SWGDOG SC5 – SELECTION OF HANDLERS

Posted for public comment 7/10/06 – 9/10/06. Approved by membership 10/2/2006.

Statement of Purpose: This document facilitates the process of selecting 

qualified canine handlers and instructors. In addition, it outlines the essential 

curricula recommended for the training of both positions.

Handler Selection

Statement of Purpose: To provide information that will assist in the selection of qualified 

individuals for the position of Canine Handler.

HANDLER QUALIFICATIONS

1. Personality Traits - The Canine Supervisor (CS) is probably the person best suited to verify 

a candidate’s qualifications. Whenever possible, have the CS interview the candidate’s 

previous or current supervisors to determine if the applicant possesses the following qualities 

necessary for success as a Canine Handler:

1.1. Integrity – Candidate must possess uprightness of character and soundness of moral 

principle

1.2. Work Ethic - Candidate should be a hard worker with a history of thoroughly 

completing all assigned tasks.

1.3. Teamwork - Candidate must be able to work together with teammates to achieve team 

goals. That may mean accepting various roles so team goals may be accomplished. 

1.4. Flexibility – Candidate must be willing to work various shifts and long hours and be 

able to adapt to diverse, sometimes unpredictable, working environments.

1.5. Trainability - A successful candidate must possess both the potential ability and the 

motivation to learn and develop all the skills required of a handler. Having an open 

mind and the ability to learn from successes and failures are desirable traits.

1.6. Confidence - Candidate must be comfortable speaking in public with the ability to 

convey his or her expertise through speech.

1.7. Responsibility - Candidate must have a proven track record of fulfilling his or her 

obligations and duties and have shown accountability for his or her actions.

1.8. Judgment - Candidate must possess the ability to assess a given situation, make sound 

decisions based on that assessment and adjust efforts accordingly.

1.9. Dedication - Candidate must be focused and committed to the success of the team.

1.10. Initiative - Candidate must possess the ability to act and make decisions on own 

without help or supervision, to ensure work is completed.

1.11. Physical requirements: Candidate must meet or exceed the physical requirements 

determined by the appropriate department, organization or agency.

1.12. Tactically sound – Some canine handler positions are also law enforcement positions. 

Where appropriate to the position, the candidate must also possess good tactical skills 

as a police officer and excel in current and previous law enforcement duties in addition 

to his or her skills as a canine handler.
2. Training and Experience – Have the Canine Supervisor gather as much information as 

possible regarding the candidate’s prior training and experience in the field.

2.1. Prior experience/training - Note any training received or experience gained working in 

the canine industry. If no prior experience exists aptitude should be demonstrated.

2.2. Law Enforcement / Military/ Security Background - Note any training received or 

experience gained working in law enforcement, military or security.

2.3. Specialized Units – Establish if the candidate has any prior training or experience 

working in specialized units and/or if the candidate has any working knowledge of their 

operational procedures.

3. Temporary Assignment - Once the Canine Supervisor decides a candidate possesses the 

qualifications deemed necessary to be a proficient handler, that candidate can be temporarily

assigned to a Canine Unit where the Canine Supervisor can continue to evaluate those

qualifications. This will also serve to give the candidate an opportunity to acquaint his or 

herself with all aspects of the position.

4. Special Considerations –

4.1 If the position requires that the handler must kennel the canine at his or her residence, 

verify that the candidate has this capability (Refer back to SC4). 

4.2 Consideration should be given to conducting a background investigation prior to handler 

appointment. 

4.3 Consideration given to conducive family/home /work environment. 

Handler Training 

Statement of Purpose: To ensure that all working canine handlers get the same basic education 

pertaining to canine handling. To ensure that there is continuity across agencies and 

organizations as to the content of the canine handler’s curriculum. 

HANDLER TRAINING OVERVIEW

1. Canine handler training should combine theory (rules, ideas, principles and techniques) and 

practical skill objectives that the student handler must learn and demonstrate.

2. The student should have at a minimum 200 hours of practical application under instructor 

supervision.

3. The student should have at a minimum 40 hours of classroom instruction from a qualified 

instructor. 

4. The following topics are covered in detail in the canine handler curriculum:

Chapter Paragraph

Safety 1

Daily Care of the Canine 2
Kenneling

3

Obedience4

Emergency Vet Care5

Legal Issues & Case Law6

Search Techniques7

Proficiency Training8

Training Aid Storage, Maintenance, and Accountability9

Concealment Techniques 10

Record Keeping 11

Principles of Conditioning 12

Drive & Traits 13

Properties of Scent 14

Indication / Response / Reward 15
CURRICULUM 

1. Safety Instruction 

1.1. Handler (and other humans) safety

1.1.1. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to properly muzzle 

the canine using a muzzle or leash. 

1.1.2. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to safely break-up a 

dog fight to prevent injury to the dogs and handler(s).

1.1.3. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to protect himself,

herself, and others should their canine partner become aggressive.

1.1.4. OBJECTIVE: The student shall be instructed on how to safely manage the 

canine during a veterinary examination or procedure.

1.2. Kennel safety

1.2.1. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on canine and handler 

safety while in a kennel environment.

1.2.2. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the proper way to 

approach and enter a strange dog’s kennel.

1.2.3. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to move with or 

without the dog within a kennel to ensure personal safety and prevent dog 

fights. 

1.2.4. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the importance of 

weekly kennel inspections to prevent the canine from encountering hazards such 

as sharp objects.

1.3. Transportation Safety 

1.3.1. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to safely transport 

canines in vehicles specifically designed for that purpose as well as vehicles not 

equipped to carry canines. 

1.3.2. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to safely transport 

personnel in the same vehicle as the canine.

1.3.3. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to prepare an air 

crate for the safe transportation of the canine. 

2. Daily Canine Care 

2.1. Nutrition and Hydration

2.1.1. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to fulfill the 

canine’s requirements for food and water.

2.1.2. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to properly feed, 

follow feeding schedule, monitor food intake and make adjustments to diet 

when needed.

2.1.3. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to provide a 

continuous supply of clean, cool water.

2.2. Exercise and Stimulation

2.2.1. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the role of exercise in the 

canine’s daily activities, the importance of a daily exercise regimen and how to 

ensure the canine’s exercise needs are met. 

2.2.2. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to provide 

appropriate exercise to ensure the canine’s physical well-being, including 

weight management, muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness.
2.2.3. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to provide mental 

stimulation such as physical conditioning and appropriate environmental 

enrichment to ensure the canine’s mental well-being. 

2.2.4. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to provide exercise 

that will complement the canine’s trained discipline(s).

2.3. Scheduled Rest

2.3.1. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to ensure that the 

canine is provided with adequate and appropriate rest periods.

2.3.2. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the value of adequate 

rest for the canine while in its kennel.

2.3.3. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the value of adequate rest 

for the canine between operational periods.

2.4. Health Related

2.4.1. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to conduct a daily 

inspection of the dog to ensure it is being maintained in good health. 

2.4.1.1. The student shall receive instruction on how to care for the canine’s 

bathing and grooming needs as well as instruction on the proper use of 

grooming equipment and techniques. 

2.4.1.2. The student shall receive instruction on eye and ear care and learn how 

to care for the canine’s nose, mouth, genitalia and extremities. 

2.4.1.3. The student shall receive instruction on how to recognize and treat 

internal and external parasites. 

2.4.2. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to provide the canine 

time out of its kennel daily, to allow for elimination of biologic waste, a health 

inspection including biological waste inspection, and an inspection and cleaning

of the kennel.

2.4.3. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to administer 

medications as needed.

3. Kenneling 

3.1. Kenneling at home - OBJECTIVE: Where applicable the student shall receive 

instruction on how to properly kennel the canine in a home environment.

3.1.1. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to select the ideal 

location for a home kennel.

3.1.2. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to select the proper 

materials and design for construction of a home kennel.

3.1.3. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to inspect the home 

kennel each day to ensure it is safe, clean and secure.

3.1.4. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to maintain the 

kennel through daily cleaning, disinfecting and other required maintenance.

3.2. Kenneling at a Central Facility- OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on 

how to properly kennel the canine in a centralized facility. Many of the same safety 

issues will apply to kenneling at home and kenneling at a centralized facility.

3.2.1. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to inspect the 

kennel each day to ensure it is safe, clean and secure.

3.2.2. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to maintain the 

kennel through daily cleaning, disinfecting and other required maintenance.
4. Obedience

4.1. Purpose of Obedience Training- OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on 

how to attain various levels of control over the canine using obedience training.

4.2. Voice Tones - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to effectively 

communicate with the canine using various voice tones.

4.3. Body Language - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to identify 

and use body language to properly communicate with the canine.

4.4. Training Equipment - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the proper 

use of equipment including but not limited to leashes, choke (slip) collars, fur saver

collars, harnesses, prong collars, clickers and remote trainers.

4.5. Obedience Commands - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on basic 

obedience commands and be able to demonstrate their mechanics correctly.

4.6. Praise and Corrections - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on proper 

praise and correction techniques. Additionally, the student will recognize and 

demonstrate the correct usage and timing of motivational tools.

5. Canine Health and Emergency Veterinary Care - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive

instruction on how to assess their canine partner’s vital signs, including body temperature, 

respiration, heart rate, reflexes and mobility.

5.1. Canine Anatomy - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the 

terminology associated with canine anatomy.

5.2. First Aid - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the contents of a 

canine first aid kit and how to utilize the components in emergency situations. 

5.3. Trauma - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to address traumarelated events such as gunshot wounds, broken bones, excessive bleeding, snake bites, 

insect bites, car accidents and dog fights.

5.4. CPR - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the canine. Instruction should be conducted by a recognized 

professional.

5.5. Transport - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to provide proper 

transportation of the injured canine from the field to a veterinary care facility.

5.6. Common Emergency Situations - OBJECTIVE: At minimum, a student will recognize 

the symptoms of, and the need for emergency care for the following conditions:

5.6.1. Shock

5.6.2. Seizures

5.6.3. Perceived or possible ingestion of poisons/ narcotic or explosive/accelerant 

5.6.4. Heat exhaustion

5.6.5. Dehydration

5.6.6. Gastric torsion/bloat

5.6.7. Collapse

5.6.8. Fractures

5.6.9. Profound staggering
6. Canine Legal Issues and Case Law

6.1. Canine Search and Seizure - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on 

applicable local, state, and federal statutes regarding canine search and seizure as they 

relate to the student’s jurisdiction and duties.

6.2. Canine Team Resumé - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to 

successfully develop and document the canine team’s reliability, training and 

certification in a team resumé that will satisfy all legal issues regarding such 

documentation. 

6.3. Canine Searches (sniff) - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on and 

become familiar with the legal issues and applicable case law surrounding the use of 

canines for duties including but not limited to:

6.3.1. Residential searches

6.3.2. Vehicle searches

6.3.3. Vessel searches

6.3.4. School searches

6.3.5. Person searches

6.3.6. Currency searches

6.3.7. Package and luggage searches

6.3.8. Open field searches

6.3.9. Public and private property searches

6.4. Handling and Documentation of Evidence - OBJECTIVE: Where appropriate, the 

student shall receive instruction on the necessity for proper handling of evidence 

including documentation and the chain of custody.

7. Search Techniques

7.1. Techniques - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on search techniques 

that complement the training and conditioning of the canine.

7.2. Planning - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to develop a 

plan prior to deploying his or her canine for a search. A well-designed search plan 

should include but not be limited to:

7.2.1. Gathering intelligence

7.2.2. Canine and handler safety

7.2.3. Tactical and operational considerations

7.2.4. Minimize evidence disturbance

7.2.5. Necessary resources

7.2.6. Environmental conditions 

7.3. Priorities- OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to prioritize 

areas of the search. Factors that can affect the priorities include training of the search 

team and the information and intelligence that was gathered during the planning stage 

of the canine team’s deployment.

7.4. Patterns - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to deploy the 

canine in a pattern that is consistent with the canine team’s discipline and canine’s 

training. The pattern selected should be systematic to ensure the most effective search.
8. Proficiency Training

8.1. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the importance of varying all 

aspects of the canine team training experience as dictated by the needs of the canine

and/or handler or program requirements.

8.2. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the importance of maintaining 

the proficiency of the canine in the work environment using objective-based training.

8.3. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the value of conducting 

detection proficiency training away from the normal work environment which will 

allow the canine’s abilities to be strengthened and/or correct problem areas that may 

arise.

8.4. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the importance of blind 

searches.

8.5. OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the importance of blank 

searches.

8.6. Continuous process – a mandated continuous training program should be in place to 

ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the canine. It is the responsibility of the 

handler to ensure the proficiency of the canine.

8.7. Training aids and targets should be placed with an objective in mind. 

8.8. Training aids and targets should be used in a realistic and challenging manner but not 

used to defeat the canine.

8.9. Training aids and targets should be placed to ensure the trained odor is present.

8.10. Depending on the type of training being conducted, training aids should be preconstructed to ensure odor availability.

8.11. A training aid or target should be used in such a fashion as to expose the canine to 

varying quantities of odor.

8.12. Canines should be trained in a variety of locations to increase the canine’s capabilities 

in new environments. 

8.13. OBJECTIVE: The student shall be provided instruction on the value of or the need 

for proofing.

9. Training Aids

9.1. Special requirements – OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on any 

specific requirements, rules and regulations associated with training aid storage and 

possession, e.g., ATF guidelines, DEA regulations, local, state, federal regulations, 

agency or departmental SOPs.

9.2. Safe Handling and Storage - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on 

the correct procedures for the safe handling and storage of training aids to ensure 

security and prevent contamination.

9.2.1. The student shall receive instruction on the safe handling of training aids to 

minimize the possibility of contamination and related safety issues.

9.2.2. The student shall receive instruction on why certain training aids are not 

stored together due to the possibility of contamination.

9.2.3. The student shall receive instruction on the procedures related to preventing 

loss or theft of the training aids and how to prevent damage caused by direct 

contact with the canine. 
9.3. Accountability - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on procedures 

used to track inventory and ensure accountability of training aids to prevent loss or 

contamination. 

9.3.1. The student shall receive instruction on the importance of placement of the 

training aids in the training environment to avoid contamination from contact 

with strong odors.

9.3.2. The student shall receive instruction on the importance of conducting periodic 

inventories of the training aids.

9.3.3. The student shall receive instruction on procedures for how to report the loss 

of any training aids.

9.3.4. The student shall receive instruction on the appropriate procedures for the 

destruction and disposal of training aids.

9.4. Maintenance - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the importance 

of maintaining their respective training aids serviceability.

9.4.1. The student will learn the importance of having damaged or contaminated 

training aids removed from service or repackaged.

9.4.2. The student will learn the importance of periodically removing training aids 

from service and replacing them with new aids.
10. Recognizing Concealment Technique s - OBJECTIVE: Where appropriate the student shall 

receive instruction on how to recognize and become familiar with commonly encountered 

concealment techniques. 

10.1. Common areas and conveyances used for concealment may include, but are not 

limited to:

10.1.1. Vehicles.

10.1.2. Aircraft.

10.1.3. Marine Vessels.

10.1.4. Residences

10.1.5. Persons

10.1.6. Open field / buried areas.

10.1.7. Venues 

10.1.8. Check points

10.1.9. Transit areas

10.1.10. Distinguished visitor areas

10.1.11. General seating areas

10.1.12. Schools

10.1.13. Commercial buildings

10.1.14. Correctional facilities

10.1.15. Discipline specific

10.2. Concealment Methods - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to 

recognize and become familiar with those methods which may be used for 

concealment. 

10.2.1. Geographic Concealment Trends - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive

instruction on how to recognize and become familiar with those geographic 

concealment trends that are particular to the culture and environment in 

which their canines are applied.

10.2.2. Masking Odors and Agents- OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive

instruction on how to recognize and identify agents used to mask or conceal 

target odors from the canine.

11. Handler and Canine safety - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on how to 

recognize and become familiar with situations that may be inherently dangerous or present a 

substantial risk of injury or death to the canine and handler. Those areas may include but are 

not limited to:

11.1. Armed and/or dangerous suspects

11.2. Booby traps and ambush

11.3. Secondary or additional devices

11.4. Poisons

11.5. Explosives

11.6. Bio Chemical hazards

11.7. Environmental Factors

12. Record Keeping

12.1 Canine Records- OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on and become 

familiar with all records associated with the training, handling and care of the canine.

12.1.1. Canine Health Records- OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction 

on and become familiar with documenting and maintaining general health 

care reports on the canine.
12.1.2. Training, Proficiency Assessment, Seizure, and/or Deployment/Utilization

Records- OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on and become 

familiar with writing, documenting and regularly maintaining these records 

on a daily basis or as required. 

12.1.3. Training Aid Records - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction 

on record keeping for procurement, handling and disposition of training 

aids.

12.2. Case law - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on and become 

familiar with state and federal case law on canine record keeping as it relates to the 

student’s specific discipline and jurisdiction.

12.3. Canine Handler Training- OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on and 

become familiar with documenting and maintaining all records associated with canine 

handler’s training as it relates to and is applicable to the canine handler’s duties.

13. Principles of Learning and Conditioning

13.1. Basic Needs of a Canine - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the 

basic needs of the canine with respect to their ability for learning:

13.1.1. Oxygen

13.1.2. Water

13.1.3. Food

13.1.4. Prey Kill 

13.1.5. Social contact

13.1.6. Pain (minimize)

13.2. Learning Theory - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive training in learning theory 

to include but not restricted to:

13.2.1. Classical or Respondent Conditioning - OBJECTIVE: The student shall 

receive instruction on and the proper use of Classical or Respondent 

Conditioning.

13.2.2. Operant Conditioning - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction 

on and the proper use of Operant Conditioning.

13.2.3. Reward & Reinforcement Training - OBJECTIVE: The student shall 

receive instruction on Reward Training and its application as it applies to 

the training method being utilized. Additionally, the student shall receive

instruction on ratio and time reward schedules used in canine training.

13.2.4. Escape Training - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on 

Escape Training and its application as it applies to the training being 

performed.

13.2.5. Avoidance Training-OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on 

Avoidance Training and its application as it applies to the training method 

being performed.

13.2.6. Extinction Training (This also could be part of positive/negative 

punishment) OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction in the 

purpose for and proper way to utilize extinction training.

13.2.7. Punishment - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction in positive 

and negative punishment and how it applies to the learning process of a 

canine.

13.2.8. Behavior Modification Techniques - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive

instruction on the proper use of behavior modification techniques including
but not limited to; shaping by successive approximation, prompting, 

chaining, and conditioned reinforcement.

13.2.9. Stimulus Control - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on 

the purpose for and the proper way to control discriminative, response, 

reinforce and generalization stimuli.

13.2.10. Learning - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on Stimulus 

Discrimination and Stimulus Generalization, and Cueing.

14. The Senses 

14.1. Basic Senses- OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the canine’s 

basic senses which include:

14.1.1. Olfaction

14.1.2. Audition

14.1.3. Vision

14.1.4. Taste

14.1.5. Touch

14.1.6. Equilibrium

14.1.7. Temperature

14.1.8. Proprioception

14.1.9. Vibratory

14.1.10. Internal Receptors

14.2. Factors Affecting Basic Senses- OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction 

on various factors that can affect the canine’s basic senses.

14.2.1. Distractions

14.2.2. Fatigue

14.2.3. Disease

14.2.4. Age

14.2.5. Noxious Odors

14.2.6. Adaptation

14.3. The Sensing System - OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on the 

canine’s sensing system.

14.3.1. Absolute Threshold

14.3.2. Difference Threshold

14.3.3. Saturation Point

14.3.4. Source

15. Drive - There is a strong tradition by many involved in working dog handling and training to 

explain the behavior of canines by referring to numerous different “drives”. Although the 

term drive is not recognized as a technical behavioral term it is widely used within the 

working dog community.

OBJECTIVE: The student shall receive instruction on and should understand and recognize 

the following drives.

15.1. Hunt

15.2. Prey

15.3. Retrieve

15.4. Air Scent

15.5. Tracking

15.6. Rank

15.7. Subordinate
15.8. Pack

15.9. Play

15.10. Activity

15.11. Fight

15.12. Guard

15.13. Survival

15.14. Food

16. Character Traits - OBJECTIVE: The student should understand and recognize the 

following character traits.

16.1. Trainability

16.2. Hardness

16.3. Softness

16.4. Courage

16.5. Confidence

16.6. Fear

16.7. Sharpness

17. Properties of Scent - OBJECTIVE: The student shall be instructed on the definition of 

scent as it applies to their discipline.

17.1. Scent Cone - OBJECTIVE: The student shall be instructed on the definition of a 

scent cone as it applies to their discipline.

17.2. Elements that may affect scent - OBJECTIVE: The student shall be instructed to 

identify those elements that affect scent to include but not limited to the following:

17.2.1. Environment

17.2.2. Temperature

17.2.3. Air/water movement

17.2.4. Humidity

17.2.5. UV Radiation

17.2.6. Topography

17.2.7. Contamination

17.2.8. Masking odor agents

17.2.9. Containment

17.2.10. Objects/obstacles

17.2.11. Time lapse 

17.2.12. Surface material

17.3. Dissipation of Scent - OBJECTIVE: Student shall receive instruction within his or 

her specific discipline regarding how an odor dissipates.

17.4. Scent Picture - OBJECTIVE: The student shall be instructed on and become familiar 

with the elements that create the scent picture. The student should also be aware of 

the negative elements affecting the scent picture.
18. Canine Change of Behavior/Working to Source

18.1. Change of Behavior - OBJECTIVE: The student shall be instructed to recognize and 

respond to the canine’s change in behavior when the canine detects the trained odor.

18.2. Working to Source - OBJECTIVE: The student sha ll be instructed to recognize once

the canine has portrayed a change in behavior upon detecting a trained odor; it is of 

paramount importance to allow the canine to independently work the odor to its 

source.

19. Canine Final Response - OBJECTIVE: The student shall be instructed to recognize the 

canine’s final response (active or passive) to the odor source for which it is trained. 

Additionally, the student should be instructed on situations that may prevent the canine from 

giving a final response.

20. Reward - OBJECTIVE: The student shall be instructed on the correct procedures for 

rewarding their canine. Rewards will be selected by the training entity.
Canine Handler Instructor Selection

Statement of Purpose: To provide information that will assist in the selection of qualified 

individuals for the position of Canine Handler Instructor.

CANINE HANDLER INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS

1. The Canine Handler Instructor should embody the same qualifications listed in the section 

for Canine Handler as well as the qualities listed below.

1.1. Leadership - The candidate should display the ability to guide and direct people in his or 

her current position. 

1.2. Communication Skills – The candidate must be able to coherently express his or her 

thoughts, ideas and feelings, display outstanding oratory and articulation skills with the 

ability to effectively communicate with senior level management.

1.3. Provide Feedback – The Instructor candidate must have the ability to make a considered 

assessment and then provide good and sound constructive criticism.

1.4. Facilitate Teamwork – The candidate has a working knowledge of team building and 

team dynamics and the ability to elicit cooperation from coworkers.

1.5. Organizational Skills – The candidate must possess good organizational and time 

management skills.

1.6. Subject Matter Expertise - Only a candidate with handling and training expertise in the 

same discipline as the position opening should be considered for the position of Canine 

Instructor. Previous handling and training experience needs to be relevant to the 

discipline.

Canine Handler Instructor Training

Statement of Purpose: To outline the topics that should be covered as good practice in the 

training of new instructors. Also to ensure that there is continuity across agencies, organizations 

and departments regarding the content of the Canine Instructor’s curriculum.

CANINE HANDLER INSTRUCTOR TRAINING OVERVIEW

It is recommended that an instructor have the training outlined above for new handlers and 

several years of experience working within the discipline before he or she becomes an instructor 

in the discipline. 

CURRICULUM

1. Plan Formal Training - OBJECTIVE: The student instructor should receive formal training 

on how to plan training. Course curriculum should include:

1.1. Selecting the methods of instruction, e.g., lecture, demonstration, that will be 

incorporated

1.2. Develop a lesson plan

1.3. Develop the audio and visual aids needed to complement the instruction material

1.4. Adequately prepare the classroom to ensure it is conducive to learning.
2. Conducting Training - OBJECTIVE: The student instructor should receive instruction on 

how to effectively instruct students in a classroom environment. The instruction should 

include but not be limited to:

2.1. Different methods used to present information

2.2. How to eliminate barriers and distractions to communication and learning. 

2.3. How to communicate effectively 

2.4. How best to utilize audio and visual aids.

3. Post Training - OBJECTIVE: The student instructor should receive instruction on how to 

measure his or her effectiveness as an instructor and how to handle students who are not 

progressing. This will include:

3.1. Methods for testing comprehension levels of students

3.2. Counseling of students

3.3. Documentation of students’ progress