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.