Decoy and Bite Development
The course begins with a roundtable discussion on the psychology of bite work and its link to effective decoying. Handlers and dogs will then be evaluated to identify specific training needs. The rest of the course focuses on teaching bite work and decoying fundamentals, using tools like a bite table. Depending on each dog’s abilities, we’ll also work on drive capping and channeling. A final evaluation will provide feedback for continued training.
Decoy and bite development are vital for police and military canine units. This course assesses the needs of both decoys and working dogs to build essential skills. Individual evaluations will guide training to address any shortcomings, ensuring effective communication between decoys and canines.
Upcoming dates
Contact us if you are interested in hosting a training
The Trainers
Matt Foster is a 4-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and in his 9th year as a law enforcement officer. He is also the owner of Kingdom K-9 where he produces canine training equipment. Matt served as a Marine Corps IED detection K-9 handler deploying to Afghanistan during the global war on terror (GWOT). Transitioning into law enforcement, Matt worked as a dual-purpose SWAT and bomb dog handler and is still serving as a SWAT Operator, explosive breacher, and a trained K-9 Decoy.
Professional Canine Certifications:
NePoPo New Gold School Graduate
Arapahoe County, CO - 50 Hours (2024)
NePoPo New Silver School Graduate
NePoPo New Silver School of dog training Springfield, MO – 30 hours (2024)
Marathon K-9 Academy Basic Decoy Development Certification
Basic Decoy Development Certification Arapahoe County, CO 30 Hours (2024)
Johnsons K-9
K9 Dual Purpose, Detection and Patrol Training – 400 Hours
Basic Decoy Fundamentals (2021)
Phase 3 Canine Tracking School
Combat Tracking School – 60 hours (2021)
California Narcotics/Explosives Canine Association
CNCA Master Explosives Detection Certification – (2014)
K2 Solutions IDD Handlers School
IED Detection Handlers School – 200 hours (2012)
Ben Rader is a 21-year Veteran of the U.S. Army and the owner of Rader K9. Ben gained much of his operational experience conducting operations in the middle east during the Global War on Terror (GWOT) for a U.S. Army Special Forces Commander’s In-Extremis Force (CIF) Company, and later as a Multi-Purpose Canine Handler/Trainer. Afterwards, Ben served as the Kennel Master/Detachment Operations Sergeant for his Group. Ben is an extensively trained K-9 Decoy in both law enforcement and military K-9 applications.
Professional Canine Certifications:
Johnsons K-9 Trainers Course for Police
K-9 Dual Purpose, Detection and Patrol Training – 400 Hours (2020)Vohne Liche Kennels
Dual Purpose Tactical Deployment Canine Trainer's Course - 400 Hours (December 2017)
Dual Purpose Tactical Deployment Handler Course - 280 Hours (December 2013)Joint Special Operations Command
Multipurpose Canine Handlers Course (September 2015)
K2 Solutions
Train the Trainer Course: Odor Imprinting, Tracking, Patrol Aggression, Off Leash Handling, Buried Odor Detection and Route Clearance - 160 Hours (May 2014)
Franco Angelini
Police K-9 Behavior and Decoy Techniques – 40 Hour (August 2013)
James Stiltner is a POST-certified law enforcement officer with eight years of experience, including three as a certified K-9 handler in Colorado and Illinois. After working with a dual-purpose K9, he recognized the need for a tracking dog on patrol. James completed a 10-week tracking course at Cedar Creek Kennels, then returned a year later as a trainer, spending 12 weeks instructing and training dogs in tracking, apprehension, narcotics, and explosives.
Professional Canine Certifications:
Basic Patrol K-9 Academy
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office - 600 Hours (2022)Basic K-9 Handler’s Course
Cedar Creek Kennels, Illinois - 400 Hours (2023)
HITS (Handler Instruction and Training Seminar) Scottsdale, Arizona – 24 Hours (2023)
Canine Instructor Course
Cedar Creek Kennels, Illinois – 480 Hours (2024)
Photos from previous classes
