Beginner 2 / Intermediate 1 Human Remains Detection Seminar - Oct 2026

This class will be limited to 6 working spots ($350), 1 K9 per handler and 3 audit spots ($200). Prices increase after Oct 1st (5/1/26) by $100
PLEASE NOTE: All fees are non-refundable.
This class will be geared towards started Beginner & newer Intermediate Human Remains Detection K9 teams.
Dogs should:
Have started building a reward system
Be started & exposed to odor
Have a very basic association of search & reward
A solid alert is NOT needed
Be comfortable & confident training in new environments with new people and new dogs, not have fear or aggression towards people or dogs

We will focus on the fundamentals of the search to include:
Build a strong reward system
Expose them to a wide variety of source in various stages of decomp
Build search strategy
Proof off distractions & other odors
Build drive & engagement
Discuss scent theory, how odor moves
Treach & reinforce the Trained Final Response
Introduce them to a new scenario
Problem-solving
Dogs with aggression or reactivity towards other dogs or humans are not permitted, and may be asked to leave the seminar if any issues arise. They should be comfortable walking on lead, have basic obedience, focus & have a basic reward system, which could be play/tug, food or praise. Dogs will not be permitted to mark on source, and should wear a belly band or something similar if there is a possibility the dog will mark. Dogs MUST remain leashed at ALL times leaving the vehicle, while out of the vehicle, up to their turn to train or practice, no exceptions. The dog may work off leash when with the trainer when it is their turn, then be leashed again after the rotation as they return to the vehicle. No prongs or e-collars permitted, no exception.
Please be prepared to pick up after your dog in designated break areas.
You will need:
water for you and your dog
food/toy rewards
A pouch or container for your reward
equipment (leashes/collars)
the ability to keep your dog in your vehicle between running your dog
Comfortable, sturdy shoes & long pants
Hat and/or sunglasses
sunscreen
bug spray
snacks
outdoor/folding chair for classroom & debriefing
Notepad & pen
Wet weather attire (jacket, pants, etc)
Your K9 should be on fleat/tick/heartworm preventative
We will move quickly in between sessions, please be prepared to be "on deck" when it is your turn to run. We will be outside unless there is a lightning in the area. October in Florida is still warm & humid, please check the forecast before packing.
Trainer will be Amy Couts
Trainer Bio:
Amy Couts has been training working dogs for search, rescue & recovery for both local response & disaster response since 2014. She has trained & certified 5 K9s for live scent search, Human Remains Detection, and most recently, Electronic Storage Device Detection with India. Amy has achieved SARTECH 2/FUNSAR certification through NASAR multiple times and K9 certification through AMPWDA, NAPWDA and USPCA.
Amy has trained with an extensive list of teams, handlers, trainers & task forces across the country in an effort to learn the best techniques from the best trainers in a variety of environments.
For any questions regarding the seminar please contact Amy Couts with 421 K9 Rescue Recovery & Detection at [email protected] or (407) 504-7003