Lesson 1Pre-shift environment scan: weather forecast, terrain conditions, scheduled site activities, and temporary hazardsThis section explains how to conduct a structured pre-shift environment scan, reviewing weather, terrain, site activities, and temporary hazards to adapt tactics, equipment, and work-rest cycles for safe, effective K9 deployment across Canadian climates.
Reviewing weather, heat, cold, and humidity risksAssessing terrain, footing, and elevation changesIdentifying site traffic, machinery, and noiseLocating chemical, biological, and sharp hazardsPlanning shade, water points, and rest locationsAdjusting work duration and intensity to conditionsLesson 2Behavioral baseline checks: responsiveness, stress signals, and readiness-to-work indicatorsThis section teaches how to establish and monitor a behavioral baseline, assessing responsiveness, arousal, stress signals, and readiness-to-work indicators so handlers can distinguish normal quirks from early signs of distress or performance risk in working dogs.
Defining each dog’s normal behavior profileAssessing responsiveness to handler cuesRecognizing early and subtle stress indicatorsIdentifying over-arousal and under-arousal statesScreening for pain-related behavior changesDeciding go or no-go for operational deploymentLesson 3Documentation and logs: shift health log, equipment maintenance records, vaccination and vet contact infoThis section covers accurate health and equipment documentation, including daily shift health logs, equipment maintenance records, vaccination status, and veterinary contacts, supporting continuity of care, legal defensibility, and operational accountability in Canada.
Completing daily K9 shift health log entriesRecording injuries, medications, and restrictionsTracking equipment inspections and repairsMaintaining vaccination and parasite control recordsStoring vet contact and emergency clinic detailsData security, backups, and record retention rulesLesson 4Daily canine health inspection: gait, respiration, mucous membranes, hydration, temperature indicators, and paw/coat conditionThis section explains how to perform a structured daily health inspection, reading gait, breathing, mucous membranes, hydration, temperature cues, and skin, paw, and coat condition to detect early illness or injury before operational deployment in field conditions.
Observing gait, posture, and movement symmetryAssessing respiration rate, effort, and soundsChecking mucous membranes and capillary refillEvaluating hydration and subtle dehydration signsInspecting paws, pads, nails, and interdigital areasReviewing coat, skin, and body temperature cuesLesson 5Equipment checks: harnesses, leads, line length, collars, muzzles, bite suits, tracking line, first-aid kit, and replacement partsThis section focuses on systematic checks of canine operational gear, including harnesses, leads, collars, muzzles, bite suits, tracking lines, first-aid kits, and spare parts, ensuring equipment is safe, functional, and mission-appropriate for security tasks.
Inspecting harness stitching, buckles, and fitChecking leads, lines, and hardware for wearEvaluating collars, ID tags, and quick-release useFitting and testing muzzles for safety and comfortReviewing bite suits and hidden sleeve integrityStocking and checking K9 first-aid kits and sparesLesson 6Vehicle and transport checks: secure crates, ventilation, climate control, tie-downs, and emergency extraction proceduresThis section covers vehicle and transport safety, including crate security, ventilation, climate control, tie-down systems, loading procedures, and emergency extraction plans to protect the dog during routine travel and critical incidents in Canadian weather.
Inspecting crates, doors, and latching mechanismsEnsuring ventilation and airflow in all seasonsManaging vehicle climate and heat injury risksUsing tie-downs and load securing methodsSafe loading, unloading, and leash controlPracticing emergency extraction and evacuationLesson 7Personal protective equipment for handler: gloves, boots, light sources, radio, spare batteries and reflective wearThis section details handler personal protective equipment, including gloves, boots, lighting, radios, spare power, and reflective garments, explaining selection, fit, maintenance, and how PPE reduces risk without compromising K9 handling ability in operations.
Selecting task-appropriate gloves and hand PPEChoosing boots for traction, support, and hazardsUsing headlamps, flashlights, and backup lightsRadio setup, checks, and communication protocolsManaging spare batteries and power banksHigh-visibility and reflective clothing standards
