K-9 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

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First Defense K9 LLC has an established partnership with 

Ironside K9 LLC when it comes to our working dog training programs.

Together We pride ourselves in sharing our experience and expertise in the art of training dogs and their handlers in the discipline of detection work and more. 

We offer multiple specialized K9 and handler training programs for law enforcement, security K-9 units, and various government agencies with specific detection dog needs.

From single purpose to dual purpose K9s, we deliver. 

To individuals looking to gain the knowledge needed, to pursue a future career as a detection dog handler, We also offer our training services .

Accelerant Detection

Article Searching

Conservation Detection

Currency Detection 

Digital Media/Electronics Detection

Explosives/Firearms Detection

Human Remains Detection 

Mantrailing/Tracking

Control

Narcotics Detection 

Obedience 

Odor Imprinting 

and more

Our training methods and courses are always adapted to the dogs in front of us and the individual skill level of each handler.  One-on-one and group classes are available.

Our courses consist of the following:

Classroom time
Hands on training
Practical exercises
Real world deployment scenarios
K9+handler Certification

The training and development of a successful detection K9 takes many hours, and this training continues throughout each K9’s career. In very basic terms, the K9’s are trained to seek out a specific odor and perform a final response to indicate to its handler, the presence of the target odor. Requirements vary greatly between disciplines, but once fully trained, teams are required to pass a certifying evaluation before becoming operational. This evaluation is repeated periodically throughout their career to ensure detection proficiency.

Every K9 team enrolled in our programs, will receive the training to achieve and maintain the level of expertise required in the field for which they were selected. In addition, both K9s and handlers will have achieved and maintained physical and behavioral standards to meet the needs of the job. These requirements vary for the type of work performed, but each team will have spent hours on a daily basis—engaged in exercise and training to maintain performance, a process that builds a tight and lasting bond between K9 and handler. This bond deepens through daily work, specialized deployments in the field and shared work-life experiences. 

Come with a willingness to learn and an open mind. Leave with a solid foundation, of an acquired set of diverse skills and knowledge. That will help you and your K9 partner succeed wherever your career paths take you!