Course Description

Demand for certified, reliable K9 handlers continues to rise, with Law Enforcement agencies seeking to reduce liability and improve operational outcomes. Custom Canine Unlimited’s (CCU) Tracking Dog Handler Course is designed exclusively for Law Enforcement professionals seeking to master the art of K9 tracking. Utilizing industry-leading Police K9 tracking methods, this course focuses on creating highly reliable tracking teams equipped to handle real-world challenges with confidence and precision.

Elevate Your K9 Tracking Skills with Unmatched Training for Law Enforcement Professionals

Dog tracking classes from CCU combine theory, practical exercises and rigorous testing to fully prepare K9 teams. Throughout this immersive course, participants will master the methods for training and tracking across varied terrains and environments.

During the course, participants:

• Master the science of the scent picture and how to leverage it effectively during missions.
• Gain hands-on experience in tracking suspects or missing persons in complex scenarios such as urban or hard-surface tracks.
• Acquire the theoretical knowledge critical for courtroom-defensible deployments that will lead to successful convictions.

NOTE: Being an existing member of a K9 Unit is not a prerequisite for this course. If you want to take a handler course, we can provide a dog for you to use during the course, or you have the option of purchasing one of our trained dogs. In addition to our in-person Law Enforcement K9 training programs, we also offer online K9 courses.

Why Choose Custom Canine Unlimited?

As a leading police K9 tracking school, Custom Canine Unlimited offers experienced instructors, proven protocols and a track record of producing operationally ready K9 teams. We have earned a global reputation for training some of the most reliable tracking dogs and handlers in Law Enforcement. Our proven methods, elite curriculum and dedicated team of industry experts equip course participants with the down-the-leash knowledge required to lead K9 tracking operations.

When you complete our Tracking Dog Handler Course, you’ll join an elite group of handlers who are prepared for any challenging situation they may face. Become part of a program that equips you with unparalleled skills, trains some of the best K9s in the world, and sets the standard for tracking excellence in Law Enforcement.

Get the training you need to succeed in the field. Enroll in Custom Canine Unlimited’s Tracking Dog Handler Course today and take your expertise to the next level.

Course Details

Our Tracking Dog Handler Course is 120 hours and takes place over three weeks. In addition to practical skills training, this intensive program provides handlers with a holistic overview of all aspects of successful tracking operations, including the theoretical and legal aspects of this specialized field.

Our Tracking Dog Handler Course includes:

• Subject matter experts: Receive training from certified full-service instructors with real-world experience.
• Full support: Benefit from personal attention throughout the canine tracking training course.
• Equipment: Bring your enthusiasm and commitment to learn, and we’ll provide all the equipment needed to grow your tracking dog handler skills.
• Housing: Remain focused throughout your course with convenient lodging included in the tuition.
• National certification: Join the select group of certified K9 handlers and watch your career grow.

Law Enforcement personnel trained by Custom Canine Unlimited receive the highest level of training and support, resulting in confident K9 teams that are assets to their agencies.

What Makes Our Dog Tracking Training Stand Out?

When you enroll in dog tracking classes at CCU, you receive:

• Comprehensive and proven tracking methods: Learn from Custom Canine Unlimited’s innovative and reliable techniques, which train tracking dogs to use every component of a scent picture — human odor, reinforcing scents and ecological odor — to achieve unmatched accuracy.
• A focus on handler safety and proactive training: Our program emphasizes handler safety while preparing you to actively track and guide your K9 partner rather than just following. You’ll gain the knowledge and hands-on expertise to lead in high-pressure situations.
• Elite standards with the “Reliability Program”: Every tracking dog and handler undergoes rigorous training. Our proprietary “Reliability Program” ensures that each team meets the highest standards in scent detection and tracking performance.
• Real-world preparation: Prepare for diverse and challenging environments, including urban and hard-surface tracking scenarios. Our curriculum mirrors operational demands, equipping you with immediately applicable skills for the field.
• An intensive training philosophy: Our high-impact training minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency, providing non-stop scenarios and exercises that ensure you and your K9 partner are “road-ready” by the end of the course.

What You’ll Learn

This immersive course combines theory, practical exercises, and rigorous testing to fully prepare K9 teams:

• Master the methods for training and tracking across varied terrains and environments.

• Understand the science of the scent picture and how to leverage it effectively during missions.

• Gain experience in tracking suspects or missing persons  in complex scenarios such as urban or hard-surface tracks.

Subjects Covered

Custom Canine Unlimited provides the practical skills and scientific knowledge necessary to help you excel as a K9 tracking handler. We have trained dog handlers from over 250 agencies worldwide and continue building on our outstanding reputation for excellence. From fulfilling canine daily care requirements to facilitating tracking operations in stressful environments, our dog scent tracking training provides handlers with a solid foundation of skills to tackle high-stakes real-world scenarios confidently.

Subjects covered during the Tracking Dog Handler Course include:

• KENNEL MAINTENANCE

• NUTRITION

• GROOMING

• FIRST AID

• MAINTENANCE TRAINING

• TARGET ODOR

• TRAINING AIDS

• DEPLOYMENT APPLICATION

• LEGALS

• SCENARIO BASED TRAINING

• NETWORK TRAINING

• PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS

• WRITTEN TESTS

• NATIONAL K9 CERTIFICATION

Available For This Course

*Restrictions May Apply

Available Credit

Custom Canine Unlimited is a recognized K9 certification training industry leader, offering VA-approved, GI Bill®-eligible handler courses focusing on real-world deployment and legal compliance. Our curriculum is recognized by leading state Law Enforcement standards organizations for continuing education credit, including:

• Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.)

• South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (S.C.C.J.A.)

• Illinois Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.)

• Other States Upon Request…

• All
• Tracking Dog Handler Course FAQ

Is Lodging Included in the 2026 Tuition?Mia Simpson2026-05-18T08:09:39-04:00

Is Lodging Included in the 2026 Tuition?

Yes, lodging is included in all 2026 tuition.

How Long is the Tracking Dog Handler Course?Mia Simpson2026-08-11T01:03:43-04:00

How Long is the Tracking Dog Handler Course?

Tracking dog handler training is 120 hours over three weeks.

I’m a Police Officer and Would Like to Become a K9 Handler. Are There Any Classes for Me Since I’m Not Yet Part of the K9 Unit?AJ Vargas2026-02-21T07:27:45-05:00

I’m a Police Officer and Would Like to Become a K9 Handler. Are There Any Classes for Me Since I’m Not Yet Part of the K9 Unit?

Being part of a K9 Unit is not a prerequisite course requirement. If you want to take a handler course, we can provide a dog for you to use during the course, or you can purchase one of our trained dogs to keep. That is up to you. We provide online courses as well as in-person training programs. Contact us for specific help.