Frequently Asked Questions
Employment and Certification
Do you guarantee employment after successful completion of the course?
Do you guarantee employment after successful completion of the course?
AK9I provides the following to assist with job placement: A class on career development which includes possible career paths, advice for starting an LLC, access to a network of AK9I alumni’s, and contact information for companies with whom we have partnerships.
What kind of certification do I receive when I graduate?
You will be certified to the same standards as other nationally recognized third party independently verified standards. This includes DOD, NAPWADA, NNDA, etc.
Depending on the state, and the contract or job you are working, our certification is sufficient to satisfy the requirements needed to work with your K-9 partner.
Course Logistics and Requirements
How often do you hold classes?
Classes start the first Monday of every month. If the first Monday falls on a holiday, classes will begin the next day.
Is there anything such as criminal records, disability, age, or other class/ status that will prevent me from attending the course?
What is the process for enrolling in a K-9 course at AK9I?
Complete an enrollment agreement and send it to mhartman@ak9i.com
In addition, we will need a copy of your High School diploma or equivalent. If utilizing VA benefits, we will need a current copy of your Certificate of Eligibility.
Once the enrollment agreement has been submitted to Michelle Hartman, a member of our staff will contact you to conduct an informal phone interview.
Does AK9I provide any equipment?
AK9I provides all the training equipment required to pass the course. Students are not authorized to use any equipment not provided by or purchased from AK9I without prior written authorization from their instructor.
What is the arrival time?
Arrival for courses (if you’re staying in the dorms) is the Saturday or Sunday prior to the start of your class. Please be courteous to others if you arrive late.
What does a typical training day look like?
Training is conducted Monday thru Friday. The hours will vary based on the ambient temperature and the particular training evolutions being taught
AK9I observes all federal holidays. Should your course completion hours fall below 90%, you will be required to make up for those missed hours with additional training days.
A typical training day may consist of kennel care, odor work, obedience, agility training, tracking or bite work.
What time does class begin?
Class begins at 0900 at 4007 Burdette Rd., Carrsville, VA 23315
What is the recommended attire?
Most of this course is hands-on training. Appropriate dress includes closed-toed shoes, pants or cargo pants, shorts and a T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt. Revealing clothing is prohibited.
Accessories e.g., jewelry including rings and bracelets may distract the K-9. Piercings such as hoops, nose and eyebrow rings are prohibited during training because they are a safety hazard.
Dog Related Questions
Can I choose which breed of dog I want?
We cannot guarantee a specific breed. We typically use GSD, Mals, or Labs.
Are personal dogs allowed in the dorms?
NO DOGS ALLOWED AT THE DORMS.
Personal dogs must be housed at the kennel. You must provide a copy of their current vaccines to include DHLPP, Bordetella, & Rabies. You will also need to sign a liability waiver and complete a boarding application.
If you are bringing a personal dog, please email Ryan, at rgibbs@ak9i.com and inform her. You must arrive prior to 7pm as the kennels are closed and locked after that.
Do I Get to keep the dog I train with during the course? Is the dog provided as part of the course?
ALL students who successfully graduate from either the 8- or 13-week training program get to keep their dogs upon successful graduation AT NO ADDITIONAL COST.
Students do have the option of bringing and utilizing their own dog provided it passes our vetting process for hunt drive and environmental stability. If a student utilizes their own dog, they will not be issued a dog by AK9I. Students are not provided with a reduction in tuition cost if they utilize their own dog.
Accommodation and Amenities
Does AK9I provide housing for enrolled students?
Yes, housing is provided for AK9I students. The dormitories are located at our second facility, Zuni campus. There is a weekly $25 maintenance fee for all students staying at the dorms. Students are not required to stay in the dormitories while attending training courses and may reside off-campus at their own expense.
Is transportation during the course provided?
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the course from your home of record, as well as during the course. AK9I does not provide a shuttle from the dormitories to the kennels which is approximately ten miles in distance. AK9I does not provide transportation to/from the airport.
What are the accommodations like?
There is a common area with a TV, coffee table and sofas. We provide free satellite TV and Wi-Fi. There is a fully functioning kitchen. It includes a stove/oven, microwave, coffee maker, sink, counter space, pots/pans, multiple refrigerators and freezers, and a lot of pantry space for everyone.
We do not provide bedding (sheets & blankets), pillows, towels or wash cloths. Laundry facilities are on site in each dorm and are free of charge. However, you must provide your own detergent. There is no cafeteria at the dorms, students are responsible for preparing their own meals and purchasing their own groceries.
We charge a WEEKLY $25 dorm fee for the provision of general supplies, maintenance and cleaning.
Is there a restaurant/ grocery store nearby?
The nearest restaurants/grocery stores are located in the City of Franklin or the Town of Windsor, 15 minutes from the dorms.
Are guests allowed in the dorms?
Guests are not permitted at the dorms (unless approved by Paul Roushia or Nigel Rhodes) and under NO circumstances are they permitted to stay overnight.
Is there housecleaning in the dorms?
Can I receive mail during the course?
Yes. Mail should be sent to 4007 Burdette Rd., Carrsville, VA 23315 and addressed to you with the word student in parenthesis after your name. Do not have mail sent to the dorms as there is no one there to monitor the deliveries.
EX: John Doe (Student)
4007 Burdette Rd.
Carrsville, VA 23315
Am I allowed to bring my personal firearm?
Students may bring firearms; however, all firearms must be declared on a firearms declaration form and ALL firearms must be stored in the trunk of student vehicles. Firearms are strictly prohibited in the dormitories or on the person of the student while on AK9I property. The only exception is for sworn law enforcement personnel attending training at AK9I.