All Bed bug dogs are sold with an six day extensive training course. Course can be done at our location or yours.

Bed Bug dog handlers Course

Course introduction and goals

  Dogs

  Evolution of dogs

  Dog breed selections for scent detection

     A. Breed drives

     B. Breed characteristics

     C. Temperament & social ability

  Dog philosophy

  Handler selection and obligations 

  Bonding

  First six weeks

  Introduction to the new household

     A. Tie-down/crate training

     B. Boundaries

     C. Human/animal of the household do's and don'ts

   Handler replacement/retraining 

   Basic scent theory

   Dog's sense of smell

   Scent Discrimination 

   Terminology

   Scent association

   Primary rewards/secondary rewards

   Food vs toy drive

   Passive and aggressive alerts

   Odor recognition indicators

   Interpretation

   Detection Wheel

   Training aid

   Construction

   Uses 

   Scent Preparations

   Training Aids

       A. Preparing vials/bags

       B. Handling and storage of bed bugs

       C. Gloves vs tongs

       D. Contamination of training aids 

       E. Hide placement 

       F. Difficult search, easy find, easy search difficult find

   Search Strategies

   Preparing the dog to search

   Patterns

   Air currents

   Scent patterns and cones 

   Search techniques

    In the field

    Safety checks

    Obstacles 

    Distractions 

    Stamina 

    Record keeping

    Canine first aid

    Advanced Detection 

    Unusual search areas

    Indicating on castings/dead bugs

    False alerts 

    Shaping and improving indication skills

    Training for distractions

    Maintaining the drive

    Problem solving

    Evaluating the present performance of you and your dog 

    Obedience and agility training

    Equipment

    Heel

    Sit

    Down

    Come

    Wait

    On your side

    Hup

    Formal/informal training

    Health?Grooming

    Maintaining the training

    Testing vs training

    Distracters

    Challenging you and your dog

    Certification

    Written exam

    In the field practical search test

    Graduation/Certification