Training & Certification FAQs
Canine Qualification FAQs:
How will I know if crisis response work is right for my dog?
It’s all about temperament…and training. Dogs by nature are sensitive to the feelings of people, but some find the intense emotions of people in crisis to be very distressing. They may also pick up on their handler’s stress. You need to have a deep partnership, where both ends of the leash are committed to the work. Explore you and your partner’s potential in our Get Started course!
How do Crisis Response Canines differ from therapy dogs?
Crisis response canines are unique in their ability to help work in the complex physical environments of disasters and to safely interact with people with intense emotions in the aftermath of crisis.
Working in the chaotic, unpredictable nature of crisis requires skills, temperament, stress management, and trauma-informed training quite different than those needed by therapy dogs in predictable surroundings. That said, with the proper training and the appropriate temperament, a therapy dog could be a candidate to become a crisis response canine.
On the other hand, some dogs find the intense emotions and behaviors of people in crisis to be extremely distressing. Survival instincts may prompt them to move away and avoid people…which in itself could be unintentionally harmful to someone experiencing trauma. For everyone’s safety, it’s critical that only certified crisis response canines and handlers be deployed to crisis incidents.
What breed of dog is the best for crisis response work?
There is no one breed of dog that is more appropriate. During our Get Started course, handlers will learn more about the work and whether their canine shows an interest and potential for the work.
How young can my dog be?
A canine must be at least 18 months old to formally enroll in our certification program. (They can be younger to enroll in the prerequisite, Get Started.) At 18 months, canines typically have the maturity, focus, impulse control, basic training, socialization and life experiences they need for this kind of work. There is no age limit and canines can work as long as they show interest and ability.
Can I prepare a puppy for this work?
Yes. You can provide a solid foundation for your canine by working with a local, positive, ethical trainer who will guide you through gentle socialization, low-key and varied positive community experiences, basic handling and public access skills, and learning how to understand the language of dogs. Here are a few tips:
- Always allow your young dog to gently learn at his or her own pace.
- Avoid exposure to ‘big scary things’ until you’re certain your dog has passed through their developmental fear stages (typically by 18 months).
- Learn more about what it takes to be a crisis response handler and canine team with NATIONAL's Get Started online course (which you can take without a canine).
Can my service dog transition to crisis work?
Yes. A service dog can be a candidate. Because crisis response work is so unique, the same training requirements for you and your canine apply. In addition, if you find (during the Get Started course) your dog doesn’t demonstrate a willingness to interact with strangers, we can talk about training with us as Strike Team Support with your service dog.
Can I train to be a crisis response canine team with someone else’s dog?
Yes. The same requirements apply. Additionally, you would need to be able to have daily contact with the canine. This is to allow you and your canine partner to spend time with each other on a daily basis for walks, grooming, play, training, exercise, and community experiences.
Professionally, our staff works with people in crisis. Can we train a dog to work with several staff members?
Yes. The same requirements apply — for each staff member.
After the canine has successfully certified with its first handler, and they demonstrate interest in working for another handler, the second handler will individually train and certify with them.
Note that canines must be a member of the handler’s household/life, live indoors and be cared for and loved by the handler and members of their family.
If you’re considering this option, we invite you to contact us to talk about what may work best for your situation.
Program & Curriculum FAQs:
How long does it take to train a certified crisis response canine?
Typically, our prerequisite program Get Started takes 1-3 months; Canis Minor™ mentorship curriculum and practicums, 6-9 months; certification practicums, 2-3 months. Competency Evaluation, 1-2 months approximately.
Time will vary depending on previous experience, existing involvement with community organizations, and the time you can commit to regular training. When needed, you may extend your training up to a maximum 18 months.
For more information, visit our training website:
Why train with NATIONAL when other programs offer certification in much less time?
At NATIONAL, you’ll get real-world training. We invest fully in our candidates through in-depth training, mentorship and practicums. You’ll participate in multi-agency response drills, disaster simulations and training exercises, along with community health and safety programs.
You’ll build knowledge of local resources, develop working relationships, and take an active role in partnering with your local state and community emergency response agencies. You’ll be fully prepared to safely and effectively respond to the next critical incident.
Can I apply for the Canis Minor™ mentorship without a canine?
Yes. Each of us have the skills, experience, compassion and heart of service to help those who are hurting. We invite you to contact us to talk with someone who'll help you see how your experience and skills can be used for the greater good.
I still have questions – who can I call?
We invite you to contact us with any question you may have.