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4. Upon approval, evaluators will conduct the test with minimal interference. Evaluators will
observe and document the canine for willingness to work, interest, accuracy and overall
behavior. Evaluators will observe and document the handler for ability to properly work and
interpret their canine, ability to perform a thorough search, as well as overall control of the
canine.
Certification:
1. After successfully passing a certification, the team will be issued a certificate which is valid
for one (1) year from the date of issue. This certification is only valid for the scent listed on
the certificate. The certification will not be valid for any other scent (insect related or
otherwise).
2. Certification applies to a K9/handler team. If the team separates at any point during the 1
year certification period (the handler leaves the company, the K9 retires, etc.), the team’s
certification becomes null and void. Neither the K9 nor the handler are considered certified
on an individual basis.
3. A certification does not relieve the canine team from obligation to perform and document
regular training and conducting of periodic assessments to maintain high levels of
proficiency.
Scoring:
1. All tests are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Both portions must be passed, during the same
evaluation, to obtain certification.
2. Room Search Pass Criteria: Two (2) of two (2) target odor vials found with one (1) false alert
allowed. A false alert on a distracter odor vial will result in disqualification. Alerts must be
within 24” of target, any alerts outside this general distance will be considered false.
Handler must verbally state the target odor location to the evaluator.
3. Item Search Pass Criteria: Two (2) of two (2) target odor vials must be identified with no
false alerts.
4. Fail: Once the handler states two (2) or more false (incorrect) alerts, the evaluation will be
considered a fail status. At the discretion of the evaluator, any mistreatment or overly harsh
corrections to canine will result in a fail.
5. In the event of a failure, the team may retest the following day or, if mutually agreed upon
by the evaluator and the handler, they can retest later the same day. After two failed
evaluations, a thirty (30) day non-certify period will be instituted to allow for training before
next attempt.
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Jan 1, 2018