TACDOGS CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Handler must have successfully completed 3-day TacDogs seminar.
Tacdogs certifications are valid for one year.
K9 teams must show proof of patrol certification from a nationally recognized organization; i.e. NPCA, NAPWADA, USPCA. A recognized state certification will be recognized. Please bring a copy of a certification that would be applicable.
All Tacdogs certifications will be observed by two Tacdogs certifiers.
Teams are scored on a pass or fail basis. If certifiers disagree on any exercise of the certification, the team will run that portion again.
All portions of the certification MUST be passed. If an exercise is failed, the certifiers may grant the team one opportunity to ‘re-run’ that exercise. Only two exercises may be granted a ‘re-run’ per certification. If a team fails the certification, it may be attempted again after a 24-hour period.
All portions of the certification will be completed off lead.
K9’s may use a fur savor, choke, leather, pinch or electric collar.
Electric collars must be turned off.
Handlers will be dressed in their full department issued tactical gear.
Weapons will be cleared by both certifiers prior to handler reporting with dog.
Foundational Obedience-(1st Discipline)
Communication Obedience-(2nd Discipline)
Foundational Tactical Obedience-(3rd Discipline)
The team will report in to certifiers. Dog will be placed at a sit or down position while introductions are made. Dog should not show aggression to the certifiers.
Heeling-
One heel command may be given for the start of the heeling and for any change of direction or speed. Light praise may be given after each exercise is complete.
Heeling pattern-
Team will heel 40 paces, left turn and heel 20 paces, left turn and heel 20 paces, left turn into 10 paces jogging, 10 paces slow walk, 10 paces normal speed, right turn 10 paces, stop, and sit. Exercise complete.
Sit or down in motion-
Team will heel 10-12 paces. Handler will give one command to sit or down. Handler will continue to walk 20 paces, turn and face the dog. Another command to sit or down may be given upon facing the dog. Handler will return to dog upon certifiers command. Exercise complete.
Down in motion-
Team will heel 10-12 paces. Handler will give one command to down. Handler will continue to walk 20 paces, turn and face the dog. Another command to down may be given upon facing the dog. Upon certifiers command, handler will recall the dog to a front or heel position. Exercise complete.
Tactical Obedience-
Handler will heel dog 10-12 paces, down the dog, take a kneeling position then a prone position. Upon certifiers direction, handler will crawl approximately 5 feet from dog and return. Dog should remain in a down position. Slight movement is acceptable. Handler may re-enforce the down upon all position changes. Exercise complete.
ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING: (4th Discipline)
Environmental-
Handler will choose to use the loading technique or shield lift to show attic insertion capabilities.
Shield lift-
Handler will place the dog in a down position on the shield. A minimum of 2 others shall place themselves on each side of the dog. The handler will remain at the dogs head and may have physical contact. On the handlers command, the shield will be lifted above the teams head. All attempts should be made to find an attic opening to deploy into. For certification purposes, above the head lift will be sufficient. Handler may give as many commands to down as needed. On certifier’s direction, shield will be lowered to the ground. Exercise complete.
Loading-
Handler and another person will demonstrate the ability to load the dog. Once the dog is placed upon the handlers back, the handler will climb a minimum of 5 steps up a ladder. The handler will use a spotter to assist in the climb. On the certifiers direction, the handler will come back down the ladder assisted by the spotter. Once on the ground, the dog will be unloaded with the assistance of the spotter. Exercise complete.
Gunfire-
For certification purposes, blank ammunition may be used.
Handler will heel dog 10-12 paces, draw weapon and fire two rounds while continuing to heel. Holster weapon. Handler will then down the dog go to a kneeling position draw and fire two rounds. Handler may use as many commands as needed to control the dog. Exercise complete.
Tactical Obedience- (6th Discipline)
Team Movement/Searching- (7th Discipline)
Room/Area Domination- (8th Discipline)
Engagement- (9th Discipline)
Tactical Officer Training- (5th Discipline)
Building for the above listed Disciplines must have a minimum of three rooms large enough to show the dogs stability during room domination. The handler must heel the dog past a minimum of two officers. Deploy the dog into a room. Once the dog has searched the room, the handler will recall the dog and move to the rear of the team. The team, including the handler, will dominate the room. The handler will deploy the dog into the second room in the same manner as the first. The handler will recall the dog, then deploy again. The handler will then down the dog in the room. The handler will then decide when the team will enter and dominate the room. The handler will deploy into the third room in the same manner as the first two. A decoy with a hidden sleeve will be inside the third room. The decoy will not be hidden. Upon engagement, the handler will decide when the team will enter the room. The handler will release the dog. A verbal release must be obeyed. Handler may give as many commands as necessary. The dog must release the bite within 20 seconds after the first release command is given. A re-bite will be a fail.
After handler has control of the dog, he will deploy the dog to engage the suspect again. Once the dog is engaged on the suspect, a team member, or certifier, will leash the dog, then conduct a lift off. The team member will then exit the room with the dog, leaving the handler inside the room and out of sight.