(757) 304-9600 ak9icontact@ak9i.edu 4007 Burdette Rd, Carrsville, VA
GI BILL® APPROVED • EST. 2001
Programs

Four programs, 5 to 12 weeks

Every course runs on our Carrsville, Virginia campus — the only nationally accredited K9 trade school in the country — Monday through Friday, starting the first Monday of each month. New trainers enter the field at an average of $50,000–$70,000 a year. On-campus housing is available for $70/week.

PROGRAM COMPARISON
Program Length Your dog You’ll learn Best for
Detection Course 5 weeks Bring your own or select from AK9I Odor recognition, search patterns, environmental exposure Beginners entering detection
Pre-Trained High-Threat / LE K9 6 weeks Pre-trained before you arrive High-threat operations, LE-style detection, handling a finished dog Security professionals & law enforcement
Mobile Detection + Tracking / 3PK9 Prep 8 weeks You train and finish the dog Mobile odor detection, tracking, TSA-regulated 3PK9 standards Future trainers, not just handlers
Professional K9 Career Development 12 weeks Advanced work with training dogs Detection theory, advanced methodology, deployment scenarios Experienced K9 professionals

TUITION & START DATES: CONTACT ADMISSIONS — (757) 304-9600. GI BILL® AND DOD SKILLBRIDGE OPTIONS AVAILABLE ON APPROVED PROGRAMS.

AK9I-D5 • Reinstated Program

5-Week Detection Course

5 WK

Focus: foundational detection training. This is the entry point to the detection field — no prior K9 experience required.

  • Learn basic odor recognition and how detection dogs communicate a find
  • Build reliable search patterns for rooms, vehicles, and open areas
  • Introduction to environmental exposure — new surfaces, noise, and distractions
DOG: Bring your own (subject to vetting) or select one from AK9I IDEAL FOR: Beginners entering the detection field SCHEDULE: Mon–Fri, starts first Monday monthly

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AK9I-H6 • Finished-Dog Program

6-Week Pre-Trained High-Threat / LE K9 Course

6 WK

Focus: advanced deployment with a pre-trained dog. Your K9 is trained before you arrive — the course builds you into the handler that dog deserves.

  • High-threat security operations and deployment decision-making
  • Law-enforcement-style detection work
  • Building handler confidence and a working bond with a finished dog
DOG: Pre-trained prior to student arrival IDEAL FOR: Security professionals, law enforcement, high-risk environments SCHEDULE: Mon–Fri, starts first Monday monthly

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AK9I-M8 • Trainer-Track Program

8-Week Mobile Detection + Tracking / 3PK9 Prep Course

8 WK

Focus: mobile odor detection and tracking fundamentals — for students who want to learn how to train detection dogs, not just handle them.

  • Train and finish detection dogs from the ground up
  • Prepare your team for TSA-regulated 3PK9 standards
  • Emphasis on odor recognition, mobile deployment, and tracking
DOG: You develop the dog through the course IDEAL FOR: Students who want to train detection dogs SCHEDULE: Mon–Fri, starts first Monday monthly

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AK9I-P12 • Advanced Program

12-Week Professional K9 Career Development Program

12 WK

Focus: advanced K9 education for individuals already working in the field who are ready to move from competent to expert.

  • Deep dive into detection theory and canine learning science
  • Advanced training methodologies across detection disciplines
  • Real-world deployment scenarios under instructor evaluation
  • Professional development for a long-term K9 career
DOG: Advanced work with training dogs IDEAL FOR: Students with prior K9 experience seeking mastery SCHEDULE: Mon–Fri, starts first Monday monthly

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ALL PROGRAMS: $100 NON-REFUNDABLE ADMINISTRATIVE FEE • ALL TRAINING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED • ON-CAMPUS HOUSING $70/WEEK • GRADUATES OF QUALIFYING PROGRAMS KEEP THEIR K9 AT NO ADDITIONAL COST

Not sure which course fits? Admissions will help you choose.

Talk to Admissions