Law Enforcement Training

A Better Approach

Our Law Enforcement K9 Training Program provides local, state and federal agencies with individualized training to create high-performing K9 teams.

With more than 75 years combined of K9 and law enforcement experience we offer an innovative positive reinforcement-based program and are are committed to partnering with your department.

“We have five K9s from the PVWDC that are trained in detection and patrol, and we have an in-house trainer who completed their Train the Trainer program, bringing the PVWDC expertise in-house to our K9 Unit. Our K9s and their handlers are prepared to face daily real life challenges thanks to PVWDC’s training and support.”

John P. Slavin
Chief of Police, Cheltenham Township Police Department

Our Law Enforcement K9 Program

Our comprehensive Law Enforcement K9 Program offers a variety of educational opportunities.

Basic K9 Handler Patrol School
Scent Detector School
Speciality Tracking & Evidence Search Course
Train the Trainer Program

We also offer in-service training with customized curriculum to meet your department’s needs, as well as workability and behavior assessments.

Our veterinary team also provides injury assessment and rehabilitation through Ryan Veterinary Hospital Sports & Performance Medicine Services.

If your department is interested in purchasing a single or dual purpose K9 from our program, contact Bob Dougherty at rodou@vet.upenn.edu.

Upcoming Training

Programs	Dates
Scent Detector School 2025	Mar. 3, 2025 – May 9, 2025
Patrol School 2025	Aug. 25, 2025 – Nov. 14, 2025
Tracking & Evidence Search	Offered as requested.
Train the Trainer	In conjunction with Scent Detector and Patrol School. By application only.

Meet Bob Dougherty

Law Enforcement Program Director

Retired Cheltenham Township Police Officer Robert “Doc” Dougherty is an integral member of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center as law enforcement canine coordinator. With over 30 years of law enforcement and K9 experience, “Doc” brings vital training skills to the program.