Contact
New Bolton Center Kennett Square, PA
Emergencies & Appointments:
610-444-5800
Directions
Ryan Hospital Philadelphia, PA
Emergencies:
215-746-8911
Appointments:
215-746-8387
Directions
Photo of police officers and their K-9 dogs

Law Enforcement Training


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 have created an innovative positive reinforcement-based program. We are committed to partnering with your department to help you build and train an elite K9 Unit.

“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

About Our Law Enforcement K9 Program

Our comprehensive Law Enforcement K9 Program includes educational opportunities such as our Basic K9 Patrol Handler Course, Scent Detector School, and Train the Trainer Program. We also offer in-service training with customized curriculums to meet your department's needs. 

Our team conducts K9 evaluations to determine workability and assess behavior. We also offer injury assessment and rehabilitation with the Penn Vet Working Dog Center Performance Medicine program.

If your department is interested in purchasing a single or dual purpose dog from our program, you can view eligible dogs for sale.

Upcoming Events

  • Scent Detector School 2024: March 4, 2024 – May 10, 2024
  • Patrol School 2024: August 26, 2024 – November 15, 2024

Contact Us

To learn how our Law Enforcement K9 Program can support your department, contact us at wdcinfo@vet.upenn.edu or 215-898-2200.

Meet Bob Dougherty

Bob Dougherty and K9 partner Tango
Law Enforcement
Training 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 more than 31 years of law enforcement and K9 experience, "Doc" brings vital training skills to the program.