I'm interested in training my Police K-9 for FEMA certification. I'm having some Focus-related problems that I know are handler error. Can you help me?

Ed,

Thanks for the Basic Obedience tape. I have been working with Law Enforcement K-9's for about ten years and you have by far the best no nonsense tape on the market. Thanks.

It has made my two dogs outstanding working members of the family who can be totally enjoyed anywhere.

I'm interested in taking one of my dogs up a notch in his training centered around urban and rural disaster search. Particularly FEMA certification. I'm stumbling on some basic stuff which I believe may be focus related not obedience related. Regardless it's handler related and I need to figure out what I'm doing wrong. EXAMPLE: Dog is working a basic track, off leash, and sees a cat. Looks at the cat as to chase but does not. He then continues working after another verbal command. I don't think I'm expecting to much from him but several times I had to call him in because he locked on, meaning forgot what the heck he was doing before the cat was seen. No aggression, no fear towards the cat. Just stops and looks. I can recall him and he'll come running but I don't want to start the habit of returning to me if he sees wild life. He stays, downs from a distance, and recalls are great. All off leash and in new areas. Distractions include strange cats, frogs, tennis balls and other people calling his name, no problems. I don't think I'm rushing him obedience wise but I'm no expert either. Your discussion board has great stuff on crittering ( teaching the dog not to chase but mines not chasing. He's losing focus). I was thinking of ordering your tape on building drive but I'm not interested in starting bite work. Will it still help? I'm particularly interested in the relationship development part of it. We have a great one now but anything to make it better would be a plus. What would be your recommendation for next tapes considering the end goal of FEMA certification? Any ideas on how to go about preparing a dog for service work?. I need to get him exposed to malls, stores, airports, office buildings. Do states / feds allow this in a K-9 training status? Any tips you have picked up would be great. My job will give me the time to train him but he's not their property. He's personally owned. Any thoughts would be appreciated and thanks again for all your work.

S/A Pat
ATF /DOJ