Narc. Detection Training and Certification - Page 2

Amanda, why not train him in another discipline - termites, bedbugs, endangered species where the nature of the training aids is not controlled substances? Or hook up with one of those groups that trains dogs for private searches [e.g., company locker searches] Detection work is detection work is detection work. 

I doubt local PD will use someone else's dog unless you donate him and they usually want a dual purpose dog due to cost  Certification is not for the dog; it is for the dog/handler pair and only that pair.  If you think they could use your dog, I would talk with them before you start this training. Because they have to take these dogs to court and are constantly challenged by defense attorneys they are going to want a dog over whom they have control of all training and training records, etc. 

Our team cadaver dogs are utilized by LE, but that is only because they really don't have the finances [most departments] to justify maintaining a dog for cadaver work due to the low need for this service. Narc dogs are a daily thing.  I can tell you that cadaver dogs are rarely used to establish probable cause unlike narc dogs [and there is no real established case law on cadaver dogs as there is on narc dogs] yet the certification is only the tip of the iceberg.  Training records, hours of training to meet established norms, crime scene, hazmat, blood borne, and other certificates, annual cert testing, etc etc etc.  And even as an establsiehd team with a good relationship with LE and the Coroner, access to training aids can be difficult at times.  When they find a whole body, the dogs don't get to work it because the area has to be processed as a crime scene....................

The other thing is do you know what some of these places are like - after some cadaver searches in bad neighborhoods you really realize what the police face on a day to day basis.

The NAPWDA cert standards are on the "about NAPWDA" page

I  am an associate member which requires sponsorship by law enforcement officer who is a member.
They will not certify civilians in narcotics:

"Certification of Associate member’s dogs will be determined by the Master Trainer. Associate members dogs can only be certified in: Obedience, Agility, Article Search, Area Search, Search and Rescue Area Search, Tracking, Trailing, Cadaver and Accelerant (Accelerant -only if the Associate member is an active firefighter who is a canine handler or trainer with their fire department and is assigned arson investigation duties through the use of the trained Accelerant K9 for that department. This test certification will not be valid for any private or non Fire/Law Enforcement Department investigation."


I am not sure of IPWDA

I know NNDDA and USPCA do not certify civilians. NNDDA even stopped certifying cadaver dogs recently.

So, if I understand correctly you want to certify him so you can advertise him as a "dual purpose" dog for stud purposes or for your own breeding.  If he isn't a police K9, please don't advertise him as a dual purpose dog.  You mention he is fully apprehension trained, is this SchH, PSA or PPD? 

I think Nancy did an excellent job of explaining the situation.  If you are serious about this contact your local PD and see if they will let you come out to their training.  I've done SchH for many years and I'm a K9 handler and I can tell you they are worlds apart.  Certification for us is a requirement and usually our easiest training day.  Searching or tracking in the dark through thick vegetation for a violent felon is a whole lot different than certification tracks.  

I think Nancy gave you some excellent advice.

Jim 

I would absolutely NEVER advertise him as a dual purpose K9 because I understand that it means police K9 and that he is not (and i despise people who falsely advertise). He is dual purpose though just not in those terms. When I say we train him in many disciplines I mean PSA, Irondog, French Ring, and he will be doing a little Sch. (not my favorite), he also does weight pull, dock dogs, etc. That is what I mean by dual purpose in my book. He has many uses and has encountered several live altercations where I was attacked (unfortunately) so he is definately a real dog. (I have had many requests from P.D. to purchase him but this is not a dog I am ready to let go of) He is a training aid for me most. He is my own personal dog and again is used as a tool for me to gain experience in all areas, we have fun together and I enjoy learning more as does he. Future breedings will hold dogs back for government uses which is why I would like to start this training now so if there is improvement needed on my part I have room to adjust. That is why I would like to certify him. To gain some knowledge and another experience (use him if I could), so I can be more sure of what he is capable of passing to his offspring, and that is really it. I am working with what I have. The gentleman from NAPWDA said that he will get back to me with some options or possibly find me a job where they are looking for someone like me. I could certify him in other areas but my specific need for this is so I can learn to train for future dogs I will work with. I hope this makes sense? I worked for T.O.P.S which in this area is where all the local K9 units are supplied from and trained, not to mention I have been training dogs for years so I am confident about doing it but have yet to do so. I spoke with them and they would be willing to do it if I would sell my dog, which of course I am not. Please if anyone else has any other suggestions that would be an easy way into it I am definately open!! Thank you all again!

I think Molly Graf can certify dope dogs, or works with someone who does.
I you're in the Northeast that might be a thought.
SS