Search & Rescue Dog Trainer Course

Introduction and Ethology
– Introduction to Professional Dog Training as a Career
– Evolution of the Canine
– Canine Ethology, & taxonomy
– Comparison of the Domestic Dog and other Canids
– Pedigree Research
Language of Dogs
– Reading and Understanding Canine Body Language and Stress Signals in Dogs
Applied Dog Behavior
– Understanding applied dog behavior
– Clicker training as a method of Positive Reinforcement
– Baiting and Luring dogs, using food as a reinforcement
Search and Rescue Dogs – An Overview and Case Studies
Selection of Search and Rescue Prospects
– Selecting and Testing Puppies
– Selecting and Testing Adult Dogs
Drive Development for Search and Rescue:
Puppy development
Understanding and Assessing Prey Drive
Hunting Ability
Defense Drive
Record Keeping and Report Writing

Practical Application of Baiting and Luring Dogs
How Dogs Learn
– Learning Theory and Principles
– Application of Reinforcement Schedules
– Behavior Shaping and Fundamentals of Training
EXCEL-erated Learning
Working with Puppies
Search and Rescue Training Equipment:
– Leashes and Collars
– Lines
– Harnesses
– Other equipment

Proper Application of Training Tools
Practical Socialization
Testing Dogs
Purely Positive Training
Role of the Helper
Training the Wilderness SAR Dog
– Imprinting Methods
– Building Search Methods
– Teaching the Re-Find
– Teaching the Bark Alert
– Creating Effective Reinforcement Schedules
– Problem Solving
– Maintenance Training

A Dogs’ Mind
Behavior Problems
– Effective Behavior Analysis
– Dominance and Aggression
– Phobias and Fear Aggression
– Possessive Aggression
– Territorial Aggression
– Maternal Aggression
– Idiopathic Aggression
– Neurotic Behaviors
– Successfully Resolving Problem Behaviors
Dog Aggression BITING
Behavior Analysis Assignment
Training the Trailing Dog
– Scent Theory
– Proper Handling Techniques
– Variable Surface Trailing
– Scent Discrimination Trailing
– Training the Bark Alert
– Problem Solving
– Containment Techniques

Marketing Your Dog Training Business
Advertising Strategies for Dog Trainers
Website Planning and Design
– Site Structure
– Form vs. Function
– Blogs and other Web Marketing Ideas
Kennel Management
Running a Boarding Kennel
Working with Clients
Practical Business Management Assignments
Behavior Analysis Practical Examination
Training Human Remains Detection Dogs
– Imprinting
– Simple Direct Association
– Deferred Response
– Other Detection Training Methods
– Search Methods
– Teaching the Alert
– Proofing
– Problem Solving

Explore Dog Specialties
– Agility
– Treibball
– K9 Nosework
– Protection
– Search and Rescue
Attend a Private Lesson
Pet First Aid and CPR
Veterinary and Canine Medical Issues
– Understanding What is Normal
– Preventive Medicine
– Treatments for Illness
Agility Training for Search and Rescue Dogs
– Agility Course Layout
– Confidence Development
– Teaching Practical Agility