end of the class. A Certificate of Proficiency is awarded upon successful completion of the test.

Classes are limited to 12 teams.

Advanced Cadaver Search (5 days, 40 hour class) [Click Here for Outline]

Prerequisite: completion of the Basic K-9 Cadaver Search course

This class concentrates on search planning and management, realistic search problems, evidence and crime scene search, disarticulated remains and residual scent work. The class sets up, manages and documents a speculative search.

Limited to 12 teams.

Trailing for the Real World (5 day, 40 hour class) [Click Here for Outline]

This course addresses the problems encountered in using the trailing or tracking dog in missing person search. Primary emphasis is training for scent discrimination.

Course topics include:

	Basic training methods
	Collection, preservation and use of scent material
	Legal- reports, court testimony

The handler will work problems in:

	Contaminated starts
	Locating a trail
	Reading the dog
	Scent discrimination and subject identification
	Urban trailing (variable surfaces)

Handlers and dogs should be started in tracking/trailing. Class is limited to 12 teams.

Advanced Trailing Class (5 days, 40 hour)

This class builds on the skills from the Trailing for the Real World course. It emphasizes working in real world situations. Realistic problems in heavily contaminated areas and long time delay trails are featured. Also covered are scent discrimination, line up identification, and working in and around buildings.

K-9 teams must have previous trailing experience. The team must have worked a minimum 24 hour delay 1 to 1 � mile trail. Limited to 12 teams.

Disaster Search for the First Responder (5 days, 40 hour class) [Click Here for Outline]

This class is designed for the search dog unit or operational handler who would be the first responder to a disaster such as a tornado, building collapse, landslide or earthquake. Disaster search is not their primary mission but they wouldd be the first K-9 resource on scene. It emphasizes skills and realistic drills that will make the job easier and more successful.

Course topics include:

	Scent theory
	Safety
	Alerts
	Agility
	Building search
	Rubble search

Class is limited to 12 teams. This course is also available as a 3 day seminar.

Search Strategy and Tactics for Wilderness, Rural and Urban searches (5 days, 40 hours)

This class is designed for the search dog unit or operational handler who wants to improve their search planning and execution skills in various search environments.

Classes include:

	Refind or other alert behavior
	Scent theory
	Subject behavior
	Exercises dealing with scent
	Methods of area coverage
	Mock wilderness search
	Mock urban/rural search

Class size is normally limited to 12 teams. Overhead personnel can also be included.