What are Single Purpose, Dual Purpose and Multi-Specialty K9s?

SINGLE PURPOSE K9s are trained in either a detection discipline (narcotics, explosives, arson, etc.) or patrol work (bitework/apprehension).

DUAL PURPOSE K9s receive training in a given detection discipline as well as patrol work.

MULTI-SPECIALTY K9s receive training in a minimum of three disciplines. For example, one dog may be trained in explosives detection, patrol/apprehesion, reconnaissance via camera-guided operational directionals, and human tracking.

Can one dog be trained in multiple detection specialties?

Technically, yes but it is not practically recommended. We do not accept requests to cross-train explosives detection K9s with other detection specialties.

Although dogs are capable of learning to detect any variety of odors, and can arguably be taught individual indications for each type - we must remember that dogs and handlers are living beings that make mistakes. Regulations and protocols following a positive indication by a K9/handler team will vary extensively with material found. Having a dog trained in two different categories of detection where the results of a positive alert lead to entirely different protocols (for example response to a positive indication of a narcotic vs that of an explosive) is not only logistically costly, but extremely dangerous if a mistake is made by either dog or handler.

What standards do you train to?

Our program ensures

Is an executive dog safe with kids?

Absolutely. Our training program ensures that any executive dog placed in a family with kids is socialized and desensitized early on to children of various ages. We also include all household members in our relationship-building and handling sessions to ensure that the dog properly bonds with all members of their new family.

Will a titled sport dog protect me?

While some sport dogs occasionally make good personal protection candidates, a dog that is successful in sport may not be suitable for a variety of reasons. On one end of the spectrum, they may be too reactive or have too much drive - making them extremely difficult to handle and unlikely to settle indoors. On the opposite end of the spectrum, they may be well conditioned to equipment, but not able to handle the pressure of a real confrontation. To the untrained eye, any dog that barks aggressively can be perceived as one that will fight to protect you, but this is unfortunately far from the truth. Just as we advise you do for any type of dog training, be a skeptic! Ask questions, and talk to reputable working dog trainers who are experienced in reading aggressive displays to determine what’s really going on behind those bared teeth.

Why don’t you breed dogs?

Firstly, there’s the issue of deciding on which breed - not all are suitable for every client. In addition, temperament and drive can vary enormously with the individual dog, irrespective of the breed standard. Even if a particular dam and sire display suitable “working temperament,” the litters they produce will not necessarily inherit these traits.

To complicate things further, a good working dog (for sport or K9) may not be suitable for work as a personal protection dog. Inevitably, a portion (if not all) of a given litter would not make the cut.

Fortunately for us, it’s not as impossible as it may seem to balance demand and ethics. We have a strong network of reputable working dog breeders who we remain updated on, in order to select the right dog for the right client, at the right time. No need to be constantly producing litters to find a top quality personal protection puppy!