US Tactical K9 Law Enforcement Academy announces a newly designed program for your K9 training and certifications.

Over the years we have noticed it is harder and harder for you to get away from your departments for week long schools and additional training.  Your problems have not gone unnoticed by us and rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure you still receive the highest quality training and access to certifications while allowing for our now over worked, under manned departments.

2010 is announcing our new schedule and course, training and certification outlines.

Certifications for all K9 units will now be reflected as:

DP NDD K9 Unit - Level One (Rookie Unit)

DP NDD K9 Unit - Level Two (Street Ready)

DP NDD K9 Unit - Level Three (Senior Status)

NDD K9 Unit - Level One (Rookie Unit)

NDD K9 Unit - Level Two (Street ready)

NDD K9 Unit - Level Three (Senior Status)

Man Tracking - Level One (Rookie Unit)

Man Tracking - Level Two (Street Ready)

Man Tracking - Level Three (Senior Status)

Human Remains Detection K9 Unit - Level One

Human Remains Detection K9 Unit - Level Two

All Dogs will have to have the following to achieve any certifications: 

Obedience:

1. 1)Level One - All Dogs must demonstrate the ability to pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good CItizen Test for basic obedience, or having passed the BH in a Schutzhund trial.  (must have original score book with you)
   

2. 2)Level Two - All Dogs must demonstrate basic OFF LEAD skills
   

3. 3)Level Three - All Dogs must demonstrate all OFF LEAD skills
   

Narcotics Detection:

1. 1)Level One - Must be able to detect odors of Marijuana, Cocaine and Methamphetimines and handler must be able to read all indications from K9 and accurately pinpoint area where odors are.  Must be able to detect in non-stress areas such as (but not restricted to) automobiles, school lockers, suitcases and bags, and buildings
   

2. 2)Level Two - Must be able to detect odors from LEvel one AND LSD and Heroin, as well as exhibit an exact alert (passive or aggressive) for each location.  Must be able to detect in higher stressed areas such as (but not restricted to) loud environments, above head searches, and other difficult or stressful situations.
   

3. 3)Level Three - Must be able to detect odors from Levels one and two, as well as any combination there of.  Must be able to detect in buried containers, gasoline tanks, inside tires, 18 wheeler containers and cabs, high stress areas.  Alerts are mandatory as well as off lead ability. 
   

Protection / Apprehension:

1. 1)Level one - Demonstrate a willingness to  work with a decoy in a non-aggressive way.  Working on sleeve or tug.  Level One dogs are NOT certified as protection or apprehension dogs.  They will be certified ONLY as NDD but will have clause of candidate for apprehension.
   

2. 2)Level Two - Demonstrate ability to grip sleeve or suit and demonstrate a clear and clean “out” when command is given by handler.  Able to work both on and off lead reliably.
   

3. 3)Level Three - Demonstrates ability to work full suit, clear out when commanded by handler, able to aggress even with gunfire, works off lead, able to guard without the grip, call off en-route on fleeing subject.  Must be able to work at night.
   

Handlers will be able to present at time of Certifications:

1. 1)completed and up to date training logs
   

2. 2)continuing training for K9 unit showing no fewer than 20 hours per month of continued training
   

3. 3)Health certificates and/or medical records showing K9 is up to date on all vaccinations required by law and suggested by veterinarians
   

4. 4)All dogs must be either microchipped or tattooed for positive identification and be able to provide a certificate of either as well as match that number to the dog. We have scanners at the Academy.
   

5. 5)Any previous certifications or achievements (i.e., award certificates, CGC tests, etc...)
   

For Human Remains Detection and Tracking Courses, these will be held separately and will be certified at individual courses.

Our Level One Course is one week in length and is mandatory for all entering K9 units despite any other courses or certifications.  This applies if the K9 is new to the handler, if the handler is new to an experienced k9 or both are new.  No exceptions. 

This course is comprised of classroom, hands on, early mornings and late evenings.  There will be no more than 8 people per class with minimum one master instructor and one assistant instructor.    Tuition is $950.00 for the week and includes certification fees, training, hand out materials, class graduation official photograph and one on one instruction by at least an assistant instructor.

Added Equipment will be required.  

Course is good for 6 months only.  Must attend a Level Two Course before that expiration.

Our Level Two Course is for those who have passed successfully Level One within 6 months of the course date.   The Course will consist of hands on problem solving and additional stresses and challenges for the dog and handler.  This course is three days in length.   Maximum 10 students for one master instructor and two assistant instructors.  Tuition is $475.00 and includes all certification fees, training, materials and class graduation official photograph and one on one instruction by at least an assistant instructor.

Course is renewable annually by attending either a) another Level Two Course or b) a certification trial

Certification Trial:

This is new to our academy.  There are many of you who are doing everything right and just need to recert.  This is a one day re-certification for ALL Levels (two and up).  You will be expected to demonstrate all the requirements of each level and by passing your certification you will receive a annual certification certificate.  Tuition: $100.00

WE TRAIN AND CERTIFY ON REAL NARCOTICS ONLY.  NO PSEUDO.

Scheduled Courses 2010:

Level One K9 Handler Schools 2010:

February 11- 15, 2010 (Single and Dual Purpose K9s)

August 11 - 15, 2010 (Single and Dual Purpose k9s)

Level Two K9 Handler Schools: (must have passed a Level One course)

March 15 - 19, 2010 (especially for those of you who work in the School system, this is spring break)
May 19 - 23, 2010
November 10 -14, 2010

Certification Trials: (recerts only - Level two or above)

Feb 14, 2010 (dual and single purpose K9s)

March 19, 2010 (dual and single purpose K9s)

May 23, 2010 (dual and single purpose K9s)

August 15, 2010 (dual and single purpose k9s)

November 14, 2010 (dual and single purpose K9s)

Other courses will be offered and posted dates to be announced:

Human Remains Detection

Disaster Response K9 Units

Search and Rescue K9 Training

Man Tracking for the Police Service Dog

If you are interested in further information concerning any of these courses, please contact us at ustk9@ustk9.com