Question: What is the U.S. Department of States Canine Validation Center?

David December 18, 2018 4 Comments

Question: What is the U.S. Department of States Canine Validation Center? Answer: The Canine Validation Center is a U.S. Department of State contract with a 3rd party Canine Company that conducts all of the certifications for Explosives Detection Dogs assigned to the WPS II program task orders at various high threat U.S. Embassy locations around the world. :

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How do you know if a dog will make a good Detection Dog Candidate?

David November 2, 2018 1 Comment

Question: How do you know if a dog will make a good Detection Dog Candidate? Answer: While there are no 100% guarantees, the tools for screening canines for their chosen application have existed for years. One only has to speak with the excellent Police K-9, Detection Dog, Nosework, KNPV, IPO, and other bite-work Trainers across the country to learn that there are specific evaluations that provide an indication how well a canine will perform throughout its lifespan whether it be search, sport or show. For further information and an in-depth Detection Dog Candidate screening tool click here: https://k9-trader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Brownell-Marsolais-dog_sreening.pdf

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What is the average market price for a Green or Untrained Detection Dog Candidate in the United States?

David October 26, 2018 No Comments

Question: What is the average market price for a Green or Untrained Detection Dog Candidate in the United States? Answer: Factors such as breed, country purchased in, as well as other factors can impact the costs. But a current market “average price” would be approx. $4,500-$6,500 for a Green or Untrained Detection Dog Candidate in the United States?  

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What is the average market price for a Dual Purpose Dog in the United States?

David October 25, 2018 No Comments

Question: What is the average market price for a Dual Purpose Police Dog in the United States? Answer: Factors such as breed, country purchased in, level of training as well as other factors can impact the costs. But a current market “average price” would be approx. $12,500-$13,500 for a Dual Purpose Police Dog purchased in the United States.  

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What is the average market price for a Single Purpose Explosives Detection Dog in the United States?

David October 24, 2018 No Comments

Question: What is the current average market price for a Single Purpose Explosives Detection Dog in the United States? Answer: Factors such as breed, country purchased in, level of training as well as other factors can impact the costs. But a current market “average price” would be approx. $8,500-$10,500 for a Single Purpose Explosives Detection Dog purchased in the United States.        

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What breed of dogs are typically used as a Police K9

David October 22, 2018 No Comments

Question: What breed of dogs are typically used as a Police Patrol K9 Answer: Some of the most widely used breeds for a Police Patrol Canine are: Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd, German Shepherd. For further information on Police K9’s:  https://nationalpolicedogfoundation.org/faqs/  

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What breed of dogs are typically used for Explosives Detection?

David October 22, 2018 No Comments

Question: What breed of dogs are typically used for Explosives Detection? Answer: From April 13, 2018 article by Penny Leigh: Dogs in Demand for Explosives Detection Work in U.S. “But the breeds in greater demand for public detection work are sporting dogs, including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers, and Vizslas. These breeds are less intimidating to the public, and their incredible hunting instinct is easily transferred to searching for explosives. Sporting dogs are popular in America, with Labradors ranked as the number one breed registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), but the U.S. government has imported them from Europe, along with the traditional patrol-type breeds like GSDs. Due to growing terrorism threats and consequent demand for working dogs within Europe and around the world, there is now a shortage of foreign dogs available to protect the U.S.” For further information:  https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/dogs-in-demand-explosives-detection-us/

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What is the TSA Third-Party Canine-Cargo Screening Program?

David October 21, 2018 No Comments

Question:What is the TSA Third-Party Canine-Cargo Screening Program? Answer: TSA created the Third-Party Canine-Cargo (3PK9-C) Program, under TSA’s regulations for Certified Cargo Screening Programs (CSSP), see 49 CFR part 1549, to provide an efficient and effective method for screening air cargo to TSA’s standards. Under this program, third-party canine teams trained in explosives detection can be certified by a non-governmental entity, acting under the approval of TSA, as meeting TSA’s certification standards. Certified 3PK9-C teams can be deployed to screen air cargo for aircraft operators, foreign air carriers, and other TSA-regulated parties operating under a TSA-approved or accepted security program.

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What is “nerve strength” in a dog?

David October 20, 2018 No Comments

Question: What is “nerve strength” in a dog? Answer: Nerve strength refers to a canine’s ability to deal with or adapt to stress-producing environmental stimuli. The nerve strength of a canine is partly determined through it’s breeding and heredity and partly through it’s exposure and socialization to a variety of environments and stimuli across their lifetime. It is important that Detection Dog Candidates have the nerve strength to adapt to a variety of tactile, aural, visual and olfactory stimuli.  

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What is “Drive” in a canine?

David October 19, 2018 No Comments

Question: What is “Drive” in a canine? Answer:  For the purposes of this article, a drive is defined as an innate impulse that prompts a canine to action (e.g., retrieve, play). Canine literature is replete with numerous theories on what behaviors or actions are outward manifestations of a drive and how many “drives” exist in a canine. Nonetheless, there is agreement that canine drives are innate and are essential to a canine’s survival. There is also agreement that there are differences to the quantity and quality of drives in and between canines. That is, canines are not equal with regard to the amount of drive they have. For example, some canines have a very pronounced “prey” drive while others do not. Canines with little or weak “prey” drive will not be successful in the sporting and working fields (e.g., Schutzhund, police service, SAR); they may make excellent family pets and companions, however.

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