Detection Instructor Coaching
Professional Training & Business Development for Detection Instructors
Starts: March 2026
I've designed the 6-month On Target K9 Detection Instructor Coaching Programme to help you build strong practical, planning, and business skills to teach Detection in sport and pet dog contexts.
You’ll learn an approach that sits between working dog methods that don’t always translate well to classes, and oversimplified methods that don’t give you enough depth to build on. The focus will be on a clear, step-by-step system you can teach, adapt to different dogs and handlers, and stand behind in your own classes.
The programme supports you as you begin teaching, so you’re not left figuring things out alone. You’ll have space to ask questions as they come up, refine your decisions, and develop confidence in how and when to progress your clients.
Alongside the training method itself, the coaching also addresses the practical and business side of teaching Detection, helping you develop an offer that fits your clients.
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 (contact me for other options)
- 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 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.
Coaching format
This is a primarily 1:1 coaching programme, designed to support your individual development as a Detection instructor over 6 months.
You'll receive your coaching online, as:
- Private 1:1 calls focused on your training decisions, teaching challenges, and business development.
- Small-group calls for shared problem-solving, discussion of real-life teaching scenarios, and broader professional context.
- Ongoing written input: Q&A and unlimited video submissions of training and teaching footage, reviewed with written feedback.
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
- 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
We don't cover play-based motivation systems or toy-based training as a primary method, nor general dog training outside Detection.
Additional support during the programme
- Access to relevant training resources
- Free participation in webinars and online events run during the programme
- Free spectator places at relevant workshops, where available
Entry & application process
This programme is application only. The application helps ensure a good fit and clear expectations. Places are limited.
Investment
€2,880 (paid in 3 instalments of €960),
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).
FAQ
How much time does the programme require each week?
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. The exact time commitment will vary depending on your goals, experience and current workload.
Do I need prior experience teaching Detection to apply?
No prior experience is required. Some participants are new to Detection and want a structured, step-by-step system. Others are already teaching and want to refine or change their approach. What matters is your willingness to learn, apply the system, and reflect on your work over time.
Do I need a dog to take part in the programme?
Yes. To learn and apply the training method, you need regular access to a dog for at least the first three months of the programme. This can be your own dog or a borrowed dog, but you must be able to work with the same dog consistently throughout the programme. Practical application of the method is an essential part of the learning process.
Is this a group programme or 1:1 coaching?
This is primarily a 1:1 coaching programme. Each month includes one private coaching call, alongside ongoing online Q&A and video review. A small-group call is also available monthly for shared discussion.
Do you teach play-based or toy-based Detection methods in this programme?
This programme focuses on a step-by-step training method that primarily uses food rewards. In some cases, dogs can transition to toy reward at later stages as a progression within the same system, but toy or play-based motivation systems are not taught here.
What does the application process involve?
As part of your application, you'll be asked about your background, your current or planned use of Detection training, what you want to achieve during the programme, and your ability to commit over 6 months. In some cases, I may suggest a short call to clarify expectations before offering a place.
What happens if I can't continue partway through the programme?
This is a scheduled, limited-capacity coaching programme. All places are non-refundable. Transfers may be requested and are subject to approval. A sabbatical may be granted in exceptional circumstances. Full terms and conditions are provided vefore payment.
If you have a specific question that isn’t answered above and that will affect your decision to apply, you’re welcome to get in touch.
