Forum: Need for National Standards for Search Dogs

Search Dog Forum 2005

2005 Search Dogs Forum

The National Center for the Study of Counter-Terrorism and CyberCrime at Norwich University (NC at NU) is hosting a three-day symposium to explore the need for and development of national standards for working canines (dog teams) in the areas of training, testing, certification, training maintenance, documentation, and re-certification.

Join us for workshops, presentations, and discussions led by nationally recognized experts in search dog research, canine/team training and certified programs.

Please review the Agenda and Panels/Breakouts sections for the latest information on speakers, their panels, and the breakouts.

Dates:
Monday – Wednesday, June 6-8, 2005
Sunday, June 5, registration and social.
Early registration date extended to May 13th.

Location:
Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont 05663

Program Highlights:

Learn about existing certified programs such as FEMA’s Urban Search & Rescue, DHS’s Canine Enforcement Program (Customs & Border Patrol), and others
Hear about existing programs and businesses that train, test, and certify canines
Hear about legal and court trial issues
Hear about the national standards process and participate in discussions on the development of canine program standards
Network with peers and colleagues from related programs and areas of interest
Be in on the ground floor of a developing national effort to improve search dog performance and program credibility

Government canine program representatives (US&R, ATF, CBP, and others)
Public sector canine training and certification programs (Federal, State, County, etc.)
Private sector canine training and certification businesses
Law enforcement personnel and trial lawyers
Canine research program leaders

Please click here for a draft agenda.

Please click here for information on panels and breakouts.

Caveat:
To keep the scope of this effort manageable, this forum will be limited to olfactory canine search programs, not inclusive of Police/K9, Guard/Sentry, Herding, Seeing Eye, Companion, or similar dog programs.

Cost:
The registration Fee is $200 before May 13^th and $250 May 13^th and after. Due to space, forum attendance is limited to 150.

The Registration Fee includes all meals during the event: An opening social on Sunday evening, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Monday and Tuesday, and Breakfast on Wednesday, as well as morning and afternoon snack breaks.
Accommodations are not included in this fee. Please see click here for Housing Information.

Weather:
Vermont’s weather at the beginning of June is pleasant, but may not yet be short-sleeve shirt warm. The average temperatures range between 50-70 degrees during the day and 40-60 degrees during the night. Sorry, though, due to the phase of the moon, there won’t be very much “Moonlight in Vermont!”

Before you leave home, check the local weather forecast at: www.northfieldvt.com

Attire:
Please dress comfortably in casual attire. Considering weather fluctuations, we recommend you bring a light sweater, and raincoat or umbrella. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking about the campus, as there is no campus transportation. Event buildings, dining, dorms, and parking are all within a ¼ mile radius.

Forum events will take place in Crawford Hall (Milano Ballroom) and the Math-Science Complex. Make sure you visit our memorable Kreitzberg Library! Also check out the Norwich University Military Museum.

Other Interesting Links:
www.NCatNU.org
www.norwich.edu and
http://grad.norwich.edu/

We appreciate your interest in this important discussion on national standards for search dogs.

Larry A. Porter
National Center at Norwich University
lporter@norwich.edu

Contact Information:
Jane Bryant, forum registrar
802-485-2833
FAX 802-485-2752
jbryant@norwich.edu

Questions? Comments?