Canines for Kids, Inc. is a three-step program. The first step involves starting a dog and working with it to refine its skills, until it has a solid foundation of tracking knowledge with which to work. In addition to training the dog, this is the period of time during which we learn each dog's unique body language, its personality, and its quirks.

The second step involves bringing in the officer who will be the dog's handler and teaching him or her how to accurately read their dog. In addition, the handler is taught how weather, wind, and physical features such as hills, ridges, and buildings can affect blown scent. Once they have a thorough understanding of these factors (factors a dog does not take into consideration when following a scent trail) they are able to help their dog stay on a track even under the most difficult circumstances. Handlers are also schooled in the proper handling of scent evidence. (Scent evidence is invisible and is often mishandled or destroyed because it cannot be seen.)

The third step involves follow-up. We want the handlers we train to know that we are always available to assist them in working through any difficulties they might encounter with their dogs on a track.

We use purebred dogs from reputable sources. We breed some of our dogs at our facility and we get others from a few select rescue organizations. We are pleased that we can take rescued dogs that have uncertain futures and give them jobs and purpose. Scooby with the New York City Police Department was a rescued dog. Mason with the Dracut, Massachusetts Police Department was rescued from Hurricane Katrina. These remarkable dogs are just two of the dogs that have come to us from rescues.

Some of our Bloodhounds and Labs come from Hound Ears Kennels in Albemarle, NC. (www.1-bloodhound-breeder.com)

We use and recommend Tri-Heart Plus monthly heartworm prevention by Schering-Plough Animal Health (www.triheartplus.com)

We use and recommend Hill's Science Diet. (www.hillspet.com)

Equipment

All of our dogs leave Canines for Kids, Inc. fully equipped. Their equipment includes a harness, collar, and leads of varying lengths. We also include a product called Tuf Pad that helps toughen and protect the dog's feet. Tuf Pad was created by a friend of ours and can be purchased at www.wholesalekennel.com.

One of the most important pieces of equipment that we give each handler is an STU-100. The STU-100 is a self-contained, portable device that allows handlers to collect scent from any surface or item. The scent is stored on a sterile gauze pad and is then used to scent the dog. To read more about the STU-100 click on the following link: www.scentmachine.com.