The AKC Detection Dog Task Force (DDTF) is pleased to introduce a new video that shares AKC’s continued efforts in addressing the shortage of domestically bred, -raised and -trained explosives detection dogs in the United States. 

The video highlights interviews from terrorism experts, law enforcement officials, academia, and current AKC DDTF Patriotic Puppy Program (PPP) participants. It features training footage of puppies as young as 8 weeks old to year-old green detection dogs that have since gone on to careers as working detection dogs.  “The Patriotic Puppy Program allows us to give something back to the country that we love, being able to give back is important to us”, state current PPP participants Teal and Jim Knapp of California.   

The video was filmed as part of the 2022 AKC National Detection Dog Conference and the Patriotic Puppy Program regional hands-on North Carolina training seminar in July 2023. 

“The AKC DDTF and PPP play an important role in addressing the shortage of detection dogs”, says Sheila Goffe, AKC VP, Government Relations. “The programs not only educate and empower breeders to produce the high-quality detection dogs needed, but they also educate the public and lawmakers who play a key role in creating more opportunities for U.S. - bred dogs to help protect U.S. safety and security.”    

Please feel free to share this educational video: AKC Programs Educate and Empower Detection Dog Breeders.