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GI BILL® FULL SERVICE K9 HANDLER TRAINING
The Full Service K9 Handler Course offered by Custom Canine Unlimited (CCU) allows U.S. Veterans to use their GI Bill® or other VA Education Benefits for tuition assistance. The course provides the training you need to become a certified Full Service Drug Dog Handler, Explosives & Tracking Dog Handler, or Explosives & Patrol Dog Handler.
COURSE OVERVIEW OF CCU K9 HANDLER TRAINING
The Full-Service K9 Handler Course combines classroom study and practical application and takes 240 hours over six weeks. Prospective certified dog handlers select a training path that best suits their career goals (see below) and attend the course with one of our trained dogs.
Each student may choose their path of study at registration in one of the following areas:
- Full-Service Drug K9 Handler
- Obedience
- Drug Detection
- Human Tracking
- Article Search
- Patrol
- Explosives and Tracking K9 Handler
- Obedience
- Explosives Detection
- Tracking
- Explosives and Patrol K9 Handler
- Obedience
- Explosives Detection
- Patrol
They were developed through the direct working dog experience of Custom Canine Unlimited training staff. This course allows students to reap the benefits of being prepared to deploy as a K9 handler from K9 trainers who have walked in their shoes. The staff’s experience combined with a proven curriculum taught at a 47-acre K9 training facility is among the key reasons Custom Canine Unlimited’s Full Service K9 Handler Course proves to reliably prepare each student for their career as a K9 Handler. Use your GI Bill® for K9 Training today and start your new career path.
*Final Approval of Enrollment in this course is based on the current availability of trained dogs.
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
Veteran Education Benefits Information
As a VA-approved facility, Custom Canine Unlimited helps you unlock your benefits and obtain certifications that help you achieve your goals. Details of our Full-Service K9 Handler Training that you will need are as follows:
*estimates based on Post 911 GI Bill® at 100%*restrictions may apply
Certification Credits Available by State
For your first session, we typically recommend owners bring a leash, a flat collar (no prong collars), and either treats or toys, depending on what motivates their dog. If your dog has specific dietary needs or training tools you’ve been using, let us know in advance so we can advise you. During your initial consultation with Custom Canine Unlimited, we’ll provide clear guidance on any additional requirements for your specific program to ensure you and your dog are fully prepared.
The length of our programs depends on your dog’s starting point and the goals you’d like to achieve. Foundational obedience programs may run for several weeks, while more advanced behavior modification or specialized training programs may require a longer, structured timeline. After evaluating your dog, we’ll outline a clear training plan and timeline so you know exactly what to expect and how we’ll work together to achieve your desired outcome.
Yes, we conduct professional evaluations to assess your dog’s behavior, temperament, and overall training needs. This allows us to recommend the most appropriate program and ensure we’re aligning with your goals. Our evaluations help us create a customized training plan designed to build reliability, confidence, and lasting results.
Enrollment timelines vary depending on program availability and your dog’s specific training goals. We recommend contacting our team as soon as possible so we can discuss your needs and determine the next available start date. In many cases, we can begin the evaluation process quickly and secure a spot in an upcoming program.
Yes, we offer private one-on-one training sessions at our Georgia location. Our personalized training allows us to focus specifically on your dog’s behavior, temperament, and your individual goals. Whether you’re looking to improve obedience, address behavioral concerns, or advance your dog’s skills, we tailor each session to ensure measurable progress and long-term results.
We welcome prospective clients to connect with our team. We understand that choosing the right training program is an important decision, and we’re happy to discuss your goals, explain our process, and help you feel confident about moving forward. Contact us directly to schedule a consultation or speak with one of our trainers about your dog’s needs.
We explored the possibility of enrolling in the CSP but ultimately decided against it due to certain requirements, such as the obligation to hire a specific number of participants. However, students can obtain Commander approval to attend our training during their last 180 days of service. We provide an enrollment letter to the commander when a soldier enrolls in our two-month program.
The length of the program will depend on the course you decide to attend. You can find available courses here
We do offer online training. However, if you plan on using Veteran Benefits, you must attend in person (VA Requirement).
Our approved facility for Veteran Benefits is located in Gainesville, GA. You will have to attend in person at this facility to use Veteran Benefits (VA Requirement)
No. Unfortunately, lodging costs are not included in tuition.
Yes, Custom Canine Unlimited partners with several third-party finance companies to provide financial assistance for various courses. Please contact us to learn about the latest financing options available to you.
INSTRUCTORS FOR THIS COURSE
Each of our handler courses was developed from direct working dog experience of Custom Canine Unlimited training staff. Trainees reap the benefits of being prepared to deploy as K9 handlers from K9 trainers who have walked in their shoes. Our staff’s experience, combined with a proven curriculum, reliably prepares students for their careers as confident K9 Handlers.
Why Veterans Choose K9 Dog Handler Courses From Custom Canine Unlimited
With a proven track record of training many veterans, you can rely on Custom Canine Unlimited to equip you with the theory and practical skills needed to excel. We provide thorough training during our dog handler courses so you leave our course fully trained.
Benefits of choosing CCU to earn your dog handling certificate include:
- Personalized training: We provide one-on-one skills development with each trainee by limiting the number in each course.
- Evidence-based programs: Our dog handler courses are devised using proven methods to enhance reliability and performance and reduce liability.
- Thorough practical evaluation: We use field exercises to simulate real-life scenarios to assess handler skills and address challenges.
K9 HANDLER COURSES APPROVED FOR VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS
TRAINER COURSE APPROVED FOR VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS
KENNEL MASTER COURSE APPROVED FOR VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS
Boost Your Career at CCU Dog Handler School With Your GI Bill®
Custom Canine Unlimited empowers veterans to reach their goals by providing the training they need to exceed expectations in their field of operation. Contact us to learn more, or register today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we offer multiple training tracks so you can choose a path that aligns with your career goals. Our program includes options such as drug detection, explosives detection, tracking, and patrol, allowing you to specialize in the discipline that best fits your intended role.
We design our course for motivated individuals who are ready for structured, professional training. While prior experience can be helpful, our program is suitable for candidates who are serious about entering the K9 field and developing the skills needed for real-world handling and deployment.
Our full-service handler training is delivered as an intensive program that typically runs over several weeks, combining hundreds of hours of instruction and practical training. At Custom Canine Unlimited, we structure this program to ensure you gain the repetitions and experience needed for real-world success.
Yes, we combine classroom instruction with hands-on, real-world application. Our training format is designed to ensure you not only understand the concepts but can also apply them in operational environments, building confidence and practical experience as a K9 handler.
