Fully Involved K9 Academy

04/23/2024

Was a pleasure to meet Trisha and have her attend our program.

Well, how fun was that? Last weekend I was at the “Im-PECK-able Training Seminar” put on by Craig Schultz and Sally Dickinson for the K9 Behavior Consortium in Manassas, VA. I went primarily to learn more about sniffer dogs for my next mystery novel (wheeeee!), but reveled in spending time with ...

03/03/2024

Their loss......Your gain! This class filled fast but life happens and a couple of spots opened up!

There are many similar courses out there and they are all phenomenal, but if you have limited time and want to get down to one of the most crucial parts of what we do in detection work, this is for you!

We dig right into how to get that Trained Final Response dependable, like you want it, independent and definable.

Hope to see you there, I know Craig Shultz K9 Behavior Consortium and I are so excited about this program, it is truly a passion and a life's work.

Located in Manassas, Va April 12-14, 2024, observer spots - $300 and full participants - $600. See below for more information, scan the registration link or click link in comments.

02/11/2024

Looking forward to this awesome event with K9 Behavior Consortium

UPDATE: the full participant spots for the Im-PECK-able Discrimination Workshop are full but there are a few observer spots still available. April will be here before you know it. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Register here: https://bit.ly/Impeckable2024

02/08/2024

Search and Rescue might be managed and set up differently around the world, but when it comes down to the mechanics of a dog detecting a specific odor, its a universal, international language.
I really enjoyed helping the teams in NSW Australia refine their handler and canine skills during the past week.

02/02/2024

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!!!
Im-PECK-able Discrimination registration is now open for April 12-14, 2024. There will be 12 full slots (handler and canine) and 10 observer slots available. Cost will be $600 for full participants and $300 for observers. You can use the link provided here or the QR code in the attached flyer.

Come join Sally Dickinson and Craig Schultz for 3 days of learning theory and practical applications to take your understanding of discrimination to the next level. Once you register, you will be notified if your space is reserved via email. If you get a space you will receive logistical information for event attendance. Hope to see you in Virginia soon!
Register here: https://bit.ly/Impeckable2024

01/09/2024

with K9 Behavior Consortium
Exciting news for 2024!!!!!!!!

08/15/2023

Huge thanks and much gratitude to K9Sensus Foundation and all the folks who make it run for hosting and facilitating!
Just finished up a 3-day HRD seminar at their facility in Iowa, focussing on handler mechanics, precise behavior and tools needed to take it to the next level, such as refining the TFR, scent theory, relationship, and much much more.
By day 2 we had to add more 'tools', because every single team had leveled up!



Photo credits to K9Sensus staff and interns

08/07/2023

Just wrapped up another hugely successful 3-day Learn Lead communicate workshop, hosted by VDEM Search and Rescue!
The coolest part for me was how intense these handlers were on developing awesome behavior with their working dogs!

07/06/2023

It’s been a fun week working with a couple different fire agencies and the folks of WCDA. Thanks for the hospitality!!!

09/09/2022

Calm and focused should be the goal for every working dog!
Learn how to achieve that goal with Fully Involved K9 Academy!

THE YERKES DODSON LAW 📣

Increasing generalized arousal is essential for optimal performance BUT excessive arousal impairs performance. 🤯

This is commonly seen in the dog sports world, but is also an issue in for the average pet. This can look like hyperactive behavior, over excitement, and/or reactivity. 💥

What is important is that our dogs do have the ability to regulate their arousal, but for some dogs this is a challenge. 🐾

There are many things that you, as the trainer or pet guardian, can do both passively and actively to help your dog learn how to self-regulate. Allowing a dog time to process the environment and encouraging sniffing activities are two ways you can support your dog learning to regulate their arousal. Incorporating these activities in your training plan are essential for those dogs that struggle with arousal regulation. 🙌🏼

(Permission to repost granted from Barking Brains.)

08/27/2022

Having some fun with the Newfoundlands this weekend.
Some pretty complex behaviors they have to have under stimulus control, independent of the handler.
Awesome job!!!!

08/26/2022

The van doors open in random places, we get out, bathroom break and then work or play!
And now we also practice a ‘settle’ while Mum studies!!!!

It’s a heck of a life!!

08/19/2022

Such a fun, engaged class. Thank you for the opportunity to help you help others.

06/21/2022

An amazing opportunity!!!

Would you like to be one of the next K9 Redden Memorial Training Scholarship winners?

To date we have awarded 41 individual scholarships totaling $20,500 in training dollars.

This cycle we will be awarding 5 - $500 scholarships that can be used to cover:
🎟️ Registration fees
✈️ Travel
🏨 Hotel

WHO CAN APPLY?
This scholarship is for Search & Rescue K9 teams of any discipline.

Applicants must be a member in good standing with a search team and provide a supporting letter. Independent handlers may apply but must provide a letter from a deploying agency confirming their affiliation.

WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP COVER?
Training events that specifically address search skills and those prerequisite skills required to certify and deploy. Events may also include training that while not specifically search related, can have a profound impact on the proficiency of the handler and overall health, fitness, and success of the search dog. Examples include but are not limited to: first aid, fitness, and drive building.

DEADLINE (extended): June 30, 2022

Apply online at https://www.calvarycanine.org/scholarship/

06/13/2022

We've been busy training, teaching, learning!
Next up was an amazing Learn Lead Communicate workshop in North Carolina hosted by Canines for Service. The Fully Involved team got to get their on with this amazing crew of trainers. Truly an honor to be able to help them, help those who have served through animal training.