Detection Course
Start from zero. Basic odor recognition, search patterns, and environmental exposure — with your own dog or one you select from AK9I.
The Only Nationally Accredited K9 Trade School in the Country
Get paid to work dogs. New K9 trainers average $50K–$70K a year.
Train in as little as 5 weeks on a real working-dog campus in Carrsville, Virginia — at the only nationally accredited K9 trade school in the country, with instructors from military and law enforcement K9 programs. Veteran-owned. GI Bill® approved. Classes start the first Monday of every month.
Video: 60–90 second intro — leadership welcome + training footage
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Only Nationally Accredited K9 Trade School
GI Bill® Approved
Veteran-Owned Since 2001
Keep Your K9 Partner
$50–70K
Average starting salary for new K9 trainers*
5–12 wks
From first day to career-ready — not years
25 yrs
Training K9 teams on the same Virginia campus
1 of 1
The only nationally accredited K9 trade school in the country
*Industry average for entry-level K9 trainers. AK9I does not guarantee employment or income upon graduation.
Programs
Pick the course that fits your goal
High-Threat / LE K9 Course
Deploy with a finished dog. High-threat security operations, law-enforcement-style detection, and handler confidence for high-risk environments.
Mobile Detection + Tracking / 3PK9 Prep
Learn to train and finish detection dogs, not just handle them — and prepare your team for TSA-regulated 3PK9 standards.
Professional K9 Career Development
For handlers already in the field: detection theory, advanced training methodologies, and real-world deployment scenarios.
Why AK9I
A school, not a seminar
The Only One
AK9I is the only nationally accredited K9 trade school in the country — ACCET-accredited, GI Bill® approved, with certification meeting DOD, NAPWADA, and NNDA standards.
25 Years In
Training working dogs and handlers on the same Virginia campus since 2001.
Veteran-Owned
Service-disabled veteran-owned, with instructors from military and LE K9 units.
Keep Your Dog
Graduates of qualifying programs keep their K9 partner at no additional cost.
Graduates
Students who did it
All the instructors here are amazing and friendly, with decades of knowledge behind their belts.Zack Haglund — Graduate
Not only did I get to pick my own K9 partner for life, but I was also shown how to train.Francisco Perez — Graduate
The trainers were knowledgeable and created a non-stressful, friendly learning environment.Howard Glaberson — Graduate
Your Instructors
Trainers who still work dogs
Headshot: Matt
Lead Instructor
Matt
Leads day-to-day instruction across detection, tracking, and scenario work.
Headshot: Tim Baird
Program Director
Tim Baird
Oversees program standards and operations across every AK9I course.
Headshot: James Overton
Director of Field Operations
James Overton
Builds the real-world deployment scenarios students train in.
Next Steps
How enrollment works
Request info
Use the form above. Admissions sends dates, tuition, and financing details within one business day.
Phone interview
A short, informal call to match you with the right program and answer your questions.
Start training
Classes begin the first Monday of each month. On-campus housing is available.
Follow the Training