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Toll Free Number: 877-360-MyK9 (6959)
Metro Atlanta: 770-721-MyK9 (6959)
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Tactical Tracker Teams
Canine Trailing Tracking Handler Certification Program
Georgia K9 NTC’s TTT Canine Trailing Certification Program is truly the most realistic and comprehensive training and testing standard in the industry. Our standards are based on many years of actual K9 trailing deployment in rural and urban environments.
Georgia K9 NTC Provides Certification for law enforcement and Search & Rescue organizations on a quarterly, bi-yearly, or yearly basis.
Levels of Certification
Level 1 Certification: Technical Handler
Level II Certification: Associate Handler
Level III Certification: Master Handler
Certification Training Process:
The complete TTT training process for certification and degree in all three levels is normally completed over the course of approximately one year dependent upon handler and K9 proficiency. In order to pass the testing standards above, the average handler must be proficient in the TTT K9 Trailing Handling Techniques and have and exceptional understanding of human scent theory and how it applies to the job of trailing.
The TTT training process is step-by-step and conducted in a manner that ensures that K9 and handler have the skills required to pass the standards for every level of degree. Training is complete with classes and testing on:
Trailing scent theory
Proper equipment
K9 and handler conditioning
K9 grooming and first aid
Scent crime scene protection
Scent evidence processing and preservation
K9 scent presentation
Trailing case history
Scent evidence courtroom admissibility
Trailing record keeping
Trailing testimony
Reading K9 trailing behavior
Search management
Rural to urban trailing methods
True scent discrimination
Working aged trails
Coverman responsibility
Officer safety and trailing
Tactical applications
Visual tracking
Training Programs
Apprenticeship Program:This method is normally reserved for our local students who can train with us on a regular basis. Training is conducted in a small group fashion with no more than three handlers at a time on a bi-monthly basis.
Quarterly Training:This is a training solution for those students who reside out of the area. We provide private handlers quarters complete with bedroom, TV room with WiFi, bathroom, and kennel facility for your K9. The Quarterly Training Program is completed in four, five-day training sessions spaced over one year.
Seminar Training: may be conducted at a location of the student's choosing. We currently offer trailing handler's courses throughout the country. Please see our seminar and events page for details.
The Certification Process:
Our testing differs from the norm in that every test is truly double blind. In other words, nobody on the certification trail knows where the actual trail might be to include the evaluator. This ensures there are no subtle clues given that might guide the dog or handler.
This evaluation is designed to effectively evaluate a particular K-9 team’s ability to track or trail a person through scent discrimination practices. The evaluation only tests a K-9 team’s ability to identify and utilize a particular human scent to find that unique individual. The evaluation does not test any other form of K-9 work to include obedience, protection, or area search techniques.
The tests are in three separate levels to encourage more training and achievement in the areas of scent discrimination tracking/ trailing. Level 1 must be passed before continuing to the next level of testing. Each level is result oriented and does not evaluate a dog’s behaviors or mannerisms while tracking/ trailing. It is simply a test of the dog’s ability to get from point A to point B and find the correct person.
K-9 teams are not required to stay directly on the path or trail or the “suspect” as scent patterns may change depending upon conditions. However, the team must run in a generally parallel direction to that of the trail. Area search patterns are not permitted.
The age and distance of the trails are not exact as it is difficult if not impossible for a “suspect” to travel an exact distance in realistic conditions. The distances and ages are guidelines and will be adhered to as conditions dictate.
Trailing is generally a K9 search method employing harness and long leads, (10-20’), however, it is clear that it is not the harness and the long lead that make the trail a success. Handlers may employ whatever tack or lack thereof necessary to work their own individual K9. Handlers may also employ whatever methodology, (other than area search), they choose to engage the K9 on the trail. Force techniques such as running the lead under the dog’s leg to force the nose to the ground are highly discouraged.
In each of the trailing certifications the evaluator charged with administering these tests will not be allowed to see the laying of the trail. GPS with “bread crumb” capabilities will be employed by the trail layer subject should the trail or subject need to be found if the K9 fails. The evaluator may carry a mated GPS to the subject’s and the handler will not be able to see the GPS until after the test.
One observer of the K9 teams’ choosing may accompany the K9 team at the approval of the evaluator. The observer may act as a “cover man” and assist the K9 handler with obstacles, distractions, and dangerous situations. The observer may not communicate with the handler in regards to search strategy. Though the cover man may at times be needed to strategize with the handler and handle the K9 in real world situations, he or she will not be allowed to do so for the purposes of these tests.
The Georgia K9 NTC K9 Trailing Certification Process is governed by officers of this company in Master Trainer posistions. These standards are reviewed regularly for quality, new training protocols, and agency requirements. Please call or write for our certification test standards.
Georgia K9 NTC, LLC 110 Prominence Point PKWY
Suite 114-277
Canton, GA 30114
770-721-MyK9 (6959)
