American K-9 Interdiction

Feb 2026

Is it worth it? Yes, certainly, it is worth it. From the moment you are introduced to your prospective dog selection, the process begins. You start forming a mental picture of the dog you believe you are choosing temperament, drive, potential, and partnership. That vision is quickly tested the first time you grab the leash of a high drive, overseas working K9 that is pulling in every direction. In that moment, the reality sets in.. this is not a finished product. It is raw capability. Over the course of 13 weeks, you witness and participate in a complete transformation. The untamed working dog becomes a disciplined, reliable detection partner. You grow alongside the dog, learning to channel drive, refine communication, and build precision. The culmination of that process when your dog delivers its final response on the last certification odor is both rewarding and validating. It represents the measurable outcome of weeks of structured pressure, repetition, and technical refinement. From an honest standpoint, the facility itself could benefit from modernization. The dormitories are outdated, and some training environments could be better maintained. Additionally, the progression of instruction can occasionally feel accelerated or nonlinear. However, like any specialized training course, the framework is only part of the equation. What ultimately determines the quality of a course is its instructors. I was fortunate to train under Kenny, who exemplifies what a high level instructor should be. His approach blends innovation, depth of knowledge, practical field application, and an intuitive understanding of both handler and dog development. He has a way of breaking down complex detection concepts while maintaining high expectations. His training style is dynamic, adaptable, and highly effective paired with the ability to keep things fun through humor and mentorship. His colleagues also demonstrated strong skill sets and operational experience. At no point did I feel uncomfortable training under any member of the instructional staff. The head instructor maintains a rigorous standard, which can feel demanding at times but that rigor ultimately sharpens both the handler and the dog. The scope of training is extensive and realistic. Building searches, Area searches, Vehicle searches, Luggage searches, Mobile searches, scenario based problem solving. Each phase builds operational confidence in real world application. By the end of the program, you leave not only with a certification, but with a fully trained detection K9 that performs reliably and confidently across varied environments. More importantly, you leave with the technical understanding required to maintain and advance that capability. AK9I is not a luxury experience. It is a working dog course. It demands effort, adaptability, and resilience. If you are serious about developing a capable detection team and are willing to embrace the process, it delivers. For those considering it, prepare to work, prepare to be challenged, and prepare to leave better than you arrived.

Jun 2025

As a graduate in 2024. I have since returned to recertification of my k9 as a team and from what that visit revealed was a better team of instructors and a great head instructor who takes his job seriously they since have made changes to adapt to real work scenarios I highly recommend this school for any veteran needing a new look of life or anyone needing the same upon graduation in 2024 i started working immediately and have work a lot of events to include the Super Bowl and the draft AK9I has give. Me a new passion of the K9 world I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. So go check them out. Things have changed for the better since 2024 iv seen first hand .

May 2025

Graduated April 11, 2025. I am a deputy and attended the 6 week dual purpose course. Our department doesn’t have a large budget and there are very few K9 schools out there that will take the G.I. Bill. I made my decision to come to AK9I based on reviews. So here’s my review. If you’re a veteran the first person to assist you will be Michelle and she is amazing. She’s extremely knowledgeable and will make the enrollment process easy. When you are about a month away from starting class the lead trainer, Stephane, will reach out and find out what exactly you and your department are looking for in your K9 partner. Stephane is a true professional with decades of experience, knowledge, and expertise. Just like any school the first few says are administrative and death by PowerPoint, but once you select your K9 be prepared to hit the ground running. Constant learning, training, scenarios, and bonding with your partner. It was the best six weeks I’ve ever had. Kenny is another amazing trainer. Kenny will teach you everything you need to know to be a successful K9 Team in the law enforcement world. Kenny applies real world scenarios, techniques, and strategies in his training and Kenny has the resume to back it. I left with not just a dog, but a loyal partner and friend. If you’re a law enforcement officer and have the option to use your G.I. Bill, or your department has the budget to send you, this is the school for you. My partner is a dope finding apprehension monster.