NACA Field Services Series: Canine Behavior in the Field

Officers in the field are often faced with complicated and potentially dangerous situations. By understanding how to read and understand the language of canines, many situations can be avoided or mitigated prior to them becoming unsafe. The better the officer is at pairing the behavior of the animal with the most appropriate and least aversive tool, the safer the situation for the officer, the community and the animal. This foundational course first focuses on understanding what a dog may be communicating through facial expressions and body language, as well as how dogs may interpret our body language and tone of voice. Then the course covers decision making, situational awareness and de-escalation techniques. Finally, a series of videos allow the opportunity to evaluate real-life situations in the field. 

This course was authored by Fernando Diaz, CDBC, CSBS, CPDT-KA, FFCP, Behavior Center Academy Manager, San Diego Humane Society, Amanda Kowalski, M.S., CPDT-KA, CAWA, UW-AAB, Vice President of Animal Welfare, San Diego Humane Society, and Jerrica Owen, Executive Director, National Animal Care & Control Association. 

This course has been approved for CEs by the National Animal Care & Control Association and the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

This course has been approved for CEs toward ACO CE requirements per Ch. 829 of the Texas Health and Safety Code by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Maddie’s Fund® has read & adhered to standards & curriculum prescribed by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

If a participant wants to provide feedback on this courses and/or the sponsor, the participant can mail comments to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Training Course Coordinator, Zoonosis Control, MC 1956, P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas, 78714-9347 or email them to [email protected].