K9 Critical Issues

November 20 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

This comprehensive course is designed for new and current K-9 handlers, supervisors, trainers, and agency leaders considering the addition or currently having a K-9 program. Through video analysis, classroom scenarios, and interactive discussions, participants will gain essential updates often required by accreditation bodies. While handlers are not required to bring their dogs, the course accommodates their care with regular breaks. The curriculum covers leadership, liability, training, public relations, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding K-9 use and deployment.

Course Objectives:

• Evaluate the need for a K-9 unit within a community and understand the foundational purpose of such programs.
• Understand K-9 leadership principles, liability concerns, mutual aid issues, and relevant legal standards like Graham v. Connor.
• Learn effective training practices, deployment tactics, certification requirements, and in-service scenario-based training strategies.
• Explore the role of K-9 programs in public relations, media engagement, and managing social media presence.
• Prepare for budgeting, care and maintenance of K-9s, and future considerations for evolving or expanding unit capabilities.

Equipment Needed:

• None