2025 Joint Symposium for Working K9s: Workshops

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 10
• Price: $90

Abstract:
Heat exhaustion is a hazard for working and sporting dogs. After exercise, a dog's temperature can increase to dangerous levels. In this workshop, we will address different cooling methods, when to use them and how to train dogs to participate in their own active cooling.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 4
• Price: $90

Abstract:
This workshop offers a comprehensive approach to preparing puppies and adolescent dogs for law enforcement careers, focusing on patience and avoiding conflict. Designed for handlers with young puppies or adolescent dogs, the workshop covers detection and apprehension work, emphasizing what puppies are capable of at different stages. We’ll explore how the Penn Vet method has evolved, highlighting successful training strategies while addressing challenges and troubleshooting dogs with unclear career paths. Attendees will learn to reduce conflict through reward-based methods, promoting confidence building in dogs and strengthening the handler-dog bond. The workshop will emphasize the remarkable abilities of puppies, showing how, with the right development, they can achieve more than we often expect.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 20
• Price: $50

Abstract:
Heat exhaustion is a hazard for working and sporting dogs. After exercise, a dog's temperature can increase to dangerous levels. In this workshop, we will address different cooling methods, when to use them and how to train dogs to participate in their own active cooling.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 30
• Price: $50

Abstract:
This workshop offers a comprehensive approach to preparing puppies and adolescent dogs for law enforcement careers, focusing on patience and avoiding conflict. Designed for handlers with young puppies or adolescent dogs, the workshop covers detection and apprehension work, emphasizing what puppies are capable of at different stages. We’ll explore how the Penn Vet method has evolved, highlighting successful training strategies while addressing challenges and troubleshooting dogs with unclear career paths. Attendees will learn to reduce conflict through reward-based methods, promoting confidence building in dogs and strengthening the handler-dog bond. The workshop will emphasize the remarkable abilities of puppies, showing how, with the right development, they can achieve more than we often expect.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 30
• Price: $50

Abstract:
Canine firearm detection relies on highly trained dogs capable of identifying odors emitted by firearms and related components. Odor analysis is central to the process, as dogs are trained to recognize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by firearms, gunpowder, oils, and other associated materials. However, to date, there is very limited research on understanding VOCs being emitted from the different firearm componentry. Research investigating this type of odor emission will be covered to depict chemical odor profiles that can help guide training methods. The workshop will also include details of training using various methodologies that can enable canines to locate weapons in diverse environments. Topics include ensuring consistency and accuracy in identifying firearm-related odors introducing specific odors related to firearms, such as metal residues (casings), full weapon componentry, and firearm accessories (magazines). Training in various locations, under different conditions, to simulate real-world environments will be discussed for optimal performance.