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Christi Raak

Certified K9 Handler and Trainer

Professional Highlights
Christi has dedicated over a decade to the specialized training and handling of K9s in diverse disciplines, highlighting an impressive portfolio of certifications and achievements. Since 2013, she has trained and certified six K9s of her own across multiple fields, including Human Remains Detection (HRD), Explosives Detection, Area Live Find and Trailing. Her SAR career includes participation in over 400 search operations across several states, demonstrating her commitment and expertise in Search and Rescue (SAR). 

Certifications and Expertise
Christi currently or has held certifications through prestigious organizations, such as the National Police Canine Association (NPCA), American Man trailing Police & Working Dog Association (AMPWDA), and North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) International Police Working Dog Association (IPWDA). She has successfully certified dogs in areas including:

  • HRD Land and Water

  • Explosives Detection

  • Trailing

  • Wilderness Search and Live Find

  • Article and Firearms Detection

Additionally, she has earned her SARTECH II certification through the National Association for Search and Rescue and completed extensive FEMA and NIMS training courses, including ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.

Career Achievements

  • Master Trainer in HRD (AMPWDA): Organizes and instructs national conferences and workshops for K9 handlers in HRD, serving as a certifying official.

  • Explosives Detection K9 Handler: Trained and certified K9s through IPWDA and NPCA, specializing in Person-Borne Explosive Detection.

  • Professional Working Dog Trainer: Trained imported K9s for law enforcement contracts, including narcotics, accelerant detection, tracking and obedience. Conducted 12-week handler courses for officers and their K9s.

  • Owner of K9 Coaching:  Coaching odor and scent detection handlers at seminars and workshops nationwide, locally working with pet owners and their dogs focusing on All things Dogs

  • Volunteer and Rescue Work: Extensive volunteer experience with German Shepherd and Golden Retriever rescues, Fury Kids Refuge, Pawportunities, the Wichita Zoo, and the Sedgwick County Humane Society.

Education and Training
Christi holds a certification from the Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer Program and has completed advanced training in areas such as:

  • Surface Skeleton and Buried Body Recovery

  • Urban Trailing

  • Critical Incident Response

  • Case Law and Search and Rescue

  • Positive Solutions to Behavior Problems

  • K9 First Aid

  • Crime Scene Preservation

Community and Professional Affiliations

  • National Police Canine Association (NPCA)

  • Canine Search and Recovery, Inc. (CSAR)

  • National Search Dog Association (NSDA)

  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

Recognition
Christi’s contributions have been acknowledged through letters of commendation from law enforcement agencies, including the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office (SC), Kansas City Police Department (MO), and Linn County Sheriff’s Office (KS).

Vision and Passion
With a career rooted in the belief that K9 teams can make a profound impact, Christi continues to train and mentor others in the art and science of canine handling, sharing her wealth of knowledge and passion for excellence.

Northern Tier K9, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization

© Northern Tier K9, Inc 2020. All rights reserved.

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