powered by:
Nationally trusted online training since 2011
Mission-Ready K9 Starts Here.
Get certified with essential SAR K9 training - built by responders, for the real world.
"This training was the solid foundation I needed and the credentials my team required. Perfect."
~ New K9 Handler, Tennessee
This isn’t a YouTube playlist or general SAR overview. It’s a targeted, high-utility training path for new and emerging SAR canine handlers.
Whether you’re just joining a team, transitioning from training to field work, or need recognized documentation for common requirements, this bundle delivers:
- 8 mission-tested courses
- 4 printable field tools
- Self-paced access + Completion Certificate
If your SAR team doesn’t offer structured onboarding - or if you’re expected to arrive ready - this program helps you bridge the gap.
What You’ll Learn
This bundle brings together several core courses tailored to the real-world needs of K9 handlers and their support personnel. Topics include:
- Understanding scent theory and canine behavior
- Deployment best practices and handler responsibilities
- Safety, first aid, and scene coordination
- Communications and documentation
- Clue awareness and SAR field protocols
Completion of all included courses earns your K9 Handler Essentials Certificate of Completion.
Included Courses
1. Search and Rescue (SAR) Fundamentals
Build a strong operational foundation in SAR missions, terminology, and team-based field response practices.
2. Responder Risk Management and L.C.E.S.
Learn how to identify and mitigate risk in SAR environments using the proven Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (L.C.E.S.) model.
3. Bloodborne Pathogens Awareness for Responders
Understand how to recognize, prevent, and respond to bloodborne exposure threats while working in the field.
4. Hazardous Materials Awareness for SAR Responders and K9 Teams
Identify hazmat risks that may affect K9 teams and learn safe practices for detection, avoidance, and reporting.
5. Search Strategy for the Lost and Missing
Master essential concepts in lost person behavior and effective search planning to increase the likelihood of success.
6. Search and Rescue K9’s – Introduction
Explore the fundamentals of working with search dogs, including task types, training progression, and handler responsibilities.
7. Canine Behavior & Drives
Understand the key behavioral traits and drives that influence K9 search performance, motivation, and team fit.
8. Crime Scene & Evidence Preservation for Responders
Learn best practices to recognize, protect, and report evidence encountered during K9-assisted searches.
These courses are self-paced and available immediately upon enrollment.
Bonus Field Tools Included
In addition to the 8 self-paced courses, your enrollment also unlocks 4 exclusive, downloadable tools - perfect for printing, packing, or posting at your base of operations.
These mission-ready resources are designed to reinforce what you learn and keep critical concepts at your fingertips in the field:
K9 Scent Theory – Field Visual Reference
Quickly understand how wind, terrain, and air movement shape scent cones and K9 zones of influence.
Briefing & Debriefing Pocket Card
Use this compact guide to structure better pre-task briefings and post-mission reviews - boosting accountability, learning, and team cohesion.
S.E.A.R.C.H. Mental Model
A structured field framework to shape, reinforce, and troubleshoot the trained indication behaviors that define effective K9 victim location.
Training vs. Testing Reference Sheet
A practical guide to help K9 teams draw a clear line between foundational training and risky testing - so they build reliability, not shortcuts.
These tools are instantly available in your MY Account > Downloads page upon enrollment - ready to print, pack, and use in the field.
Certification Disclaimer
Important Note About Certification This certificate confirms successful completion of the online training courses listed above. It is not a license, credential, or formal K9 deployment qualification.
Final readiness is always determined by your team, evaluator, or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Who This Is For
This training is ideal for:
- New K9 handlers joining a SAR team
- Team leaders responsible for K9 safety and documentation
- Volunteer responders supporting canine operations
- Any SAR team member needing recognized training in core responder topics
What Do Your Peers Say?
Devin R.
Clean, credible, and operationally useful.
These courses saved me hours of explaining the basics to new team members. They walk in with shared vocabulary, better instincts, and actual awareness of risk and evidence handling.
Carla M.
Finally, training courses that actually speaks to K9 teams
The K9-specific content was spot-on - especially the scent theory and crime scene preservation. Our team now recommends this bundle for all new handlers before field deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You keep the certificates and downloads you’ve earned. Continued access to the course content depends on the plan length you choose; monthly plans can be canceled anytime.
Yes. Courses are designed around FEMA, NIMS, ICS, and other recognized SAR standards, plus mission-tested field practices.
Your prior completions count toward the certificate. You won’t need to repeat finished courses, and you’ll retain access to updated versions when available.
You’re Closer to Mission Readiness Than You Think
Train with purpose. Certify with clarity. Respond with confidence.
You’re just a few hours away from the credentials and clarity your K9 team expects.
Join the K9 handlers building readiness the right way - online, on their terms.
Relied on by SAR team leaders and instructors across the U.S.
Not Sure Where to Start? Ask the TEAM Solutions Navigator™
The TEAM Solutions Navigator™ is your personal, site-wide guide.
Ask it questions, get recommendations, and find exactly what you need across all of our courses, certifications, toolkits, and resources - in seconds.
Click the floating red chat icon on the right / bottom to start.
Try asking: “Where should I start?” or “What’s the best course for me?”