Spike's School Registration Form

Spike's School

Course Application
Introduction

Spike’s K9 Fund was founded in 2014 to provide active and retired working K9s with the care, equipment, and post-retirement support they need and deserve.

Spike’s School was created in response to the growing need for quality training without adding financial burdens to handlers or their departments. We believe every K9 handler should have access to the training necessary to perform their duties safely and effectively. Spike’s School provides top-notch instruction from experienced, nationally recognized trainers, improving communication between handler and K9, increasing workplace effectiveness, and promoting safer handling for everyone involved.

Spike’s K9 Fund was founded by James Hatch, a retired member of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and named in honor of his first working K9, “Spike,” who was killed in action in 2006. James served as a K9 handler on multiple combat deployments, relying on working dogs to keep his team alive. On the night James was wounded in 2009, a K9 named “Remco” saved his life while losing his own. James is now committed to preserving K9 lives with the same dedication that K9s have shown in protecting human lives.

This training is 100% funded by our donors who believe in and support our mission. We value your time and commitment to improving your skills, your K9’s skills, and the safety of your community. Thank you for taking the step to grow as a team.

We offer a variety of Spike’s School courses, including K9 Emergency Medical, Interactive Decoy, Tracking, Adaptive K9 Deployment Strategies, High-Risk Deployments, and more. Please choose ONE course below that best fits your current training needs.

PLEASE NOTE:
If you are applying for an audit position in a decoy course, you will not receive time in the bite suit. Audit positions are placed on a waiting list for decoy slots and notified if a spot becomes available. Auditors are welcome to bring their K9s to work with decoy students but must submit all required documentation.
I am interested in: (please select ONE option)*

K9 Emergency Medical Course SARK9 Emergency Medical Course LEOInteractive Decoy Course (bringing K9)Interactive Decoy Course (not bringing K9)Interactive Decoy Course Audit (bringing K9)Interactive Decoy Course Audit (not bringing K9)Tracking Course (bringing K9)Tracking Course Audit (not bringing K9)High Risk Deployments Course (K9/ SWAT team integration)High Risk Deployments Course Audit/SWAT Team MemberAdaptive K9 Deployment Strategies (live action, scenario based training for K9 handlers) (bringing K9)Adaptive K9 Deployment Strategies Audit (not bringing K9)K9 Decontamination (online course)Dynamic Detection (bringing K9)Dynamic Detection Audit (not bringing K9)Perimeter Containment for K9 TeamsEast Coast Disaster Course (USAR) [refundable deposit on Classy required]East Coast Disaster Course (Wilderness) [refundable deposit on Classy required]
Please select from a course we have scheduled (or choose the option to organize a course in your area)
Attention SAR Handlers:

If you are registering for the East Coast Disaster Course, please submit your deposit here. Your application will not be complete until your deposit has been submitted.

If you are registering for any CFTE-hosted courses (excluding the East Coast Disaster Course), please apply for sponsorship through the CFTE website here: https://thecfte.com/spikes-school-sar-application/

Use the link directly above to apply for the following courses:

Crime Scene: April 25-26, 2025
HRD Water Advanced: July 11-13, 2025
Advanced Distractions: September 5-6, 2025
HRD Land Advanced: September 7-8, 2025
Burn: October 25-26, 2025
Qualifications:
To be considered for Spike’s School, the applicant (and K9) must be an active and certified member of their department or organization.

Pack Run / Pack Hike
At Spike’s School, we believe in arriving prepared—together. This value, rooted in our Founder’s experience, ensures we honor the investment our supporters make in sponsoring your training while building camaraderie within our Spike’s Pack.

As part of your sponsorship, we will start the course with a Pack Run (LEO courses) or Pack Hike (SAR courses) alongside you and your K9. This 1-mile group run/hike, with your duty kit (or equivalent weight), demonstrates your commitment to the training you’re about to receive and the mission you serve daily.

Timing Goals:

Law Enforcement Handlers (Pack Run): 1 mile in 12 minutes or less
Search and Rescue Handlers (Pack Hike): 1 mile in 20 minutes or less

This will take place on the first morning of the course. A Spike’s team member will complete the Pack Run or Pack Hike with the students and their K9s, supporting you every step of the way.

If an applicant is unable to complete the Pack Run or Pack Hike within the set time, they will be responsible for Spike’s School fees of up to $425, which must be paid on the first morning of the workshop.
Handler Information

Fields with red asterisk must be completed
Handler's Name*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Email*
example@example.com
Department/Organization*
Role within the Department *
(ex. Handler, Supervisor, Medic, etc)
Handler's total time in K9*
Number of months/years decoying (handler) FOR DECOY SCHOOL ONLY
Number of months/years decoying (K9) FOR DECOY SCHOOL ONLY
Any muzzle fighting experience? (K9) FOR DECOY SCHOOL ONLY
Emergency Contact Person*

First NameLast Name
Emergency Person Phone Number*
Relationship to Emergency Contact Person*
K9 Details

*Must be completed for ALL courses. If applicant is attending as an audit or does not have an active, deployable K9, please continue to next section*
K9's Name
K9's Age
K9's Breed
K9's Bio
Please note any significant operational history.
K9's Role
(ex. patrol, explosives, narcotics, etc.)
K9's reward
(ex. ball, tug, treats, etc))
K9's years of experience in decoy training (only for decoy school)
Command Language
Certifying Organization
Country/Kennel the dog was purchased from?
Any history of, or current, injuries or limitations?
Additional Info
What are your goals, for you and your K9, during this course? Are there any specific training challenges or areas of improvement you’d like to focus on for you and your K9 during this course? Please be specific as it helps us tailor the course to the students/K9s needs*
Why should you be considered for Spike's School sponsorship?*
Please share what our donor’s investment in your K9 partner means to you:*
When something goes wrong in K9 training or during a K9 operation, who bears the responsibility for the performance break down? *
Required Documents

*These MUST be submitted for anyone attending a course that has a certified, deployable K9. If you do not have a working K9, continue to next section.
Copy of Current K9 Certification

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Copy of Current K9 Vaccinations

**Rabies and DHPP required** Disclaimer: While Leptospirosis (Lepto) is a core vaccine recognized by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), we understand that it is not required in all locations. Please be aware that when attending this course, some dogs may not have received this vaccine. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to consult with your veterinarian regarding the risks and any necessary precautions.
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Current photo of handler & K9 in uniform

Please submit a photo of your K9 without a vest (unless it is a K9 Storm vest)
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Release & Agreement
By signing below, I agree to the following;

I have read and understand the terms regarding Spike's School fitness test. If I do not pass the test, I will be personally responsible for the fees associated with the course, which will need to be paid on the first morning of the class.

If accepted into this course, I agree to participate 100% of the time during this training unless an injury has occurred and I have notified a Spike's team member. If at any time it is deemed that I am not participating by the instructor or a Spike's team member, I understand that they reserve the right to revoke my position and offer it to another attendee on the waiting list. If I wish not to participate, I agree to notify a Spike's team member immediately so they can offer the position to someone on the waiting list.

If I cannot attend, I agree to notify Spike's School Director before the course begins so that another student can fill my spot. If I fail to do so, I understand that I may be responsible for the fees associated with this course. If I do not notify Spike's School Director that I will not attend and do not show up to the course, I understand that I will not be eligible for future support from Spike's K9 Fund.

I am allowing Spike's K9 Fund to take and use photos & videos of our dog team during the course for promotional multimedia releases.

I agree I will not take the skills learned from this training and use them to make a profit. I understand the information the instructors pass along to make my partner and me a safer, more effective K9 team - not for my monetary gain.

I agree that if my K9 were given a vest by Spike's K9 Fund and its donors, I would bring it and have my K9 wear it for the course I am attending. I understand that if I show up to the course without the vest and the K9 does not wear it during the course; I will be responsible for training fees associated with the course.
Handler's Signature*

Clear
For questions about the course, contact casey@spikesk9fund.org

I hereby declare that the details furnished above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and I undertake to inform you of any changes therein, immediately.
Handler's Signature*

Clear
Date Signed*

MonthDayYear
Date
Should be Empty:

Spike's School

Handler Information

K9 Details

Additional Info

Required Documents

Release & Agreement