Police K9 Seminars
Locating informative and valuable Police K9 seminars that are affordable can be difficult for police K9 units. This leaves police K9 handlers, Supervisors and Instructors unable to stay up-to-date on the current techniques and training methods available to be able to get the most from their Police K9 teams.
Highland Canine Training, LLC offers a variety of courses and Police K9 seminars taught by dog training experts with working experience in the subjects. These Police K9 seminars provide handlers the latest information based on techniques and methods that are proven in the field. Our instructors present information in a way that is understandable and easy to apply on the street.
Seminars are offered either on location or at our dog training center, depending on your needs, budget and facilities. Departments are able to host a seminar at their department which greatly reduces the cost of travel and per diem for handlers attending. This allows the opportunity for more handlers to attend the courses and learn. Hosting a seminar is easy and simply means that the hosting department provides a classroom, vehicles, buildings, firing range, etc. that is necessary to hold the particular Police K9 seminar they are interested in. There is no cost to the department hosting the seminar and individual teams are responsible for paying for their attendance.
Listed are some “typical” seminars; specialized police K9 seminars, and other customized programs are available upon request. Seminars can be customized to fit the individual needs of each department and seminars can also be combined together. Our team of instructors offer seminars on a variety of Police K9, Detection and Search and Rescue related topics throughout the world. Please contact us at 800.406.3243 or policek9@highlandcanine.com to discuss your specific needs, questions, and to schedule a seminar in your area.
Detection Dog Seminars
Odor First - Core Principles
Reliable detection performance begins with more than teaching a dog to recognize target odor. This three-day seminar examines the individual components that create a dependable detection dog and how those components should be developed, evaluated, and strengthened.
Handlers will explore odor fluency, odor acquisition, reinforcement, indication development, generalization, handler influence, and the critical distinction between odor recognition and search behavior.
Designed for experienced law enforcement narcotics and explosives handlers, Detection Architecture challenges conventional assumptions and provides a systematic framework for developing clearer, more reliable detection performance.
Odor First - Detection Architecture
A dog that recognizes target odor must also possess the skills necessary to independently locate it. This three-day seminar focuses on developing efficient, persistent, and independent search behavior while reducing unnecessary handler influence.
Participants will examine:
- Search development
- Reinforcement
- Motivation
- Environmental problem solving
- Handler movement
- Odor accessibility
- Search complexity
- Recognizing meaningful changes in behavior.
The Independent Detection Dog provides handlers with a systematic approach for developing dogs that actively solve odor problems rather than relying on handler direction to complete the search.
Odor First - Bulletproof Detection Dogs
Operational reliability is built by systematically exposing weaknesses before they become failures in the field. This three-day advanced seminar explores how to challenge detection teams through carefully designed problems involving:
- Distractors
- Blank searches
- Inaccessible odor
- Novel environments
- Competing odor
- Increasing search complexity
- Handler influence.
Participants will learn to distinguish problems involving odor recognition and search behavior, while using productive errors as opportunities for development.
Detection Under Pressure moves beyond simply making searches harder, and teaches handlers how to deliberately develop dogs capable of solving complex operational odor problems.
Odor First - Advanced Detection Systems
Developing detection dogs is one skill; diagnosing and improving detection teams is another. This three-day trainer-focused seminar teaches participants to analyze detection performance as a system rather than simply reacting to individual problems.
Participants will examine training design, learning theory, reinforcement strategy, handler coaching, productive errors, documentation, training versus testing, and methods for identifying whether performance problems originate with odor recognition, search behavior, odor access, decision-making, indication, reinforcement, or the handler.
Advanced Detection Systems gives trainers a structured framework for diagnosing problems, designing effective training solutions, and developing more consistent and reliable narcotics and explosives detection teams.
Patrol K9 Seminars
High Risk K9 Deployment Seminar
This 3-day High Risk Deployment Seminar is designed specifically for patrol K9 handlers operating in dynamic, high-threat environments. The course focuses on safe and effective suspect apprehension during high-risk scenarios, emphasizing sound tactics, clear communication, and coordinated team movement.
Handlers will train on working seamlessly with backup and cover officers, conducting systematic and safe building searches, and solving complex operational problems as they arise in real time. Additional topics include deployment decision-making, risk management, and adapting K9 tactics to rapidly changing situations.
This seminar combines classroom instruction with hands-on, scenario-based training to ensure K9 teams can confidently apply these techniques in real-world patrol operations.
Patrol Trifecta: Problem Solving Seminar
This 3-day Patrol Trifecta: Problem Solving course is designed to address common control and obedience challenges encountered by patrol K9 teams.
The seminar will focus on improving critical control behaviors such as call-offs, recalls, outs, and other handler-identified problem areas that impact operational reliability.
Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, teams will work on understanding the root causes of control issues, applying effective training strategies, and tailoring solutions to meet individual team needs. Emphasis will be placed on clarity, consistency, and real-world application to ensure K9 teams leave with practical tools to improve performance and reliability in the field.
Tactical Building Search Seminar
This 3-day Building Search Seminar is designed to teach K9 handlers the fundamentals and tactical principles necessary to effectively and safely clear buildings with a police K9.
The course focuses on proper deployment strategies, movement, and decision-making to maximize the dog’s effectiveness while minimizing risk to officers and the K9.
Instruction will cover systematic building search techniques, problem solving in complex environments, and how to read and utilize the K9 during searches. Emphasis will also be placed on working seamlessly with backup and cover officers, communication, and coordinated team movement during building clearing operations.
The seminar will include a balanced mix of classroom instruction and hands-on, scenario-based training, allowing teams to apply concepts in real time and build confidence in operational building search deployments.
E-Collar Applications Seminar
This seminar is designed to teach K9 handlers how to properly condition and effectively use a remote collar to achieve reliable off-leash obedience. The course will focus on clear communication, correct timing, and fair application to ensure the remote collar is used as a training tool, not a shortcut.
Handlers will learn how to maintain control of their K9s around high levels of distraction and during working scenarios, improving overall reliability and safety. Instruction will include both classroom education and hands-on training to ensure teams understand the theory behind conditioning as well as practical, real-world application.
Police K9 Decoy Fundamentals Seminar
This 3-day Police K9 Decoy Fundamentals Seminar is designed to introduce participants to the foundational skills and principles of effective decoying.
The seminar will cover the fundamentals of teaching proper targeting, channeling and developing drives, building and maintaining strong, full grips, and understanding basic problem-solving techniques from the decoy perspective. Emphasis will also be placed on proper footwork, positioning, and movement to ensure safe and effective training for both dog and handler.
Instruction will be delivered through a combination of classroom education and hands-on practical work, allowing participants to apply concepts in real time while developing a solid foundation in decoy mechanics and safety.
Operational Advancement Decoy Seminar
This 3-day Operational Advancement Decoy Seminar is designed for experienced decoys looking to build upon the foundational skills acquired in our Basic Decoy Seminar.
The course focuses on refining technique, improving realism, and safely managing complex operational training scenarios.
Emphasis will be placed on reading the dog, adjusting decoy pressure in real time, and maintaining safety while creating realistic and challenging training environments.
Instruction will combine classroom discussion with extensive hands-on practical work, allowing participants to apply advanced concepts, sharpen timing and movement, and elevate their effectiveness as a training decoy in high-level patrol K9 deployments.
Trailing Seminars
Tactical Trailing Seminar
This intensive 3-day Tactical Trailing Seminar is designed for K9 teams looking to enhance real-world trailing and operational deployment skills.
Instruction will focus on reading canine behavior and problem-solving on the trail, effective handler movement, working seamlessly with backup teams, and proven strategies for safely locating and apprehending suspects. Additional topics will include tactical decision-making, scene management, and adapting trailing techniques to varying environments.
Led by renowned instructor Jason Purgason, this seminar emphasizes practical application. K9 teams will participate in hands-on trailing scenarios designed to challenge both handler and dog, ensuring skills can be confidently applied in operational settings.
Scenario-Based Trailing Seminar
This 3-day Scenario-Based Trailing Seminar is designed to challenge K9 teams through realistic, operationally focused trailing problems. The seminar will begin with classroom instruction covering trailing strategy, decision-making, and reading canine behavior, setting the foundation for success in the field.
Following the classroom portion, teams will choose from multiple scenario-based trails and work through increasingly complex problems over the next several days. These scenarios are designed to test problem solving, handler tactics, and team communication under realistic conditions.
Cadaver Dog (HRD) Seminars
Intro to Cadaver Detection Seminar
This Intro to Cadaver Detection Seminar is designed to introduce K9 teams to the fundamental principles of human remains detection training.
The course will focus on building a strong foundation in detection through proper odor recognition, clear final alert behavior, and purposeful searching techniques.
Instruction will emphasize developing independent search behavior, teaching dogs to confidently work away from the handler, and accurately indicate at source. Additional topics will include reading canine behavior, reward placement, and building reliable detection skills that transfer to real-world search environments.
The seminar will combine classroom instruction with hands-on training to ensure teams gain both the knowledge and practical experience needed to begin or strengthen a cadaver detection program.
Land Cadaver Detection Seminar
This seminar builds upon the foundation established in our Intro to Cadaver Detection Seminar and focuses on advanced strategies for successfully clearing land search areas. The course is designed to prepare K9 teams for real-world land deployments through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Instruction will emphasize effective search strategies, area management, and accurate reading of canine behavior in varied terrain and conditions. Teams will work on developing purposeful search patterns, maintaining independence, and preparing dogs for the challenges commonly encountered during land cadaver deployments.
By combining theory with practical application, this seminar prepares teams to confidently deploy their K9s and make informed decisions during operational land searches.
Intro to Water Cadaver Detection Seminar
This 3-day Intro to Water Cadaver Detection Seminar is designed to introduce K9 teams to the fundamentals of searching for human remains in aquatic environments.
The course will focus on understanding how odor behaves and moves differently in water compared to land, and how those differences affect search strategy and canine behavior.
Instruction will cover the foundational skills and techniques required before introducing a dog to water hides, including odor recognition, indication clarity, and search behavior. Teams will also learn how to properly prepare and deploy a K9 to search from a boat, emphasizing safety, positioning, and reading canine responses.
The seminar will include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training to ensure teams gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to begin water cadaver detection work.
Water Cadaver Detection Seminar
This seminar builds upon the skills and concepts covered in our Intro to Water Cadaver Detection Seminar and is designed to prepare K9 teams for operational water deployments.
Through a balanced mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training, teams will refine their understanding of aquatic odor movement and its impact on canine behavior.
Instruction will focus on advanced search strategies, reading subtle changes in canine response, boat handling considerations, and decision-making during real-world water searches.
Emphasis will be placed on developing reliable indications, effective team communication, and preparing both handler and K9 to operate confidently and safely in operational water environments.
Administration
Record Keeping & Court Survival Course
This 3-day course is designed to prepare K9 handlers to confidently manage documentation requirements and successfully navigate the courtroom environment.
The class focuses on proper record keeping and report writing that accurately reflects training, deployments, and operational outcomes.
Topics will include maintaining detailed and defensible training records, writing clear and effective operational and deployment reports, and understanding how K9-related case law impacts daily operations. Handlers will also be provided with practical tools and strategies for testifying in court, articulating training and deployment decisions, and withstanding cross-examination.
Instruction will be delivered through a combination of classroom-based learning, real-world examples, and guided discussion to ensure handlers leave with a strong foundation for documentation and legal understanding.
Talk to us about scheduling your seminar.
Whether you would like us to teach one of the seminars listed above, or you have ideas for a customized seminar, our team of experts would love to discuss your needs. Reach out to us by calling, emailing, or filling out our contact form.