The Southaven Police Department will be hosting the MLEOA dual / single purpose basic K-9 handlers course in Southaven, MS Beginning on January 21, and ending on March 21, 2019. This is an eight week course that will cover all aspects of working a police dog. The course will be primarily taught in the Southaven area. The class will run Monday through Thursday and start times will vary based on training. The class will end with a paid certification through MLEOA.

The class is free to anyone that is a member of MLEOA.

Needed equipment:

• 1.       6 foot leash (preferably leather), fifteen foot leash ( nylon is fine)
• 2.       Harness and corrective collar.
• 3.       Muzzle
• 4.       Flashlight (2)
• 5.       Bite sleeve / suit
• 6.       All weather gear ( we will spend a lot of time outside)
• 7.       Notebook and pens
• 8.       Tennis balls
• 9.       Water proof boots

Lodging suggestions are available if needed.

If help is needed with dog selection or any questions, please call Richard Chandler 901-461-5687 with any questions. 

Captain Richard Chandler has been with the Southaven Police Department for twelve years. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2014 after serving as a patrol officer and K-9 handler for the department.  He has also been a member of the Southaven Police Department SWAT team since 2003. 

Captain Richard Chandler successfully completed a 320 hour Dual Purpose Police Dog Trainers Course through Vohne Liche Kennels in spring of 2011. Since that time he has instructed several basic police K-9 handler schools.  He currently oversees the training for the Southaven Police Department K-9 Division and also assists in the weekly training of several K-9 Units in Mississippi and west Tennessee.  In 2013 Captain Richard Chandler interviewed successfully to be a certifying official for the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association. He is also a certifying official for American Working Dog. Both of these are national organizations.