I have been a civilian dog trainer for approx. 6 years. I am interested in learning/teaching Police K9(Building, area & article searches,narcotic and bomb detection,bitework)I have looked into becoming a police officer but was told I would have to work on the street for 2 years before even being considered for the K9 Unit, with no guarantee of being accepted. If it were 20 years ago I would apply to the academy, however at this point in my career, I am too old. (45)What steps can I take to become involved in this type of training? I am interested in possibly breeding (GSD, my favorite breed) training the dogs and selling them to Police Dept.s Dept of Agriculture, Customs, etc. across the country. Can anyone give me some guidance. My dogs are proficient both on and off leash.
Lisa CPT

I must say i am interested in finding this info out too. So i am looking forward to these responses as much as you Lisa.

Lisa… most police departments aren’t crazy about civilian trainers. The reason being they have no experience in K9 Policing. It’s hard to instruct in a subject without practical experience. The civilian trainers who have respected programs have outstanding credentials.

Mike, you have several advantages that Lisa unfortunately doesn't - you're young and you've been a MWD Handler, which is considered an excellent base of experience in the Detection dog world.

Mike and I have been talking via PM and I've suggested he go the LEO route - with his background he'll likely be fast-tracked into K9 after getting the required experience as a patrol officer.

For Lisa, her best bet is to volunteer her training services to small, rural PD's that don't have a strong K9 program in place.
However, I have to add that if you're going to do any type of training for professionals that can lead into dangerous territory that you need to stop and take a cold, hard look at yourself and your true abilities - if you're going to offer training for real world encounters, you need to have extensive experience in those fields.

Lisa, have you considered looking into joining the National Guard or Reserves as an MP and applying as a K9 handler down the line? Or better yet just joining the active duty Military? The age restrictions are way down thanks to all the conflicts that we're currently involved in and you'd get the real world experience that you need for PD's to take you seriously.
Honestly, think about it!

Just my opinion....

Lisa,

Will gave some sound advice but only one small correction. You would HAVE to join as active military to work with the MWD program. With the army you would have to enlist into the MP branch and then be better then the other soldiers and get selected to go to the K9 Program. It isnt something you can join right into. Reserves and Gard don't have the MWD program do to the fact you have to have a certin amount of hours of training each week.

Will,

After sitting back and thinking about it. Going the LE rout seems to be my best option for a few different reasons. I am not going to lie i am not going to like the two years or so of normal patrol work but i figure i can still decoy for the K9 department and have my own dog too.

Great news Mike!


Hey, after we have you decoy some of the more "full tempered" dogs in our club, you'll be ready for anything!


Fetz says..."Ummm, guest decoys...they taste like chicken!"

 Quote: will rambeau

Great news Mike!


Hey, after we have you decoy some of the more "full tempered" dogs in our club, you'll be ready for anything!


Fetz says..."Ummm, guest decoys...they taste like chicken!"

Hah, ok last comment then this can get back on topic.

As long as i can watch a decoy work with your dog first so i can see how the dogs works and then i will take on any dog you got there. :-D

Ok now back to topic.

Lisa,

Don't lose all hope. I know of at least one sheriff's Office that has one position for a civilian trainer. Granted i am not sure what kind of experience you have to have before then.

Mike,

Any suggestions on where or how I can find out what type of experience these departments require? I imagine I could contact the sheriff's dept.'s in my local area. However, I am a female "Yankee" living in a Southern state. I don't think the good old boys will be too receptive to my requests!

This civilian doesn't understand your lingo LOL!
What is LEO? What does MWD stand for?
Is MP-military police? & if so don't you need some type of training for that? Am I posting in the correct area?

Lisa,

LEO - Law Enforcement Officer
MWD - Military Working Dog
MP - Military Police

As far as who you need to talk to i would imagine the best way to go about it is to join some local sport clubs and network. I am sure there are one or two police dog handlers there and if not then you will be at least sharpening your skills.

Other then that yes i would go talk to the local police offices. You deffently will be fighting a up hill battle here.