What We Do
We Train The Human End Of The Leash.
What We Do
We Train The Human End Of The Leash.
What We Do
We Train The Human End Of The Leash.
What We Do
We Train The Human End Of The Leash.
K9Research & Training Complex
Synergizing The Lab & The Field
Set on 520 acres in Iowa, The K9Sensus Education and Research Complex (ERC) provides extensive opportunities for training. Whether it be night operations or trainer interaction with a variety of animal species, the site will expand trainers’ understanding of learning processes and behavior.
Our Great Honor
K9Sensus
Detection Dog
Trainer Academy
Providing a hybrid interactive learning experience that teaches the science of behavior and an opportunity for students to practice the craft of detection dog training.
Designed for owner > handler > trainers
This comprehensive program is specifically designed to equip you with the fundamental skills necessary to succeed in canine detection. Whether you aim to work within the private sector, train your own sport detection dog, or wish to enhance your knowledge as a law enforcement or military handler/trainer, our program will provide you with the knowledge and hands-on experience to excel.
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The Academy will build your understanding of foundation concepts and advance your expertise in training successful detection dogs and effective detection dog teams. Our curriculum is meticulously designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to advance your career and passion. The Academy will build your confidence and competence every step of the way in a safe learning environment.
Hybrid Model
Dive into an intensive year long course with interactive online modules that provide in-depth knowledge and the essential skills you need to succeed.
Receive personalized feedback and support from a Master Trainer and certified coach to ensure your learning journey is as effective as possible. Stay connected with peers through live virtual sessions. Culminate your learning experience with an immersive in-person training opportunity at the Foundation. Apply what you've learned and gain invaluable hands-on experience.
Designed for Owner/Trainers
Learn from an instructor who has walked in your shoes as an owner/trainer/handler and brings hands-on experience and personal success stories to the classroom. Gain practical skills that you can immediately apply with your own dog. The thoughtfully designed curriculum is specifically crafted to provide owner/trainers with all the essential knowledge you need. From basic training techniques to troubleshooting methods, we’ve got you covered!
Small Class Size
Classes are small (6-10 students) to ensure you receive personal attention and are actively engaged in discussions. Smaller class sizes enable extensive instructor feedback, answers to your questions, and support every step of the way.
Enjoy invaluable networking opportunities as you connect with other trainers. The Academy is designed not just for learning, but for personal and professional growth!
Integrating Science with Craft
Detection dog training and handling is an integration of applied behavior science, an understanding of scent/odor theory, and the craft of effective canine training. The Academy offers a unique apprenticeship type experience, allowing you to master these skills in a safe learning environment.
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Guided by a seasoned Master Trainer, discover the different ingredients and combinations of skills needed to create a fluent detection dog.
Our students are
The Academy is designed for those wanting to get into detection and for those who want to expand their knowledge base. If you are or desire to be an explosives, narcotics, conservation, search and rescue, nosework, bedbug, firearm, arson, human remains detection, disaster search, article/contraband or military working dog handler or trainer, the Academy is designed for you.
What will you learn?
You will build an understanding of key skill building concepts such as hide placement, reinforcement systems, and systematically modifying criteria, and how they effectively mold an exceptional detection dog. Gain an understanding of scent and odor theory, creating training plans, and developing strategies for searching and to resolve training challenges.
Where you will go
By building a strong foundation, the Academy will enable you to take your career or competitive journey to the next level.
Whether you want to change or advance your career, serve your community more effectively, or excel in your sport, the Academy will propel you on that path. Enroll today!
Educational Design
and Support
Pricing
Detection Dog Training Course .................$5,000
Includes deposit and program materials, and lodging for a two week stay at the Foundation.
​The apprenticeship style experience combines scientific rigor and knowledge with personalized feedback to master the craft of detection dog training. Our program is meticulously designed to guide you in honing your skills and elevating your expertise. Secure your spot today and take the next step in your career!
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One year in length
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Bi Weekly Lessons including lectures, homework, and supplemental materials
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Bi Monthly Office Hours
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Individual Coaching
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Video critique and problem solving while students work on assigned tasks
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Networking
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Curated library of supplemental materials
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Two weeks training at the Foundation, includes lodging. Dates to be determined.
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Access to a private alumni group for continuing education opportunities
Student Prerequisites
No formal dog training experience is required, but highly recommended.
You will need a canine to train, or access to train, on a regular basis. If you would like to work towards being an operational detection dog team, having an appropriate working dog candidate is required.
Based in the University Extension Model
As a practitioner who trains others, it became very clear a different type of training resource is needed for those who wish to train their own detection dog. The goal of the K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy is to create a cadre of handlers, trainers, instructors, and coaches who support each other, talk training, and enjoy detection with their canine partner.
In 2009, Paws of Life, the predecessor to the K9Sensus Foundation, launched the “Working K9 Handler Academy” with the help of Iowa State University Outreach. I designed and taught a few online classes, mainly in search strategy, crime scene preservation, and an introduction to K9 SAR. Later, the Academy was brought under roof. In person classes were fit in between my own training, working a full-time job, and being a certifying official.
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This is where the thought of “theory into practice” started. This is how the Foundation would serve the K9 industry, by providing a translational resource for practitioners.
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About Your Instructor
I started my career in 2001 as a SAR volunteer with a border collie puppy I wanted to train. As someone who never trained a working dog, I spent hours scouring websites, reading books, and significant amounts of resources attending seminars and traveling to train. I remember the frustration of not being able to find a comprehensive resource that could help me, a working professional who wants to train my detection dog to a high level, achieve my goal.
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This Academy is the resource I sought when I started my journey. It is a condensed version of the lessons, learning, and practical guidance I have amassed over the years. As that new owner, handler, and trainer, it is the resource I yearned for. The Academy is the culmination of the years I have spent pursuing training and education in behavior science, an understanding of scent/odor theory, and my experience training, certifying, and handling multiple types and breeds of dogs.
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Please reach out with any questions you may have about the Academy. I look forward to hearing from you.
Education & Experience
University Education & Professional Designations
Iowa State University - Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Community and Regional Planning, Bachelor of Science
Scandinavian Working Dog Institute Master Trainer Program Completion
International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach
Instructor Credentials
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) -- Adjunct Instructor, Canine Search Specialist Course
Iowa State University Animal Science 101 - Guest Lecturer
Alliance for Emergency Response Instructors and Examiners (AERIE) -- Managing Land Search Operations
National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) -- Managing Land Search Operations
Teaching in a Community College Environment Course
Certification Evaluator/Assessor Credentials
FEMA Evaluator - Live Find and Human Remains Detection Disaster Dogs
American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA) - Evaluator, Land Human Remains Detection
NASAR - Lead Evaluator Canine Area Search/Trailing Type I, II, and III, HRD, Disaster and Disaster Human Remains
AERIE - Chief Examiner and Mentor for K9 - Area Search, Trailing, Disaster, Disaster HRD, Land HRD
Search and Rescue Dogs of the United States (SARDUS) - Lead Evaluator Canine Area Search, HRD and Disaster
Canine Handler Certifications
FEMA Live Find (K9 Moses) and Human Remains Detection (K9's Niko, Ruby, and Rae)
NASAR - Live Find (K9's Moses and Talyn) and Human Remains Detection (K9's Talyn and Rae)
ARDA - Human Remains Detection (K9 Niko)
AERIE - Human Remains Detection (K9 Niko)
SARDUS - Human Remains Detection (K9's Ruby and Talyn)
Network of Canine Detection Services (NOCDS) - Human Remains Detection Water Search (K9 Niko) and Land Human Remains Detection (K9 Talyn)
United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) - Explosives (K9 Dash), Narcotics (K9 Ember and Flare), and Firearms (K9 Flash)
National Police Canine Association (NPCA) - Explosives (K9 Dash) and Narcotics (K9's Ember and Rae)
National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) - Explosives (K9 Dash)
Current Boards
Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science | NIST - Affiliate of the Dogs and Sensors Scientific Area Subcommittee
American Academy of Forensic Science - Dogs and Sensors Consensus Body Subject Matter Expert