Current Seminars
Seminar Schedule for Summer 2023
Past Seminars
Canine Emergency & Trauma
This course will provide instruction on both human DOD TCCC and K9TCCC guidelines. This instruction will be provided by the co-author of K9TCCC using the MARCHE algorithm and using experience gained in a combat environment. Initial didactic training will be followed by scenario based/hands-on experiences. This course is intended for all first responders in need of advanced first-aid training, in particular the K9 handler team. The course is tailored to a working team concept. When necessary the MARCHE concept will be tailored to human care versus canine anatomy and care based on the scenario. The intent is that the canine team leaves the training confident they can save their partners lives in a tactical combat casualty care environment. This course is a fluid/integrative environment based on the attendee’s level of experience and knowledge.
Dr George Bio:
Dr. Clinton R. George, DVM
COL (Ret) U.S. Army
Diplomat American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine
Radiology Residency trained and board eligible Dr. George received a Bachelor of Science in 1996 from Utah State University and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army as an Infantry Officer serving in 19th Special Forces Group (A). In 2001 he graduated from Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2011, he became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. In 2018 he completed a Diagnostic Imaging Residency at University of Georgia and is board eligible in Radiology. He served at the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Hospital, Lackland AFB as the Chief of the Diagnostic Imaging Department and as The Medical Chief of Military Working Dog Procurement for DOD and TSA. In that capacity he screened and viewed thousands of radiographic images for working dogs and performed countless medical screenings. His previous assignments include19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 3d SFG (A), 64th Medical Detachment (VS) with duty at 10th SFG (A)/Special Operations Command Europe, 1st SFOD Delta, Residency University of Georgia, and the Dan Holland MWD Working Dog Hospital, Lackland AFB. He has deployed over 8.5 combined years to over 56 countries. During his previous assignments he worked with the State Department, Department of Interior, Justice Department, and Department of Homeland Security in various capacities. He also helped create canine medical programs for multiple International Military Organizations and private organizations. Based off his vast experience, he was the originating lead co-author of K9TCCC and the Canine Casualty Card. He taught thousands of medics during live role model training (for both humans and working dogs) and K9TCCC scenarios understanding exactly what the medic and handler needs are in order to treat an injured working dog at the point of injury. He is
published in peer reviewed journals in many of the working dog aspects. He is the father of 5 incredible kids and married to a very patient wife.
Hidden Compartments
This course will sharpen your skills and knowledge for current trends on hidden compartments. This seminar is part lecture and part practical.
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Sgt Dirk Hiltl
Special Operations Socorro ISD
Dirk currently serves as the Special Operations Sergeant with the Socorro Independent School District Police Department in El Paso Tx. He has been employed with the Police Department since March 2018. Dirk oversees the Canine unit, as well as the Traffic and SRT Units within the department. Dirk actively works a narcotics canine and is also an active member of the SRT Unit.
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Dirk started his law enforcement career in 1990. He worked for the El Paso County Sheriff's Department as a Detention Officer from March 1990 to March 1993. In April 1993, Dirk joined the El Paso Police Department. During his time with EPPD, Dirk worked as a Patrol Officer in downtown El Paso both in a vehicle and on foot patrol. During this time Dirk began to take an interest in working narcotics. In 2002 he transferred to the narcotics unit as a K-9 Officer. While working in the narcotics section he performed different tasks including executing search warrants, traffic stops, highway interdiction, as well as plainclothes operations. His last six years he was assigned to the HIDTA task force GRAB Unit. This unit specializes in drug interdiction focusing on ground rail and bus transportation. Dirk was awarded the TNOA Southwest Region Canine of the Year four times as well as winning TNOA Sate of Texas Canine of the Year twice. Dirk has extensive knowledge of hidden compartments having encountered hundreds of them during his sixteen years deploying his canines for the El Paso Police Department Narcotics Unit as well as numerous other local and Federal Agencies within El Paso TX
Muzzle Engagement & Scenarios
Enhance your dog's muzzle engagement skills through practical exercises and challenging scenarios. This course will work through problem solving preexisting issues and teaching and testing the dogs through challenging scenarios.
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Nicholas King
Owner and Head of Operations Von Der King Kennels (VDK)
Hall County GA Deputy Sheriff
Nicholas King is the Director of Operations and founder of Von Der King Kennels and Training – VDK. Nick overseas day to day operations to include - Training and Canine Development, Public Relations, OCONUS K9 Procurement, and VDK Detection Program.
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​ Nick has been training dogs since 2005 handling a Narcotics Detection K9 and two Explosives Detection K9s. VDK was originally located in Michigan where Nick ran an extremely successful training group consisting of teams from Ann Arbor Police Department, Eastern Michigan University Police, Milan Police Department, City of Flint Police Department and more. Under Nicks leadership, clientele of VDK has expanded to include TSA, CBP, DoD, ATF, along with numerous law enforcement agencies, and multimillion-dollar private security firms.
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​ Nick is also the club training director for a dog sport called French Ring. Under his guidance and decoy work, multiple dogs within the club are competing at the highest levels; with multiple Regional and Championship events, International Competition, and numerous dogs to compete internationally with thee “Team USA” designation. French Ring is notable for its complexity of bite targeting and control during aggression. Nick is an active competitor in French Ring, handling and titling 5 dogs within the sport – two of which are French Ring 3 competitors.
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Chris Tucker
Owner North Georgia K9
3/75 Ranger Battalion MPC Trainer
Effingham County GA Deputy Sheriff
Written Bio Pending