Develop Advanced Skills and Operational Readiness (K9AA Handler Cse 2/3)

Course Overview:

• Establishing Boundaries and Rules of Engagement: Learn how to set clear boundaries and rules of engagement for family and friends interacting with your working K9, ensuring consistent communication and mutual respect within the team.
• K9 Tools of the Trade: Explore the equipment requirements for a working K9 team, including harnesses, leashes, and communication devices, to facilitate efficient and safe operations in various environments.
• Commencing a K9 Journal: Master the art of observation and pattern recognition through the practice of journaling, harnessing this valuable tool for task identification and shaping in collaboration with your K9 partner.
• Cues and Consistent Communication: Understand the importance of consistent communication to avoid confusion and mistranslation between handler and K9, establishing a common language based on clear cues and signals.
• Canine Developmental Stages: Gain insights into the different developmental stages of a K9, from puppyhood to adulthood, and learn how to support their growth and learning needs at each stage.
• K9 Toileting and Hygiene: Discover why proper toileting habits and hygiene are critical for the success of a working K9 team, addressing potential points of failure and maintaining workplace safety and professionalism.
• Reading Canine Body Language: Develop the skills to read and interpret canine body language and vocalizations accurately, enhancing your ability to understand and respond to your K9 partner’s needs and emotions.
• Canine Socialization and Enrichment: Explore the concepts of canine socialization and enrichment, providing opportunities for your K9 to interact with other dogs and engage in stimulating activities to promote mental and physical well-being.
• Handler and K9 Welfare: Understand the importance of regulation, co-regulation, and the handler and K9 window of tolerance in maintaining the welfare and well-being of both members of the team.
• Positive Training Principles: Challenge traditional views of obedience training and explore the principles of positive reinforcement, counter conditioning, and desensitization to foster a respectful and effective learning environment for your K9.
• Next Steps: Reflect on your progress as a team and explore avenues for further growth and development beyond the foundational bonding period, including advanced training techniques, specialized skills, and ongoing support for your working K9 partnership.

Why Choose Our Course?

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Our course covers a diverse range of topics essential for preparing family and friends for life with a working K9, ensuring a well-rounded and holistic approach to team preparation and support.
• Expert Guidance: Led by experienced trainers, our course offers expert guidance and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of working K9 ownership with confidence and competence.
• Flexible Learning: Access our online platform from anywhere, anytime, and learn at your own pace, with interactive lessons, demonstrations, and resources designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences.
• Supportive Community: Join a supportive community of fellow handlers and K9 enthusiasts, sharing experiences, insights, and resources to foster collaboration and mutual support throughout your journey.

Prepare yourself, your family, and friends for a successful partnership with your working K9 companion. Enrol in our course today and embark on the journey to building a strong, trusting, and effective team!

Prerequisite Course/s: You may purchase this course if you have not completed the following courses, but you will not be able to commence until you have completed them. We recommend waiting until you have completed the pre-requisites before purchasing this course. Completing the following course/s are mandatory before commencing this course:

• Animal-Assisted Services: Foundational knowledge for the aspiring K9 Handler (K9AA Handler Cse 1/3)

K9 Requirements: Access only to a dog to collect samples of your knowledge and skills.

The 3 courses that make up the K9AA Handler courses do not require your own dog as the course is primarily focused on upskilling the human 50% of the Team to be knowledgeable and competent in their knowledge & handling skills. However it is recommended that if after Course 1 you are committed to the journey, it would be ideal and beneficial to have your own carefully selected K9 Team-mate bonding and learning with you for the K9AA Handler courses 2 and 3.

K9AA Handler Course 1: requires no access to a dog.

K9AA Handler Course 2 and 3 will require access only to a dog (does not need to be your own) to complete tasks and assessments to demonstrate knowledge and skills learnt. However, this would be an ideal time to start investing in your own K9 team-mate and the bond you will need prior to the K9AA TEAM certification course.

K9AA TEAM Certification course/s DO require a dog you intend to team-up with for the role and the dog must be over 12mths old (and homed with you for at least 3 months), Vet checked and ready to participate in this course with you. This course is a Practical Course and is only available to Certified K9AA Handlers (those that have successfully completed 3 of 3 K9AA Handler Courses).

Equipment: 

1. Access to computer/phone with camera and internet access for zoom app for Live weekly course review/discussions. *Students must have an 80% attendance to the live meetings, as well as complete all assessments through out the 3 Handler courses to be eligible to receive the title of Certified K9AA Handler at the end of K9AA Handler Cse 3.

2. A chest mount for handler to record some of the evidence (see recommended equipment list).

3. A headset/bluetooth to allow Live 1:1 supervised sessions in the field for some assessments or additional private consults (see recommended equipment list).

4. Appropriate equipment and tools to maintain a healthy K9 (see recommended equipment list).