Spike's School

Introduction

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

Spike's School was created when there was a growing need for access to quality training without the burden of cost to the handler or department. We believe every K9 handler should have access to the training necessary to perform safely on the job. The goal of our Spike’s School is to educate and improve communication between handler and K9 through top-notch training from exceptional and recognized trainers across the country. Quality training results in increased effectiveness in the workplace and safer handling, protecting everyone involved.

Spike’s K9 Fund was founded by James Hatch, a retired member of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and named after his first working K9 “Spike” who was killed in action in 2006. James was a K9 handler on multiple combat deployments.  He and his team regularly relied on the K9’s to preserve their lives. On the night James was wounded in 2009, a K9 named “Remco” saved his life while losing his own. Now James is committed to preserving K9 lives in the same dedicated way that the K9’s preserved human lives.

This training will be 100% funded by our donors who believe in and support our mission. We want to ensure everyone’s time is valued. Thank you in advance for your commitment to being better, thus making a difference in the K9 community and YOUR community. 

We offer a variety of courses with our Spike's School Campaign, including BARK (Basic Aid for Responder K9s), Professional Decoy, Tracking, "Back to the Basics" K9 Fundamental/Problem Solving, and K9 and Tactical Team Integration. Please choose ONE course below that BEST fits your current need.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are applying for an audit position at a decoy course, you will not get time in the bite suit. You will be added to a decoy waiting list and notified if someone backs out of a decoy spot. Audits are welcome to bring their dogs to work on the decoy students but must submit all necessary documents. 

Qualifications: 

To be considered for Spike’s School, the applicant (and K9) must be an active and certified member of their department or organization.

   
* MUST READ - Spike’s Fitness Test 

Arrive prepared. This was a theme in our Founder’s former line of work that remains with us today. We believe it is important to be prepared for the job at hand. As a requirement for each course sponsorship, we are asking every applicant, with their K9 on lead, to complete a 1-mile run while wearing duty kit (or something similar in weight i.e. ruck sack, backpack, etc), in 12 minutes or less.  Each applicant will be tested the first morning of the workshop before the course begins.

If unable to pass the fitness test, the applicant is responsible for Spike’s School fees of up to $425, which will need to be paid the first morning of the workshop.

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 for any reason, I agree to notify the Spike's School Director immediately, 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. 

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 that the information the instructors pass along is to make my partner and me a better and safer K9 team - not for my monetary gain. 

 I agree that if my K9 was given a vest by Spike's K9 Fund and its donors, I will 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, and I will be responsible for training fees associated with the course. 

*If accepted - come prepared with any equiptment needed for you or your working K9 (including, but not limited to, a muzzle).

 *Incomplete applications will be discarded without consideration.

For questions about the course, contact jenn@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.