Welcome to the USPCA K9 Training & Resources Hub

This page is dedicated to supporting police canine teams with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in the field. Whether you’re seeking advanced training techniques, insights into evolving case law, essential medical guidance, or practical resources to improve your team’s performance, you’ve come to the right place.

As a trusted leader in police canine training and certification, the USPCA is committed to providing current, reliable content to help handlers, trainers, and supervisors stay informed and prepared. Explore our curated articles, expert insights, and specialized resources designed to strengthen your partnership with your K9 and uphold the highest standards in public safety.

For visual learners, visit the USPCA YouTube Channel — your destination for professional K9 training videos, legal updates, and educational webinars that bring our mission to life.

General Information

Clarity in Police Canine Training by USPCA Best Practices Group - New

K-9 Training Principles for the Modern Operating Environment by Steve White

Training Beyond Certification by Training for Failure

Building Trust and Enhancing Communication by Don Slavik - New

McK9Academies - David Ferland

K9 Handler - Dog Bond - Author Unknown - New

Testing for a Proper Police Dog

Enhancing Police K9 Unit Effectiveness Through Supervisory Oversight and Strategic Policies - New

Preparing for the "Long Run"

The Learning Curve by Don Sterling

Optimizing K-9 Deployment Strategies: A Data-Driven Approach - New

What affects a K9 Team's success?

I am a Police Service Dog

Cooking Up A Great Training Session by Robin Greubel - New

The Start is the Most Difficult Part

Basic Police Working Dog Training Academy: Things That Should Be Considered Before Making Your Choice By Bubba Howell

Understanding the Capacity of Police Canines to Modify Their Behavior - New

Glossary of terms commonly used in police canine training, deployments, depositions, and courtroom situations. Updated

Navigating the Police K-9 Import Business by Steve Pearson

For Trainers: Advancing Your Problem-Solving Skills - New

Best Practices in Contemporary Canine Policing by Scott Sargent

The Role of Bug Dogs in Forensic Investigations by Susan M. Stejskal, PhD, DABT (retired)

Disruptive Consequences of Heavy Punishment - New

The smaller agency dilemma for use of force K-9s By Dr. David "Lou" Ferland

The manipulation of odor availability of training aids used in detection canine training

Law Enforcement Canine – Going Away or Staying? - It is Up to Us By John Kerwick

How the Natural Heating and Cooling of Air Effects Odor and Scent - New

Behavior Conditioning

Negative Punishment

Not Using Force in Police Dog Training

Body Language

Promoting Positive Training Methods

Tracking

Advanced Tracking

K9 Supervisors

You Are Now a K9 Supervisor, Not What? New

Fundraising

Successful Fundraising for K-9 Units: A Guide for Law Enforcement Agencies by David Ferland

Canine Health

2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and Companion Animals

Understanding Heat Injury

2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and Companion Animals

Canine Field DECON

Protecting the Law Enforcement Canine from the Opioid Epidemic by Dr. Paul McNamara DVM, DACVS

Pushing the Limits and K9 Fitness by Erica Boling

Handling Police Canine Medical Emergencies by Dr. Paul McNamara DVM, DACVS

Naloxone Reversal of Intravenous Fentanyl on Odor Detection in Working Dogs

Keeping an Eye on the Target: Maintaining a Mission Ready K9 by Erica Boling

CONTROLLED CHAOS Guidelines for Increasing Stamina & Endurance by Erica Boling

Keys to Canine Health by Dr. Paul McNamara DVM, DACVS

Ebola and the Law Enforcement Canine by Dr. Paul McNamara DVM, DACVS

Understanding Heat Injury

Rapid Response to Injury by Dr. Paul McNamara DVM, DACVS

Cyanide Toxicity and the Working Canine by Dr. Paul McNamara DVM, DACVS

Rethinking Heat Injury in Working Dogs

Canine influenza update by Dr. Paul McNamara DVM, DACVS

Understanding Heat Injury in the Operational Canine

Controlled Chaos: Guidelines for Increasing Stamina & Endurance by Erica Boling

Changing Graham Standard by Scott Sargent

Model Canine Police by Scott Sargent

Guidance on Policies and Practices for Patrol Canines

Model Administrative K9 Manual 1-2023 by Scott Sargent

Agency Liability Issues by Michael Kmiecik

A Guide to Effectively Presenting body-camera Evidence at Trial by Eugene Ramirez

Canton v. Harris: A Retrospective on Constitutionally Adequate Police Training by Eugene P. Ramirez & Lynn Carpenter

United States Police Canine Association’s Position On Patrol Canine Handler Core Competencies Framework

United States Police Canine Association YouTube Videos