In an online event last night, the American Kennel Club Detection Dog Task Force introduced new Patriotic Puppy Program Manager Stacey West to a broad audience of dog trainers, breeders, detection industry experts and future puppy raisers. 

The webinar, AKC’s Patriotic Puppy Program: Program Updates and a Conversation with Stacey West,  emphasized new initiatives in phase two of the AKC Patriotic Puppy Program.

The AKC Patriotic Puppy Program is an initiative of the AKC Detection Dog Task Force, which is working to address the shortage of domestically bred, -raised and -trained explosives detection dogs in the United States.  

Under West’s leadership, the Patriotic Puppy pilot program will be working with individual breeders, trainers and puppy raisers to help them master the raising, training and preparation of puppies for a future as potential detection dogs.

“We have a real opportunity to positively impact the supply of quality American-bred canines for detection work due to the number of breeders, trainers and puppy raisers that have expressed an interest in participating in the Patriotic Puppy Program’s Phase, ” West said.

“AKC is extremely happy to have Stacey West leading this program and we’re excited about the opportunity to demonstrate that American breeders can provide a suitable and reliable source of ‘green’ dogs ready for advanced training as detection dogs,” said Sheila Goffe, AKC Vice President Government Relations. “This program will establish a path for individuals to continue to successfully breed and raise high-quality public service and working dogs, even after they’ve completed this program.”

A recording of the webinar is now available through the AKC Canine College. https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/7573144032789302274