2026 SAR Class Schedules & Locations:
Four (4) Day “Multi Scent Discipline Training Seminar for Buckeye K-9 Search and Rescue”
Hosted by: American Patriot K-9 Training LLC
Dates: January 17-20, 2026
Location: Camp Friedlander, 581 Ibold Road, Loveland Ohio 45140
Instructors: Matthew T. Zarrella and Jeremy Pell
Contact person: Gloria Napier at e-mail: ginapier@fuse.net
This seminar is specifically for those team members of Buckeye K-9 Search and Rescue.
CLASS IS FULL
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Four (4) Day Multi Scent Discipline Seminar “Light Disaster-flash flood and Human Remains Detection”
Hosted by: Yavapai County Search and Rescue
Contact: Heather Lum
Location: Prescott AZ, 86327
Dates: February, 15-18, 2026
Instructors: Matthew T. Zarrella and Jeremy Pell
This class is reserved for members of Yavapai County Search and Rescue
CLASS IS FULL
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Six Day (54) Hour “Canine Detection -Search for Human Remains at Crime Scenes Class “
Hosted by: American Patriot K-9 Training LLC
Contacts: Matthew T. Zarrella or Lindy Sherry
Location: 600 Clove Valley Road, High Falls, NY
Dates: March 19-24, 2026
Instructors: Matthew T. Zarrella and Jeremy Pell
This course concentrates on realistic search scenarios to include crime scenes, evidence search, disarticulated remains, line up searches, residual scent work, vehicle search, fire scenes as well as positive and negative search scenes.
Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of American Patriot K-9 Training LLC Basic Land Cadaver Search course and/or the equivalent certification.
- Handlers must be in good physical condition and capable of working in the field for extended periods of time.
- Canines must automatically perform a trained indication at the target odor without cueing from the handler.
- Canines should be: obedience trained, sociable, physically capable of the work required.
- Handlers are responsible for the conduct of their dogs at all times.
- It is recommended that each student come prepared for class with a copy of the Cadaver Dog Handbook.
- Certificates of attendance will be issued to every canine team who completes the (54) hour class.
- Evaluations will be offered on the last day of the class and the instructor(s) reserve the right to recommend which canine team(s) are ready to test.
- A non refundable deposit of $200.00 is required to register for the class and must be received by February 1, 2026. However, the sooner you get your depost in the sooner I can reserve your seat.
- One canine per handler.
- Lodging recommendation for students: Hampton Inn, Kingston NY or Hampton Inn, New Paltz NY or the Courtyard Marriott, Kingston NY. However, stand by on this as we are working to see if we can get a better rate on a block of rooms.
- Registration forms will be e-mailed to all canine team participants to be filled out and returned to me at 140 Mourning Dove Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 RI. They can also be scanned and e mailed back to me as well.
- Tuition: Class tuition: $875.00 per canine team.
- For more information or to register for a spot in the class please contact me at 401-226-1631 or mzarrella@ampkt.com or Linda Sherry at 716-597-8931 or just_rudny@hotmail.com.
- The above curriculum is subject to change based on the needs of the class. Students should be prepared to work in various weather conditions.
Please make check payable to American Patriot K-9 Training LLC, 140 Mourning Dove Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 .
CLASS IS NOT FULL AND CURRENTLY TAKING OPEN ENROLLMENT
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One (1) Day “CCSAR Team Training Canine Detection -Search for Human Remains at Crime Scenes”
Hosted by: Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue
Contact: Liz Burne
Location: TBD
Dates: April 12, 2026
Instructor: Matthew T. Zarrella
This class is reserved for members of CCSAR.
CLASS IS FULL
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Two (2) Day “Canine Water Search for Human Remains Seminar”
Hosted by: MECCA Volunteer Fire Department
Contact: Becky Saltzmann, 702-321-9153 Ohiobranchk9info@gmail.com
Location: Mosquito Lake, 1439 State route 305, Cortland Ohio 44410
Dates: April 20-21, 2026
Instructors: Matthew T. Zarrella and Becky Saltzmann
- Class tuition: $320.00
- A non refundable deposit of $100.00 is required to register for the class and must be received by March 1, 2026.
- Lodging recommendations for students: Fairfield Inn Warren Niles 1860 Niles-Cortland Road, SE Warren, Ohio 44484.
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1702042645710&key=GRP&app=resvlink
- Registration forms will be e-mailed to all canine team participants to be filled out and returned to me at 140 Mourning Dove Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 RI. They can also be scanned and e mailed back to me as well.
- Lunch will be provided.
- For more information or to register for a spot in the class please contact me at 401-226-1631 mzarrella@ampkt.com or Becky Saltzmann at 330-847-9579 Ohiobranckk9info2gmail.com.
- The above curriculum is subject to change based on the needs of the class. Students should be prepared to work in various weather conditions.
Please make check payable to American Patriot K-9 Training LLC, 140 Mourning Dove Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 RI.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
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Five Day (45) Hour “Canine Water Search for Human Remains Class”
Hosted by: MECCA Volunteer Fire Department
Contact: Becky Saltzmann, 702-321-9153 Ohiobranchk9info@gmail.com
Location: Mosquito Lake, 1439 State route 305, Cortland Ohio 44410
Dates: April 22-26, 2026
Instructors: Matthew T. Zarrella, Becky Saltzmann
The purpose of this course is to train you and your canine partner in the skill of searching for a submerged body while working along the waters edge on shore as well as in open water on a water craft. The class will focus on refining your dogs ability to detect the presence of scent from a deceased human body eminating out of the water. This course will also cover the theories and practical aspects involved in a water search and will review actual documented cases involving K-9 teams who have located submerged bodies while working from a water craft. The canine team will also experience training in a number of practical field exercises which will allow you to apply the classroom instruction to actual field operations.
Class includes 8 hours of classroom and 37 hours of fieldwork with instruction on:
- how to conduct a search along the shore line
- how to conduct a search on a water craft
- how to search different bodies of water
- the proper use of training material
- scent theory pertaining to water search
- training principles used in shaping dogs for water search
- water search training techniques
It is recommended that the canine team have prior training in locating human remains on land before taking this class. Classes will run from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM daily.
It is also recommended that each student come prepared for class with a copy of the Cadaver Dog Handbook.
Evaluations will be offered on the last day of the class and the instructor(s) reserve the right to recommend which canine team(s) are ready to test.
Certificates of attendance will be issued to every canine team who completes the (45) hour class.
- A non refundable deposit of $200.00 is required to register for the class and must be received by March 1, 2025. However, the sooner you get your depost in the sooner I can reserve your seat.
- Class tuition: $800.00 per canine team.
- One canine per handler.
- Lodging recommendations for students: Fairfield Inn Warren Niles 1860 Niles-Cortland Road, SE Warren, Ohio 44484.
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1702042645710&key=GRP&app=resvlink
- Registration forms will be e-mailed to all canine team participants to be filled out and returned to me at 140 Mourning Dove Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 RI. They can also be scanned and e mailed back to me as well.
- For more information or to register for a spot in the class please contact me at 401-226-1631 mzarrella@ampkt.com or Becky Saltzmann at 330-847-9579 Ohiobranckk9info2gmail.com.
- The above curriculum is subject to change based on the needs of the class. Students should be prepared to work in various weather conditions.
Please make check payable to American Patriot K-9 Training LLC, 140 Mourning Dove Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 RI.
CLASS IS FULL
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Two (2) Day “CCSAR Team Training Seminar for Canine Water Search for Human Remains”
Hosted by: Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue
Contact: Liz Burne
Location: Rainbow Reservoir, 541 Rainbow Road, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Dates: May 9-10, 2026
Instructor: Matthew T. Zarrella
This class is reserved for members of CCSAR.
CLASS IS FULL
Five (5) Day “Canine Light Disaster Search for Live Subjects and Human Remains Training Seminar”
Hosted by: King County Search Dogs, WA
Contact: Courtney White at courtney.white@kcsearchdogs.org
Location: King County, Washington State
Dates: May 28-June 2, 2026
Instructor: Matthew T. Zarrella
This class is reserved for members of King County Search Dogs and their invited guests.
CLASS IS FULL
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Three (3) Day CCSAR “Canine Water Search for Human Remains” Invitational Seminar
Hosted by: Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue
Contact: Liz Burne
Location: Rainbow Reservoir, 541 Rainbow Road, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Dates: June 12-14, 2026
Instructor: Matthew T. Zarrella
Class enrollment is obtained through invitation only by members of CCSAR.
CLASS IS FULL
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Five (5) Day “Canine Multi Discipline Scent Detection Seminar” Trailing, Area and HRD Search
Hosted by: North West Pennsylvania K-9 Search and Rescue
Contact: Amy Machinski at (amymachinski@gmail.com)
Location: Erie PA
Dates: June 22-26, 2026
Instructors: Matthew T. Zarrella and Amy Machinski
This class is reserved for members of NWPAK9 SAR
CLASS IS FULL
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Three (3) Day “Canine Water Search for Human Remains Detection Seminar and Evaluations”
Hosted by: American Patriot K-9 Training LLC
Contact: Matthew T. Zarrella at 401-226-1631 or mzarrella@ampkt.com or Sandy Banthem at 410-456-4339 or esbanthem@comcast.net.
Location: Scotts Cove Recreational Area, Scaggsville, Maryland
Dates: July 13-15, 2026
Instructor: Matthew T. Zarrella
- Class tuition: $450.00
- A non refundable deposit of $100.00 is required to register for the class and must be received by June 1, 2026.
- Lodging recommendations for students: Students must make their own arraignments.
- Registration forms will be e-mailed to all canine team participants to be filled out and returned to me at 140 Mourning Dove Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 RI. They can also be scanned and e mailed back to me as well.
- For more information or to register for a spot in the class please contact me at 401-226-1631 mzarrella@ampkt.com.
- The above curriculum is subject to change based on the needs of the class. Students should be prepared to work in various weather conditions.
Please make check payable to American Patriot K-9 Training LLC, 140 Mourning Dove Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 RI.
CLASS IS FULL
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Four (4) Day “Canine Disaster Search for Live Subjects and Human Remains Detection Seminar”
Hosted by: American Patriot K-9 Training in cooperation with Jane Servais FEMA Evaluator
Location: Linthicum Heights, Bell Grove Recycling Rubble Pile Training Center
Dates: July 16-19, 2026
Instructor: Matthew T. Zarrella
More information to follow
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Six Day (54) Hour “Canine Search for Human Remains at Crime Scenes Class”
Hosted by: American Patriot K-9 Training LLC
Contacts: Matthew T. Zarrella or Mark Chapman
Location: Owens Center for Emergency Preparedness 30150 Tracy Road, Walbridge Ohio 43465
Dates: September 14-19, 2026
Instructors: Matthew T. Zarrella and Jeremy Pell
This course concentrates on realistic search scenarios to include crime scenes, evidence search, disarticulated remains, line up searches, residual scent work, vehicle search, fire scenes as well as positive and negative search scenes.
Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of American Patriot K-9 Training LLC Basic Land Cadaver Search course and/or the equivalent certification.
- Handlers must be in good physical condition and capable of working in the field for extended periods of time.
- Canines must automatically perform a trained indication at the target odor without cueing from the handler.
- Canines should be: obedience trained, sociable, physically capable of the work required.
- Handlers are responsible for the conduct of their dogs at all times.
- It is recommended that each student come prepared for class with a copy of the Cadaver Dog Handbook.
- Certificates of attendance will be issued to every canine team who completes the (54) hour class.
- Evaluations will be offered on the last day of the class and the instructor(s) reserve the right to recommend which canine team(s) are ready to test.
- A non refundable deposit of $200.00 is required to register for the class and must be received by July 14, 2026. However, the sooner you get your depost in the sooner I can reserve your seat.
- One canine per handler.
- Lodging recommendation for students: Mark has reserved a block of 20 rooms at the LaQuinta Inn & Suites with a daily rate of $85.00 per night plus tax and no pet fee. The address of 1154 Professional Drive, Perrysburg OH 43551, phone number 419-872-0000. Contact them at lq5990gm@laquinta.com.
- Registration forms will be e-mailed to all canine team participants to be filled out and returned to me at 140 Mourning Dove Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 RI. They can also be scanned and e mailed back to me as well.
- Tuition: Class tuition: $875.00 per canine team.
- For more information or to register for a spot in the class please contact me at 401-226-1631 or mzarrella@ampkt.com or Mark Chapman at 419-260-8380 or chapmanm@bex.net.
- The above curriculum is subject to change based on the needs of the class. Students should be prepared to work in various weather conditions.
Please make check payable to American Patriot K-9 Training LLC, 140 Mourning Dove Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 RI.
TAKING OPEN ENROLLMENT NOW
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Four (4) Day “Ohio Federation Canine Multi Scent Discipline Training & Certification Seminar”
Hosted by: Ohio Federation Canine Search and Rescue
November 5-8, 2026
Location: Camp Friedlander, 581 Ibold Road, Loveland Ohio 45140
Instructors: Matthew T. Zarrella, Becky Saltzmann, Jeremy Pell
Contact person: Gloria Napier at e-mail: ginapier@fuse.net
This seminar is specifically for those teams associated with the Ohio Federation of Canine Search Teams.
CLASS IS FULL
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Two (2) Day “Canine Detection -Search for Human Remains at Crime Scenes Training Seminar”
Hosted by: Connecticut Canine SAR
Contact: Liz Burne
Location: TBD
Date: November 21-22, 2026
Instructor: Matthew T. Zarrella
This is for CCSAR team members only
CLASS IS FULL
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One (1) Day “Canine Detection -Search for Human Remains at Crime Scenes Training Seminar and Evaluations”
Hosted by: Connecticut Canine SAR
Contact: Liz Burne
Location: Camp Hartell, 580 North Street, Windsor Locks Connecticut 06096
Date: December 6, 2026
Instructor: Matthew T. Zarrella
This is for CCSAR team members only
CLASS IS FULL