5 Day Foundation Class:

Spring 2008:  May 26 - 30, 2008: Registration for the May 26-30, 2008 class is now closed. We are accepting registrations for observer slots only.
 
If you would like to be placed on our cancellation list for a K9 slot please fill out a registration form and submit it to us. Type CANCELLATION LIST in the remarks line of your registration.


Fall 2008: October 6-10, 2008:  Registration for the October 6-10, 2008 class is now closed. We are accepting registrations for observer slots only.
 
If you would like to be placed on our cancellation list for a K9 slot please fill out a registration form and submit it to us. Type CANCELLATION LIST in the remarks line of your registration.

2009 Dates have yet to be determined. Please check back frequently as those dates will be posted as soon as they are planned.
 

The 5 Day Foundation Class can accommodate all levels of experience from novice to advanced K9 teams. This class is usually offered 2 times per year in May and September. Below is a break down of what will be covered in this class.

Course Purpose:
To provide a thorough basic understanding of foundation training for trailing teams. Participants will be introduced to a variety of techniques used to train a trailing dog and will learn how to properly analyze and apply this training to situations presented on actual deployments.

Course Objectives:

• To provide the basic fundamentals of this specialized training for those who have little or no experience working with or training trailing dogs.

• To review and provide a frame of reference and new ideas for experienced trailing dog handlers who may not have had any formal training.

• To improve the proficiency of all participants by providing proven and reliable training methods.

Subjects Covered In The Classroom:

• Methods for training your trailing dog

• Corner training

• Advancing your dog

• Troubleshooting trailing problems

• Learning to read your dog

• Puppy selection

• Scent Theory

• Scent Discrimination and Track Loyalty

• Using Scent Items

• Criminal Tracking vs. SAR

• Urban Trailing and Urban Trailing Techniques

• Discussion on Case Law

• Realistic expectations and ethics

• Actual Deployments

Field Training:

• All training methods covered in the classroom will be applied in the field.  Total classroom time is approximately 8 hours.  The remainder of time will be spent in the field.

• Field work is conducted in several different types of terrain, this will include but is not limited to, urban and wilderness rough terrain areas with water crossings. 

• Training days may last up to 12 hours or longer with night work.

• All field tracks shall be marked or known to instructors during training.

• Tracks will vary in length and difficulty depending on the level of experience.

• Students will be expected to participate in at least one night trail.

• All students will be expected to participate in laying trails for other students.

• Students must come prepared to work long hours in rough terrain.

Todd and Hound

Day 1: Start day at 8:00am with 4 hour classroom session/ Lunch break/ Field work, K9 team assessments. Group discussion. End day 5:30pm.

Day 2: Start day at 8:00 am with 4 hour classroom session/Lunch break/Field work, includes 1 hour visual tracking session then trailing work in wilderness areas, focus on trail marking techniques, proper leash control and applying proper training methods. Troubleshooting trailing problems. Group discussion. End day 5:30pm

Day 3: tart day at 8:00am.  Focus on developing proper leash control and when to apply appropriate lead checks.  How to recognize and respond to canine behavioral changes and indicators along the trail including how to recognize negative indications and positive responses to the scent trail. Cross and split trail work. Water crossings. Troubleshooting trailing problems. Group discussion. End day 5:30pm.

Day 4: Start day at 8:00am.  Urban field work in the morning, focus on learning to read the dog when surface changes are presented. How to recognize and respond to temporary scent loss due to surface change. Learning to work road crossings and intersections. Learning to deal with distractions.  Troubleshooting common urban trailing problems. Lunch and 5 hour break. Nighttime trailing work in wilderness areas. End day 11:00pm.

Day 5: Start day at 8:00am.  Level 1 trailing certifications offered, field work focus on handlers choice.  Wrap up discussion.

The five day foundation class is limited to 12 dog teams. Register as early as possible to insure a slot in this class. Classes are usually filled 2 months in advanced. You should call for availability if registering 2 months in advanced or less.

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• $495.00: Handler and one K9
• $650.00: Handler and two K9's
• $395.00: Observer only