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K9 TrainingWinterset, Iowa

Working K9 Training

We train all types of working K9s and conduct working K9 seminars nationwide.

Call 515-462-4301
Scent detection training terrain

Scent Detection K9s

Instruction in scent work across a range of environments, including training for search and rescue dogs, search and recovery dogs, and other canines requiring scent detection capabilities.

Scent detection K9 training on rail cars Scent detection K9 handler in the field
Service and trauma-response K9 in training harness

Service Dogs & Trauma-Response K9s

Developing service and trauma-response canines designed to assist individuals or law enforcement departments who require working K9s.

In memory of Dozer, CGC, TKI, and TKA

ESAs, Companion & Therapy Dogs

Training emotional support animals to function as steady, reliable companion dogs for their handlers.

Seminars & Instruction

Beyond hands-on training at Kawa Farms, Jenn teaches multi-day seminars and workshops nationwide covering Trained Final Response (TFR); HRD (Human Remains Detection) at the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, including HRD Water — shoreline and boat work — from Beginner through Advanced; SAR Live Find, covering both area search and scent-specific area search dogs, from Beginner through Advanced; SARTOPO mapping (in-person and online); Advanced Scenario Courses; Team Deployment Operations; Team Level Operational Assessments; Service Dog Training; Off-Leash Direction and Control; Reinforcement Systems for Working Dogs; and Technology for SAR Teams.

Selected seminars:

  • Trained Final Response Foundations & Troubleshooting — Kawa Farms, 2020
  • AERIE SARAware Ground Searcher Training — Kawa Farms, 2021
  • Functional Obedience & Reinforcement Systems — 2021 & 2022 (with Crystal Wing)
  • Technology for SAR Teams — Kawa Farms, 2022
  • K9Sensus @ MUTC — 2022 (with Brad Dennis and Lisa Higgins)
  • HRD Dog – Forensic Scenarios (Advanced) — with Brad Dennis
  • Team Level Operational Assessments — with Brad Dennis
  • HRD Water Work, Beginner through Advanced — both independently and alongside other instructors, including for CSAR (Canine Search and Recovery)
  • To name a few

Jenn's full certifications and training background — including her AERIE, NNCDS, KPA-CTP, IAABC, APDT, PPG, AKC, and NASAR credentials, her membership on the Academy Standards Board's Dogs and Sensors Consensus Body, her role as current VP of CSAR and former CSAR board member, plus her military deployment experience — are detailed on the About Us page.

Working K9s in Action

A look at search and rescue training, water work, and public-access training with our dogs.

Black lab posed on the KSTF K9 training sign
Dog retrieving a ball off a log in the water
Golden dog training with a firefighter in gear
Bloodhound close-up portrait
Dog on the bow of a boat during a river search
Dog jumping off a boat into the water
Dog clearing a hurdle in the training yard
Dog working a rubble pile during search training
Dog working through a large pipe during confined-space search training
Handler and dog working a rubble pile together
Yellow lab sitting alert in the grass yard
Golden dog and handler doing public-access training in a store aisle
Black dog running full stride through a hay field
Puppy on a cart during public-access training in a store
Dog jumping into a muddy pond
Puppy sitting on leash in a store aisle
Dog alert on the bow of an inflatable boat
Dog and handler working calmly in a public mall space
Handler and dog on an agility confidence rig
Dog swimming

Nationwide Seminars

For more information on training or to schedule a seminar, please call the office.

515-462-4301 Online Courses & Webinars