Detection Instructor Coaching

Professional Training & Business Development for Detection Instructors

Starts: March 2026

Teaching Detection well is more than copying a training plan. It requires structure, judgement, and the ability to adapt your teaching to real dogs and real clients.  

The On Target K9 Detection Instructor Coaching Programme is a 6-month, application-only professional programme designed to support aspiring and current trainers who want to teach Detection in sport and pet dog contexts, using a step-by-step food-based system, and to develop a sustainable Detection offer within their business.  

This is not a general dog training course. It's a structured professional programme focused specifically on teaching Detection.  

Note: The training approach used in this programme is food-based. In some cases, and at later stages, dogs may transition to toy rewards where appropriate. This is treated as a progression within the same system, not as a separate method. 

This programme is for you if you

  • Want to teach Detection in a pet or sport context 
  • Are new to Detection and want a structured, step-by-step system  
  • Are already teaching Detection and want to learn and apply what I teach 
  • Want a system you can use and teach reliably with different dogs and handlers  
  • Are building, or plan to build, a sustainable Detection offer and want support with the business side of teaching 
  • Value depth, feedback, and professional development over quick fixes

No prior experience is required. What matters is your willingness to learn, apply, reflect, and commit to the process.

Who it's not for

This programme is not for you if you

  • Are looking to train your own dog only, rather than teach others 
  • Are looking for play-based motivation systems (these are taught elsewhere in my programmes) 
  • Want a short course or certification without going through the training 
  • Are not willing to learn and apply a defined system before adapting it 
  • Are not in a position to commit time to training, teaching, and reflection over 6 months

From a programme graduate

It was a journey of constant growth and knowledge for myself as a dog trainer and a business owner. Already after first part of program (3 months) I’ve started to teach my first clients with support from Astrid. We managed to get by lots of different scenarios in dog detection training. This program is ideal for people who are looking for something tailored to their needs.

Michał Lech
Peak K9

Areas of development over 6 months

  • Train Detection dogs using a step-by-step progression 
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot common Detection training problems 
  • Teach Detection in a way clients can understand and apply 
  • Plan Detection classes, courses, or workshops 
  • Build or refine a Detection offer that fits your business 
  • Understand the reasoning behind your training and teaching decisions

The exact outcomes will vary between participants. Progress is shaped by your experience, goals, and the consistency with which you apply the work between coaching sessions.

Programme structure

This is a 6-month programme with limited places. Coaching is delivered consistently throughout the programme period.

Coaching format

This is a primarily 1:1 coaching programme, designed to support your individual development as a Detection instructor.

Each month includes:

  • 1 × private 1:1 coaching call (60 minutes)
    Focused on your training decisions, teaching challenges, and business development. 
  • 1 × small-group call (90 minutes)
    Available each month for shared problem-solving, discussion of real teaching scenarios, and broader professional context. 
  • Unlimited video submissions
    Training and teaching footage reviewed with written feedback. Written Q&A support. You can submit written questions alongside your videos or independently and receive clear, considered written responses.

All coaching is delivered online.

What we’ll work on

The focus of the programme is flexible. Depending on your background, experience, and goals, we may work on all of the areas below or only some of them. Priorities are agreed together in your first session and reviewed as the programme progresses.

1. The training method

  • Search development and indication training 
  • Progressive Detection exercises 
  • When and how to progress training 
  • Common foundational issues and how to avoid them

2. Your teaching

  • Working through teaching questions and challenges as they arise 
  • Reviewing client-facing scenarios 
  • Making decisions about progression, pacing, and structure when teaching

3. Business development

  • Introducing Detection training into your business 
  • Planning paid Detection offerings such as classes, courses, or workshops 
  • Attracting and retaining Detection clients

What's included

This programme has a clearly defined scope to ensure depth, clarity, and consistency:

  • Detection training using a food-based system 
  • Later-stage transition to toy reward where appropriate, as a progression within the same system
  • Teaching Detection within the scope of this programme 
  • Individual coaching, video review, and written Q&A 
  • Business support related specifically to Detection training

It does not cover play-based motivation systems or toy-based training as a primary method, nor general dog training outside Detection.

Additional support during the programme

In addition to the core coaching outlined above, participants also receive:

  • Access to relevant training resources 
  • Free participation in webinars and online events run during the programme 
  • Free spectator places at relevant workshops, where available

These are provided to support learning and professional development during the programme. They do not replace the individual coaching, video review, and written Q&A described above.

Time commitment

This programme requires ongoing engagement rather than a fixed number of hours.  

To get value from the coaching, you should expect to be training and/or teaching consistently, and to take active ownership of your progress by bringing questions, videos, and real scenarios for review throughout the programme.  

The exact time commitment will vary depending on your goals, experience, and current workload. This is not a passive programme. Progress depends on regular application and reflection between coaching sessions. 

Entry & application process

This programme is application only.  

The application process helps ensure the programme is the right fit for you and that expectations are clear on both sides. Places are limited.

As part of your application, you’ll be asked about:

  • Your background and experience 
  • Your current or planned use of Detection training 
  • What you want to achieve during the programme 
  • Your availability and ability to commit over 6 months

In some cases, I may suggest a short call to clarify expectations before a place is offered.

Investment

The investment for the Detection Instructor Coaching Programme is 3 instalments of €960 (total €2,880).

Or €2,740 if paid upfront (saving €140).

This reflects:

  • 6 months of individual coaching 
  • Coaching calls, video review, and written Q&A 
  • Access to relevant training resources and events 
  • Limited places and reserved coaching capacity

Payment details are provided upon acceptance.

Your place is confirmed once payment is received (or once the first instalment is received if you pay in instalments). Note that payment by instalments is a payment arrangement for the full amount and not a subscription or pay-as-you-go option. 

Changes and refunds

This is a scheduled, limited-capacity coaching programme.

All places on the programme are non-refundable. Transfers may be requested and are subject to approval.  

Full terms and conditions are provided before payment.

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