The AKC Detection Dog Task Force (DDTF) was pleased to welcome Jay Crafter of Invictus K9 in a recent discussion of his extraordinary work in training working dogs for conservation efforts in Africa.
Jay emphasizes training inexperienced handlers in the art of working with dogs while simultaneously building and creating a lasting bond between the team to carry out their strenuous and dangerous daily work.
Each dog in his program is trained in both detection and tracking. Jay employs four different components for a successful training program:
- Handler Selection: Integrity, willingness to learn and adapt, amenable to strenuous activity in hot desert conditions.
- Kennel Ecosystem: Strict training protocols, including daily record keeping with health and soundness checks. Research and collaboration with universities on the health and well being of the working dogs. Training debriefing by handler about their own work and the dogs work: “Three things I did right, three things the dog did right; three things I did wrong and three things the dog did wrong”; Encourages an environment of empathy and personal development – team building.
- K9 Procurement: Lean, athletic, non-aggressive dogs that possess the ability to track game or poaching suspects (scent discrimination) for hours if needed. Ability to enhance natural tracking characteristics by taking it further.
- Training Objectives:
- Corrective Training
- Maintenance Training
- Development training
The DDTF applauds and supports Jay’s tremendous conservation work with detection K9s and is excited to bring him back for “Robustness in Training – Part 2” on Thursday, January 5, 2023.
Please view this webinar “Robustness in Training” – A Discussion with Jay Crafter of Invictus K9 here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/910995289295416576
