Bomb Dogs

Unparalleled explosive detection dogs and handler training programs which produce successful teams

At Highland Canine Training, LLC, we have built a reputation for training effective bomb detection dogs and offering comprehensive K9 handler training.

It is an unfortunate reality of modern society that international and domestic terrorism is a threat that refuses to go away. Law enforcement teams tasked with protecting our communities face an increasingly difficult job in this ongoing fight. 

When it comes to protecting the public, we need to use every tool at our disposal – especially when the tool has a track record of success. A skilled detection dog specializing in locating explosives is undeniably the most effective way to deter and eliminate these threats.

Our bomb dogs are meticulously selected and trained by our experienced team of working dog trainers. Our team has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly twenty years when it comes to training explosives detection dogs, and our leadership team is comprised of former law enforcement personnel . We truly understand the importance of reliability and confidence when working in the field. 

explosive detection dog in training

Our bomb dogs are trained with a passive alert for the safety of both the dog and the handler. They are trained on the following odors:

  • Nitrate and Chlorate Explosives Salts
  • HMTD
  • TATP
  • PETN
  • RDX (tagged and untagged)
  • TNT
  • C4 (tagged and untagged)
  • Semtex A& H
  • Smokeless Powder
  • Black Powder
  • Dynamite

                    Combined with our extensive K9 handler training – considered to be the most thorough in the industry – your bomb dog team will be set up for success. Our handler courses provide you with all the information you need for maximum efficiency, in addition to scenario-based training and best practices for record keeping, report writing, and K9 case law.

                    Our results speak for themselves – bomb dog K9 teams we have trained have delivered consistent results. Speak with us today for more information on our bomb dog training.

                    “My agency recently purchased a dual purpose explosives detection dog from Highland Canine and I attended their 4 week handler course. I found the instructors to be very helpful, knowledgeable, and engaging. The dog I received was environmentally sound and it was clear the trainers spent an ample amount of time on detection work. Overall, I was pleased with my experience at Highland Canine and would recommend them to others.”
                    Craig Javins
                    Shelby County, TN Sheriff’s Office
                    craig javins and bomb detection dog

                    K9 Handler Training

                    Our handler training programs provide you with the confidence, knowledge and skills you need to get results in the field.

                    Our bomb dog handler courses place a huge emphasis on the safety of the K9 team. We work to ensure that handlers are able to effectively work bomb detection dogs in the safest method possible.

                    Bomb detection K9 handlers are taught to efficiently sweep convention centers and large public venues, roadways and parking areas, as well as other missions that these handlers are tasked with completing in the real world. We insist that all of our handlers are completely comfortable with their new partner before completing our courses. 

                    Our rigorous scenario-based certification program ensures that our handlers are completely capable of performing effectively when they return to the field.

                    Our Bomb Dog Handler Course is a comprehensive course taught by current and former law enforcement K9 handlers and supervisors. It teaches beginner handlers all they need to know to be safe and effective in the field. Even for experienced handlers, our handler courses can be customized to assist them in honing their existing skills. 

                    Listed below are some of the topics covered during our Bomb Dog Handler Courses:

                    Basic Odor Theory

                    Proper Handling Techniques

                    Recognizing Explosives and IEDs

                    Canine Case Law

                    Record Keeping & Report Writing

                    Canine First Aid & CPR

                    Proper Detection Training Aid Handling and Storage

                    Advanced Detection & Interdiction

                    Scent Discrimination Trailing

                    Variable Surface Trailing

                    Tactical Tracking

                    Police K9 Agility

                    Parts of our curriculum can be studied online at your own pace, prior to attending our training facility for hands-on training.

                    Contact us today for more information on our bomb dogs and comprehensive handler training.

                    “The handler training that I received at Highland Canine was one of the best training opportunities I have been a part of in my 25 years as a Sheriff’s Deputy. My bomb dog, Riko, has had the absolute best training in order to detect any threats that may arise. It is an absolute joy to watch him work! Thank you, Jason, Shana, and Amber for all of your support and hard work! You guys are the best!”
                    Chris Faulkner
                    Shelby County, TN Sheriff’s Office
                    chris faulkner and explosive detection dog

                    What Are The Benefits Of A Bomb Dog?

                    Bomb and explosive detection dogs provide many benefits for law enforcement. These amazing K9s are the safest way to protect attendees of large gatherings against the threat of explosives. Learn more about how a highly-skilled bomb dog can help.

                    Helps police to locate explosives and protect communities

                    Domestic and international terrorists utilize explosive devices to cause harm to large crowds at public events. They choose this method because explosives can inflict the greatest damage and can often go undetected, especially when improvised devices can be hidden out of public sight.

                    A bomb detection K9 is the most effective way to protect those at mass gatherings from the danger of these devices. A fully-trained bomb dog can be used to sweep entire areas and quickly detect the presence of odors present in explosive devices. Comprehensive training also helps the K9’s handler to understand the optimum process for carrying out this process and truly understand their dog’s change of behavior.

                    Peace of mind for the general public

                    As terrorist incidents have become more commonplace over the last twenty years, some individuals may understandably feel less secure going to large public gatherings.

                    The public presence of an explosives detection K9 can help people to feel safer at large events such as concerts or conferences. A bomb detection K9 can provide peace of mind to attendees that all necessary safety precautions are being undertaken.

                    Keeps schools safe from explosives or firearms

                    Our schools should be a place where our children can feel safe and receive their education. Sadly, there remains a danger for our children when it comes to incidents which take place within the confines of an educational establishment.

                    A dog trained to detect explosives can help in efforts to protect our schools. The detection of these devices through regular or random checks can help to eliminate the presence of firearms and contribute to keeping our children safe.

                    Harness the power of a dog’s nose

                    There are many ways to search for explosive devices - but can you name one method more reliable than a dog’s nose?

                    Dogs are phenomenal creatures, and the power of their nose is unparalleled. Between their inherent detection abilities, the amount of ground they can cover, and their incredible work ethic, dogs are prime candidates for any number of tasks - including detecting explosives.

                    Bomb Dog Statistics

                    Sadly, the increasing prevalance of attacks using firearms and explosives puts the public in danger. Learn more about the facts behind the rise in these incidents.

                    police line explosive incident

                    Explosive incidents in the United States are on the rise.

                    According to the research department at Statista – which acquires data from the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), amongst other sources – there was a 37.62% increase in explosives-related incidents in 2020, compared with the previous year.

                    Source: Statista, ATF

                    gun with ammo on desk

                    School shootings are occurring more frequently.

                    Research by the CHDS (Center for Homeland Defense and Security) shows that between 1999 and 2014, school shootings took place, on average, once every 124 days. Between 2015 and 2018, this number decreased to a school shooting every 77 days.

                    Source: Center for Homeland Defense and Security

                    Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are listed by the UN as a growing threat.

                    Due to their simplicity, the proliferation and use of IEDs across the world has increased in recent years. The United Nations stated that in the space of one year (2015), IEDs were used in ten percent of countries around the world.

                    Source: United Nations