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About Fred Helfers
& Canine Detection Services
K9 Master Trainer | Author | Inventor – recognized Detection Canine Expert
​Fred Helfers has been a leader in the detection canine field for over 40 years.
Starting his career in 1982, Fred served over 25 years in law enforcement, personally handling and training two drug detection dogs. Since then, he has trained thousands of detection canines and handlers across multiple specialties, including narcotics, accelerants, natural gas, insects, and spoiled products.
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Fred operated a professional detection dog training facility for over 20 years, working with both law enforcement and civilian teams. He also served as the contracted state trainer for the Oregon State Police Canine Unit (20 years) and has been recognized as an expert witness on detection canines in state and federal courts.
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Fred’s expertise is internationally recognized. He has conducted training seminars and workshops across the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, and Italy. He is the past president of the Washington State Police Canine Association and the founding president and president emeritus of the Pacific Northwest Police Detection Dog Association (PNWK9.org).
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He was a founding member of the Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal Factors (SWGDOG 2005 - 2012) and served on the Dogs and Sensors Subcommittee of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) from 2014 to 2024. In 2012, Fred developed and implemented Double Blind certification protocols that are now integral to detection dog certifications.
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Fred is the author of The Nosework Handler (available in English and Danish) and the inventor of a patented scent-based training system. He is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) and serves as a judge and certifying official (ORT) for the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) and the Australian Canine Scent Work (ACSW).
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Fred Helfers continues to shape the future of detection dog training with his unmatched experience, scientific approach, and passion for the craft.
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Book a Seminar or Consultation:
Looking to elevate your detection dog program or host a seminar with one of the world’s most respected experts?
Contact Fred Helfers today to discuss training opportunities, workshops, seminars or expert consultations.
📧 Email: [helfersk9@gmail.com]
📞 Phone: 3606292670
Sports Scent Detection
The innovative dog sport of Nosework and K9 sport detection teaches the dog to use its olfactory ability (nose) to find a trained odor source (essential oil's), and then tell the handler that they have found the source of the odor. Sport Detection utilizes the dog's natural ability to hunt by using its nose. Most importantly your dog has fun. Compared with other K9 scent training, you and your dog are not limited to specific areas.
K9 Sport Detection can be done anywhere, anytime!
Learn
What is unique about Nosework and K9 sports detection is that dogs of all shapes and sizes can succeed.
Dogs that are environmentally reactive or fearful have done remarkably well. Dogs that may have had a difficult time working in a class setting do extremely well because only one dog works at a time.
K9 Sport Scent Detection is fun for your Dog!
Purchase - Scent Detection Training Bowls
Pairing Pods
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The Nose Work Handler.
Book Reviews
"Fred has skillfully combined science with practical handling exercises to provide a foundation for the Nose Work dog handler. Learning to handle your dog is a skill acquired over time.
This book will help you to become a skillful handler."
— Ron Gaunt, co-founder of K9 Nose Work
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"This book serves as a practical and informational guide for anyone involved in canine nose work."
— Susan M. Stejskal
author of “Death, Decomposition, and Detector Dogs”
“I always enjoy Fred’s perspective on the game of nose work and this book is no exception. I especially enjoy his personal stories, which are sure to make any reader smile.”
— Dana Zinn, CPDT-KA, CNWI
Zinn Dog Training, LLC
“This is a great book that I highly recommend.
Fred Helfers clearly explains what the Nose work handler can do to improve their handling performance".
"Good on ya, Fred.”
—Marion Brand, CNWI, Founder of Australian Canine Scent Work (ACSW).
** International orders please contact Fred for shipping rates.
The Nosework Handler is now translated into Danish!
Order your copy at noseworkcompany@gmail.com
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