Western Carolina University Cadaver Dog Training

Western Carolina University Cadaver Dog Training The WCU Cadaver Dog Training Program strives to offer a premier training experience through a combination of field exercises and classroom presentations.

Our Cadaver Dog Training Workshops are held on the campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina. The workshops are offered in cooperation with the Forensic Osteology Research Station and the Emergency and Disaster Management Program at WCU. These land-based workshops allow participants to work search areas including grassy fields, mountainous terrain, urban environments, buildings, and vehicles. Participan

ts will have the opportunity to work a wide range of source materials; including the ability to expose their dogs to full body decomposition in the Forensic Osteology Research Station (FOREST). Lead Human Remains Detection K9 Coach: Dr. Lisa Briggs M.P.A.; M.S.; Ph.D. - Active K9 handler/trainer, Criminologist, Director Emergency and Disaster Management Program, Director WCU HRD K9 Program, NCMEC TAC, SBI HRD Task Force, Department of Homeland Security Reunification Team, etc. Lead Instructor:
Edwin Grant - Active K9 handler/trainer, Retired Game Warden, NCMEC TAC, SBI HRD Task Force, Department of Homeland Security Reunification Team, Necrosearch, Kenyon International member, etc.

Water recovery is a complex and critical component of missing persons and victim recovery operations. Effective work in ...
06/03/2026

Water recovery is a complex and critical component of missing persons and victim recovery operations. Effective work in aquatic environments requires specialized training, technical understanding of scent behavior, and disciplined K9 handling under challenging conditions.

Two courses are being offered to support both foundational development and advanced operational readiness:
Level 1: Water Recovery HRD K9 Training
August 7–9, 2026
Focused on building core capabilities, including aquatic scent theory, recovery strategies, and hands-on training across lakes, rivers, and creeks.

Advanced (Level 2): Scenario-Based Water Recovery
October 2–4, 2026
Designed for experienced teams, this course emphasizes realistic deployment scenarios using real human remains, with a focus on independent K9 performance, watercraft operations, and handler evaluation.

Training across both courses includes classroom instruction, field exercises in varied aquatic environments, and exposure to real-world recovery scenarios.

Enrollment is limited to maintain safety and training quality. The advanced course requires prior water recovery experience or equivalent.

Insure your spot today: https://www.wcu.edu/engage/professional-enrichment/profdev/cadaver-dog-training/index.aspx

We are honored to offer a specialized Burned Human Remains Detection (HRD) Canine Training Course focused on advancing o...
03/17/2026

We are honored to offer a specialized Burned Human Remains Detection (HRD) Canine Training Course focused on advancing operational readiness in complex post-fire and mass-casualty environments.

This advanced training opportunity is designed exclusively for law enforcement, fire services, and formal emergency response personnel working with HRD canines. Instruction emphasizes accuracy, ethical deployment, and respect for the deceased throughout all training scenarios.

The cost to attend this course is $525 per team.
Due to the sensitive and advanced nature of this training, official agency credentials will be required at the time of registration.

For additional details please see hrddog.wcu.edu

Address

Cullowhee, NC
28723

Opening Hours

Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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