K9 Explosive Detection: A Manual for Trainers

K9 Explosive Detection is for detector dog trainers and police departments looking for alternative training ideas or for ways to set up their own course training standards. Ron Mistafa examines some of the major training systems in use by police departments across North America, and he offers a system that combines the most effective elements of each one.

This manual focuses on the how-to aspects of explosive detector dog (EDD) training. A gradual build-up of learning experiences and ongoing problem solving techniques produce more confident EDD teams. Ron also examines US and Canadian laws governing possession of explosive materials and devices, provides tips on working with other police specialty units, and explains how to involve non-police personnel at airports in EDD training.

Ron Mistafa is the former unit trainer of the Calgary Police Service Canine Unit, where he oversaw the training and certifying of all patrol dog handlers, drug detector dog handlers, and explosive detection dog handlers, along with the dogs themselves. Ron currently owns and operates Detector Dog Services International, which supplies trained narcotic, explosive, patrol, and landmine-detection dogs, as well as specialized military dogs, for conflict areas.