National Detector Dog Training Center

The USDA APHIS PPQ National Detector Dog Training Center (NDDTC) SkillBridge On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program provides transitioning service members with hands-on experience supporting detector dog training operations. The structured, sequential program guides participants through orientation, kennel operations, canine care, training room support, canine handling fundamentals, canine training, off-site training support, and a final capstone demonstration. Under the supervision of a Mentor and Training Specialist, participants develop practical skills in canine behavior, safety, operational readiness, training logistics, and search support while contributing directly to the mission of safeguarding U.S. agriculture.

The SkillBridge Detector Dog Training Support Trainee provides hands-on operational assistance across all core functions of the National Detector Dog Training Center. In this role, the trainee supports daily kennel operations by learning and performing canine feeding, medication administration, sanitation procedures, and daily health checks, following established welfare and safety protocols. The position also provides essential training room support, including orienting to room layout, locating and organizing equipment, maintaining inventories of target and non-target odors, and completing training material request processes. The trainee contributes directly to canine training activities by preparing target training aids and distracting odors, applying odor contamination prevention procedures, and receiving instruction in canine handling, obedience fundamentals, interpreting canine behavior, and conducting on-leash search operations in both known and blind scenarios. Off-site training responsibilities include assisting with safe canine kennel loading into vehicles, reviewing and preparing necessary equipment and supplies, conducting safety checks of training areas prior to canine use, and setting up and tearing down training sites followed by participation in after-action reviews. As the program culminates, the trainee organizes mock on-site and off-site training events, demonstrates proficiency in safely handling a detection canine during a blind search, and delivers a staff presentation on a process improvement or training topic, completing a final evaluation to validate readiness for operational canine training support.