Spike's School/ATK9 Registration Form 2026

ATK9 Conference Sponsorship Application

October 5-9, 2026
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 be better, thus making a difference in the K9 community and YOUR community.

We have teamed up with ATK9 to offer sponsorship to a select few motivated, hard-working K9 teams to attend the 2026 ATK9 Conference. Apply through this application and, if chosen, the cost of your conference training will be covered by Spike's School.
List of courses being offered at 2026 ATK9 Conference
Brad Gillespie (Full Spectrum K9) – Train the Dog, Handler, & Team: Realistic Training Methodologies
Simon Prins (Animal Consultancy & Training) – Detection Team Problem Solving
Paul Ludwig (Irondog K9) – Adaptive K9 Deployment Strategies (2-Day Course)
Direct Action K9 – Tactical K9 Applications
Paul Bunker (Chiron K9) – Variable Reward Schedules in Training & Operational Searches
Joris Kerckhof (Belgium's Finest K9) – Lower Body Biting
CaniOps – Laser Targeting
Jerry Bradshaw (Tarheel K9) – Foundations of Muzzle Aggression (2-Day Course)
Chad Bishop (Police K9 Consultants) – K9 Command Post Operations
War Hogg Tactical – One Handed Pistol Shooting for the K9 Officer
Veterinary Tactical Group – Tactical Canine Casualty Care (TC3)
Josh Kirby (Kirby K9 / Storm Dog Tactical) – Bridging Detection Training with Building Search Deployments
Paul Bunker (Chiron K9) – Dynamic Detection Canine Problem Solving
Antonio "AROD" Rodriguez (ORO-K9 Services) – Tactical Obedience & Lethal Cover Integration (2-Day Course)
Nic Fontaine (Kilo III Consulting) – Gunfire Neutralization
Kevin Vicini (Friction Point Solutions) – Operational Apprehension Development
Bellator K9 Training – Team Movement with K9 (2-Day Course)
Bellator K9 Training – Environmental & Scenario Decoying
Robin Greubel (K9 Sensus Foundation) – Advanced Detection Hide Setting for Odor Theory
Clover Street IV (Marathon K9 Academy) – Decoy Development and Problem Solving
Björn Wunder (Burli K9) – Scenario-Based Training with Muzzle & Preparation of Complex Civilian Targets (2-Day Course)
War Hogg Tactical – CQB for the K9 Officer
Josh Kirby (Kirby K9) – Advanced Decoying
Ken Kelley – Problem Solving: Understanding the Science Behind Behavior & Applying It to Your Training for Maximum Results
Robin Greubel (K9 Sensus Foundation) – Let the Dog Work: Troubleshooting & Building Problem Solvers Through Hide Placement
Ian Austin (Veritas Kennels) – Leash Handling, Manipulation, & Communication for Patrol & Detection Dogs
Thom Sager – K9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care
Drew Dubnyk (Dubnyk K9) – Civil Engagements & Uniform Neutrality
Julie Case (Ultimate Canine LLC) – Detection 2.0: Precision Under Pressure
Ben Rader & Matt Foster – Bite Mechanics & Development
Ferenc Balla (Command Dog Center) – Protection Training: From Basics to Finished Working Dog
James O'Brien (NC K9, LLC) – Course TBD
Julie Case (Ultimate Canine LLC) – Conflict Free E-Collar
Ferenc Balla (Command Dog Center) – Civil Work
Todd Mona – Increasing Hunt Drive & Expanding the Building Search (2-Day Course)
Howard Young & Rich Hardin – Steps to Effective Engagement
Angel Landrau – Next Level Detection
Qualifications:

To be considered for sponsorship, the applicant (and K9) must be an active and certified member of a law enforcement department or organization and have a certified, deployable working K9.
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
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Department/Organization
Handler's total time in K9
Emergency Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Emergency Person Phone Number
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Relationship to Emergency Contact Person
K9 Details
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.)
Command Language
Certifying Organization
Country/Kennel the dog was purchased from?
Any history of, or current, injuries or limitations?
Additional Info
What do you and/or your K9 need to work on that pertains to this conference or specific classes that would help you be more effective on the job?
Why should you be considered for a sponsored spot at the 2024 ATK9 Conference?
When something goes wrong in K9 training or during a K9 operation, who bears the responsibility for the performance break down?
References

Please email a letter of recommendation to our Spike's School Director at casey@spikesk9fund.org
Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Required Documents
Copy of Current K9 Certification

Cancelof
Copy of Current K9 Vaccinations

Cancelof
Current photo of handler & K9 in uniform

Cancelof
Release & Agreement
I understand that by signing below I agree to allow Spike's K9 Fund to take and use photo & video of our dog team during the event for promotional multimedia releases.
Handler's Signature
Incomplete applications will be discarded without consideration.

If your K9 has been a beneficiary of a K9 Storm vest from Spike's K9 Fund, I agree to have my K9 wear the vest while training at the ATK9 Conference.

For questions about sponsorship, 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
Date Signed

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Should be Empty:

ATK9 Conference Sponsorship Application

List of courses being offered at 2026 ATK9 Conference

Handler Information

K9 Details

Additional Info

References

Required Documents

Release & Agreement