Confident Canines

A more detailed class description can be found in the additional information section. Hello, my name is Michael Gerace, owner and trainer of Confident Canines LLC. My career started with handling working dogs at the Lancaster County Prison. During that time, I handled three dogs. A Rottweiler, a German Shepard and a Belgian Malinois. I had the privilege to handle the prison’s last Rottweiler as we

ll as the first purchased dog at the prison. I certified with these three dogs, two of whom were brought from “green” to fully certified. After working at the prison for over 6 years, I started working for the Lancaster City Police in 2000. I began in the patrol division and joined the K-9 unit in 2002. I was partnered with a Czechoslovakian imported German Shepard, Cico for 9 years. Cico was certified in both patrol and narcotic detection. He came to me as a 14 month old green dog and was certified annually through various professional K-9 organizations. As a team, we made numerous arrests and located large quantities of illegal narcotics, guns and money. Currently, I am the first line supervisor in charge of both the Mounted and K-9 Units with the Lancaster City Police. I have advanced training in K-9 behaviors, training methodology, decoying, K-9 Unit supervision as well as K-9 first aid. I am the trainer for both the Lancaster City Police K-9 Unit as well as the Lititz Borough K-9 Team. My trainer’s certification was obtained through Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana. I am certified to train dual purpose Police K-9s in patrol and odor work as well as tracking. I am a judge and certifier for AWD (American Working Dog) association, NNDDA (National Narcotic Detector Dog Association) as well at the UPCKA (United Police and Correction K-9 Association). I have previously worked for a large pet store chain conducting all manners of K-9 obedience training and behavioral issues. I have trained hundreds of dogs ranging from miniature Italian Greyhounds to the working dog. I believe in continuing education therefore, regularly attend various trainings at both the handler and the supervisory / trainer level. Prior to your initial class, I meet with all new handlers and discuss K-9 anatomy, K-9 Psychology, first aid as well as things that should and should not be done during training even or at home. I offer recommendations regarding at home behavior issues and will implement those recommendations into training for each handler based on individual needs. Classes are conducted in a relaxed, fun group setting. Handlers and dogs are trained with others that have similar abilities. If behavioral issues arise during class, they are addressed and redirective / corrective training methodologies are used. Any questions are answered and skill sets are worked on until the handler feels confident and has a complete understanding of the training being conducted. Basic Obedience – beginner
During this course the handler will learn the basic obedience commands. This includes the heel, sit, down, stay, stand and the recall. All of these commands will be done on leash. While learning these basic obedience commands handlers will be introduced to the use of signals that are used in conjunction with these basic commands. This is a four-week course that is conducted once a week for 4 weeks. I recommend that these classes be attended consecutively. Advanced Obedience
This course is intended for the experienced handler and dog; generally after the completion of a basic obedience level course. During this course, dogs will learn all of the basic commands off-leash and hand signals are used more frequently absent verbal commands. Distance training is focused on as well as distraction obedience. Tracking
Handlers are trained in the basics on man tracking as well as area searches. Should handlers choose to, this training will allow those to become part of a S.A.R. group or assist in locating lost or missing persons. This a great way for you and your dog to truly bond and become a team. Tracking is great activity to help stimulate your dog and harness some of their natural abilities. I also offer protection training with your dog. This is very specific training and only those whom I personally evaluate will be allowed to participate in this training. Cost for the initial training is $450.00 for the 4 week course. After that, should you choose to continue to train, cost is $50.00 per class. I also offer in home / private training. Please contact me for pricing as prices vary based on whether you come to me or I come to you.