📣 Exciting Progress at the Crisis Canines of the Midlands Academy!
Our upcoming Academy class is hard at work, honing the essential skills they’ll use throughout their journey as Crisis Response Canine teams. From building strong partnerships to fostering trust, confidence, and teamwork, these handlers and their canine partners are preparing to make a difference in communities across Iowa.
Together, we’re creating a network ready to respond in times of need. Stay tuned to see how these dedicated teams continue to grow and support our mission! 🐾 #crisiscaninesofthemidlands
After two days of intense training, it looks like Jude- Crisis Response K9 Brazos Valley is ready to get home! Watch out, Texas! This class clown is headed your way! 🐾 ✈️ 🐾
Last week, our Crisis Canines of the Midlands teams gathered for a training session focused on building trust and confidence. Each exercise was designed to challenge both our handlers and their canine partners, strengthening the vital bond that enables them to perform effectively in crisis situations.
Through teamwork and dedication, these teams honed skills that are crucial for providing support to first responders and community members in times of need. Watching each handler and dog grow in trust and confidence was truly inspiring, and we’re so proud of the progress made!
Thank you to everyone who participated and to all those who continue to support our mission. Together, we’re creating a network of support that will help countless individuals and communities in times of crisis.
🐾🚒 Happy National Fire Pup Day!🚒🐾
On this October 1st, we honor the brave canines that serve alongside our Firefighters, providing comfort, support, and safety during emergencies. From traditional Dalmatians to therapy dogs, these pups play an essential role in keeping our communities safe and resilient.
Even though these incredible dogs have an important job to do, we always find time to reward their good behavior! 🐾 Just like us, they need breaks and time to recharge. It's all part of keeping them happy, healthy, and ready to serve when called upon.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible bond between our first responders and their faithful fire pups. Together, they help us through some of the toughest moments, offering loyalty, love, and courage.
Thank you to all the Fire Pups out there for your service! ❤️🐕🦺
K9 River absolutely loves all the attention she gets from her handler! 🐕❤️
River, Crisis Response K9
Jasper County EMA
⭐️Quarterly Training Day! ⭐️
Teams from across the state came together for our quarterly training. The focus was on Peer Support, with teaching from Brandi Riley, LPC and Program Manager for Wellness and Resiliency for First Responders at TEEX - Law Enforcement and Protective Services.
While handlers learned how to best support their fellow First Responders, the Dogs practiced holding a quiet, calm “place” command in the face of many distractions.
Iron Hill Retrievers
Crisis Response K9 Bruce
Dallas County Sheriff's Office Iowa
Knoxville - IA Fire Department
KFD Max Crisis Response K9
Walter- Crisis Canines Of The Midlands
Pella Community Ambulance
JCSO Crisis Response Canine Unit
Clarke County Iowa Emergency Management Agency
Hope - Crisis Response K9
Urbandale Fire Department
Johnson County Sheriff's Office
Delaware County Iowa Emergency Management
Jude- Crisis Response K9 Brazos Valley
Adelhorst Kennels
Newton Fire Department
Jasper County EMAer
📚 🐾 Back to School! 🐾 📚
Teams from the Crisis Canines of the Midlands Class of 2025 met yesterday for their first group class!
15 teams from across Iowa and other states will be training together for the next 6 months. These teams have committed to training at a level that sets the standard for Crisis Reaponse Therapy K9 work across the nation.
Each team consists of a First Responder, trained in critical incident stress management and de-escalation, paired with a canine partner who will be certified at the highest nationals standards. This is a powerful duo, ready to provide psychological first aid in any scenario, and prepared to support their peers in the First Responder world, so that they can best serve their agency and communities!
Delaware County Iowa Emergency Management
Marion County Emergency Management Agency
Dallas County Sheriff's Office Iowa
Mitchellville Fire Department K9s Gurdy and Lucy
Knoxville - IA Fire Department
Independence FD
Guthrie County Sheriff
Jude- Crisis Response K9 Brazos Valley
DeSoto County District Attorney's Office
Iron Hill Retrievers
Buckeye Kennels
Adelhorst Kennels
Lincoln County Crisis K9 JAX
Thanks to Unity Point LifeFlight, our teams had the opportunity to desensitize to helicopter exposure today! All teams did a great job staying calm and not reacting to the chopper landing and taking off!
This video clip shows the level of distraction that we expose dogs to by having them hold command while a helicopter lands. The rotor wash is real!
*The dogs were placed in a safe area where no mulch or gravel would fly in their faces*
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
We are SO proud to present the Crisis Canines of the Midlands Team K9 Academy Class of 2024!
GO FORTH AND DO GOOD!!!
Isaiah 6:8 “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here I am; send me.”
JCSO Crisis Response Canine UnitWalter- Crisis Canines Of The MidlandsUrbandale Fire DepartmentNewton Fire DepartmentBondurant Emergency ServicesClarke County Iowa Emergency Management AgencyHope - Crisis Response K9Knoxville - IA Fire DepartmentJasper County EMAKFD Max Crisis Response K9River, Crisis Response K9Sioux County SheriffBuckeye KennelsAdelhorst KennelsJohnson County Sheriff's OfficePella Community Ambulance
