In 2017, the FIRS expanded its educational mission to include training opportunities for Human Remains Detection (HRD) canine-handler teams. Workshop I and Workshop II are composed of classroom lecture topically relevant to human remains recovery, and scenario-based practical field exercises designed to introduce the canine and handler to whole body remains and taphonomic change in an arid environment. The High-Altitude Workshop focuses on scenerio-based practical exerciese that will introduce the canine and handler to search strategies and taphnomic change at high-altitude. If you would like to receive updates about any of our workshop offerings, please fill out this form.
Due to the sensitive nature of the research conducted at FIRS, and out of respect for our Donors, we only accept canine-handler teams able to demonstrate advanced training and certification.
Registration for the High-Altitude HRD Canine Training is now open!
High-Altitude HRD Canine Training: Endurance and Large Searches
When: July 27-28, 2026
Where: FIRS TB40, Fairplay, Colorado
Who: Certified HRD canine-handler teams
Cost: $450
For the first time ever, we are expanding our HRD canine training to TB40, our high-altitude research facility! Teams will have the opportunity to work scenarios that utilize the natural landscape of TB40 for large searches. This workshop will prioritize field exercises with relevant lecture material included dependent on conditions at the search site. Field scenarios vary, but each is an opportunity to scent human remains, with an emphasis on whole body exposure.
How to enroll: Submit an application form and required supplemental materials, which include (1) Canine-handler CV; (2) proof of active national certification; (3) a digital photograph of the certified canine participating in the course. Only complete applications with all supplemental materials will be considered. Please allow two business days for processing. You can apply for the course using the links below:
Workshop I: Search, Scent, and Science
When: TBD 2027
Where: Forensic Investigation Research Station, Colorado Mesa University, Whitewater Campus
Who: Certified HRD canine-handler teams
Cost: $450
In this section lecture is designed to introduce handlers to region specific decomposition, canine olfaction, and basic search strategies. The first field exercise is an imprinting station with aggregate exposure to active human decomposition. The handler and canine must successfully demonstrate competency in field behavior (focused team search, reliable recall, and consistency in trained final response) before progressing to more difficult exercises. Upon successful demonstration of competency, the handler is permitted to train their dog off leash. Field scenarios vary but each is an opportunity to scent human remains, with an emphasis on whole body exposure. Group sizes for practical exercises do not exceed five canine-handler teams.
How to enroll: Submit an application form and required supplemental materials, which include (1) Canine-handler CV; (2) proof of active national certification; (3) a digital photograph of the certified canine participating in the course. Only complete applications with all supplemental materials will be considered. Please allow two business days for processing. Appliaction link will be posted when registration opens.
Workshop II: Bones, Bugs, and Burials
When: TBD 2027
Where: Forensic Investigation Research Station, Colorado Mesa University, Whitewater Campus
Who: Certified HRD canine-handler teams
Cost: $450
We hear you! After repeated requests, this advanced workshop will include lecture and practical exercises dedicated to buried human remains. Practical exercises will include human remains interred at various depths and for variable duration. The second session was designed as an extension of the first workshop, providing new lectures and advanced practical exercises for canine-handler teams. Lectures will focus on the relationship between canine-handler teams and forensic entomology, human vs. non-human bone, and complex search scenarios and that will complement the practical activities. Practical exercises will differ from those in Workshop I in complexity, scenario, and access to whole body remains. Group sizes for practical exercises do not exceed five canine-handler teams.
How to enroll: This course is only open to canine-handler teams that have completed a FIRS canine course in a previous year or are enrolled in Workshop I this year. Submit an application form and required supplemental materials, which include (1) Canine-handler CV; (2) proof of active national certification; (3) a digital photograph of the certified canine participating in the course. Only complete applications with all supplemental materials will be considered. Please allow two business days for processing. Appliaction link will be posted when registration opens.