Hello from Canada.

I have cought the detection bug recently, I'm very interested in leaving my career, to get training for Narc detection work.

I was wondering, what are the avenues that I might find employement after schooling. And which certificates would I need to pass for those positions.

I live in Canada, I'd be willing to relocate, but I don't want to leave Canada unless I really must.

Any ideas would be great.
Thanks!

I'm confused....
Are you interested in certifying your dog?
Or you want to go to school to be a K9 handler cop?
Or you want to go to school to be a k9 detection trainer?

ETA: where are you located/what province/area?

Sorry.

I'm just wondering what different jobs would a person be able to work in doing Narc work... and what schooling would have to be pasted to get into such positions.

I'm decided, I don't want to work for the military, or the police.
So what else is an option?
Maybe border services.. Or a private security company.. then there is jail k9 units.

Basically, I'm trying to figure out what are possibilities and the school required for such careers in Canada.

I live in Nova Scotia, but would be willing to move.
Thanks
-ted

Well I can give you a little bit of info.

Border services only uses Labs for narc work and Beagles for food work. So you could conceivably do that but you couldn't use your own dog for this. I live in a border city and know people who have worked at Customs. The school for Customs work is in Quebec. I don't know if the K9 handler training is done at that school.

There are some good security companies. Don't know how much narc work you would be doing as a guard though. You would likely handle a dual trained dog.

I do know someone who trains and certifies dogs in many disciplines - or at least used to (he might be retired now) - like mold detection, narcotics, building/area searches, landmine detection, etc. But he lives in Ontario. If you want I can PM you his website and you can see what you think. He might have some info on what kind of jobs you can get.

Thank you for taking the time.
Please pass along the info
-ted

Canada Customs does employ some other breeds as well, not sure that they actually have a rule about breeds. There have been numerous Tollers in various areas of detection for example, there is one working as a Canada Customs dog at the Calgary airport right now (currency detection).

I would imagine you would have to be a customs agent first for some time, and then compete for a dog handling position.

Since you are in NS I would contact the RCMP dog handler closest to you and try and form a relationship (might be easier said than done). At the very least enquire about what options there would be for civilians in detection in your area.

I think you are going to find it difficult to do anything detection dog related (even SAR) without the RCMP or perhaps the city police department, if there is one in your area, on your side.

If you are keen on detection you could always go into business detecting something like mould, termites, wildlife poop and so on....


Let us know what you find out!!!! Maybe I am wrong and there is some little niche out there for civilian narc dogs.

Just saw you are willing to relocate. I would think Ontario would be your best bet for any type of civilian work. The RCMP have it pretty buttoned up most other places. I will PM you some info on someone that might help you determine some possibilities.

Thanks ladies

I'm going to start buy hooking up with the RCMP just to see what info they can offer up. I have good friend who's brother lives about 5 hours away in Cape Breton and he's in the K9 unit with the RCMP.

peace!
-ted