Family First K9

07/31/2025

A huge thank you to Monique Engemann and Lori Kobayashi for joining us for our live Q&A! We had a great time discussing all things scentwork and appreciate everyone who tuned in.

We’ll definitely be doing this again soon—so feel free to post your scentwork-related questions or join us live next time. We’re excited to keep the conversation going and share more insights with the community!

🎥 Missed it live? Watch the replay here:
Live with Restream – July 30
👉 https://youtube.com/live/FrjmrQ2i2Rg?feature=share

07/30/2025

When the suspect refuses to exit the vehicle, the K9 steps in to do what he does best 💥🐾These real-world scenarios help keep our teams sharp and prepared.

07/26/2025

Due to popular request, we’re exploring the possibility of hosting a 3-day Human Remains Detection Workshop!

We’re putting out feelers to see if there’s enough interest to make this happen. This workshop would cover imprinting, motivation, obedience to odor, search intensity, proofing off distractions, and real-world deployment scenarios.

Whether you’re just getting started in HRD or looking to fine-tune your current training, this would be a great opportunity to work with proven systems and proven results.

📍If you’re interested or would like more info, drop a comment below or send us a message!

Let’s see if we can bring this one to life

07/21/2025

9 week old Arko starting his detextion journey usng the K9Bsd open top food reward.

Here’s WHY it works

1. Builds Clear Odor Association
Dogs learn: odor = reward. Simple. Powerful.

2. Boosts Drive & Hunt
Delayed reward = anticipation = MORE effort.

3. Teaches Problem-Solving
They don’t just wait — they work for the win.

4. Odor Becomes the Trigger
Not the handler. Not the gear. JUST the odor.

5. Builds Frustration Tolerance
They learn to keep pushing — even under pressure.

6. Builds Confidence Early
Puppies figure it out on their own = clarity + courage.

♻️
7. Reproducible, Structured Learning
Same setup. Same rules. Reliable results.

⸻

Start your detection journey with purpose.
Train smart. Build drive. Create clarity.



ihttps://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT66DdfWq/

Check out ResoluteK9’s video.

07/15/2025

🚨 Looking for a safe, durable, and budget-friendly crate option? 🚨
Check out the new Dakota 283 Economy Series Crate — built tough, available in a variety of colors, and priced well below many of the high-end working dog crates on the market.

Perfect for trainers, handlers, and pet owners who want safety without breaking the bank.
📞 Call or message us today to learn more or place your order!

07/12/2025

At Familyfirstk9, we’re always striving to bring out the best in every dog—and that means continuing our own education too.

This past week, we had the opportunity to attend NePoPo® Gold School with Michael Lynch. NePoPo® is more than just a training system; it’s a powerful communication method that creates clarity, motivation, and reliability in the dog.

By combining classical and operant conditioning with precise timing and innovative problem-solving, NePoPo® teaches dogs how to be active, engaged participants in their own training. It’s not about pushing buttons—it’s about building a relationship where the dog wants to work and understands how to succeed.

We’re excited to continue integrating these principles into our programs to help dogs and handlers reach their full potential. Whether you’re training for sport, service, or family life, NePoPo® gives you the tools to communicate more clearly and train more effectively.

Let’s build dogs who are powerful, focused, and happy to work—because they understand the game.

07/01/2025

Wrapped up an awesome weekend working with detection teams from all over Pennsylvania! We dialed in performance, kicked off training with a new pup, and had some great conversations about the importance of maintenance work and the versatility of the system. Always grateful to see handlers so committed to growth and excellence!

06/19/2025

I want to take a minute to brag on a client and friend who has put in the work and deserves some recognition. Cheryl and Nick started training in ScentWork with us just a little over two years ago. Our first meeting was at an ASDR trial where she was feeling frustrated with her performance. I offered a little advice and encouragement—not knowing that quick pep talk would lead to an incredible journey.

Since then, Cheryl and Nick have attended multiple workshops with us, including one with the legendary Randy Hare. She’s grown tremendously as a handler and competitor. Not only is she actively competing in multiple ScentWork venues now, but she recently took her skills to the big stage—CPE Nationals at Level 3—where she crushed it with about a 95% Q rate and a 4th place finish!

Since Cheryl isn’t on social media, I wanted to take this opportunity to brag on her publicly. She’s a great example of what happens when you stay committed and trust the process.

Also, huge congratulations to our other students and workshop attendees who competed at CPE Nationals—you all represented well and we’re proud of every one of you!

06/13/2025

🐾 From Open to Buried: Building Confidence in AKC Scent Work 🐾

One of the most loved (and hated!) elements in AKC scent work is the buried hide. It can be a real challenge—but it doesn’t have to be!

By building on the foundation our dogs already know from open-top rewards, we introduce buried hides in a way that boosts confidence for both the dog and the handler. It's all about smart progression and solid teamwork.

Let’s take the mystery out of the buried element—one sniff at a time. 👃💪

In this video, we demonstrate how to introduce your dog to buried containers—an essential step in the BSD training system. This setup builds on foundational ...