Our Curriculum

Zombie Dog Detection Training Academy Curriculum

Ever since it was discovered that dogs are immune to zombie infection, can detect them from miles away, and that zombies fear dogs, Zombie Detection Teams (ZDTs) have become a cornerstone in the systematic management of zombies both in the United States and abroad.  Human/Canine ZDT’s play a vital role in detecting and flushing out zombies into the waiting arms of human Zombie Kill Teams (ZKTs).

At the Dog Scouts of America (DSA) Zombie Dog Detection Training Academy (DSAZDDTA) you and your dog will learn the following core skills that we have found essential for the successful Zombie Detection Team (K9-ZDT):

• Zombie Detection
• In Search Communication
• Zombie Avoidance
• Physical Agility
• K9 Care
• First Aid
• Zombie Containment

These core skills will prepare dog/handler teams for the DSA, K9-ZDT designation which is the gold standard of Zombie Dog Detection certification and which qualifies the team to respond to zombie emergencies nationwide and around the world.

Below the skills based curriculum is described in greater detail:

Zombie Detection

Dogs will learn how to detect zombies by scent. In numerous studies dogs have demonstrated the ability to detect zombies by scent alone from as far as 5 miles away.  While zombie flesh is toxic to humans it is both harmless and delicious to dogs. Dogs will be taught to hunt for samples of zombie flesh that have been hidden in small biosafe containers using scent alone.

In Search Communication

The ability for ZDT’s to send messages from the field during a zombie search where wireless coverage is often non-existent is an important skill. K9-ZDT candidates will receive special training in which dogs will be used to relay messages between two human handlers. This exercise may appear to be a restrained recall exercise, but it is much more sophisticated.

Zombie Avoidance

Zombies move very quickly and zombie/human contact often does not end well if the human doesn’t act first. When hunting zombies, the element of surprise is important. Make too much noise and the hunter may become the hunted. In this seminar K9-ZDT candidates will practice Ninja Heeling, a method of quickly quietly moving through an area.

Physical Agility

Thick underbrush, subway tunnels and burned out buildings are just a few of the types of places that a ZDT may find themselves operating and so it is imperative that the members of the team be able to handle different kinds of terrain and be in peak physical condition. In this course both agility skills and physical fitness will be stressed.

K9 Care

The Zombie Detection Dog handler has a responsibility to take the best possible care of their K9 teammate. All handlers are required to learn the basics of routine healthcare, nutrition, general maintenance and proper housing of their K9 companion and teammate.

First Aid

While a human who is bit by a zombie just has one option, dogs cannot be infected and if they sustain an injury, we must be able to treat them safely and humanely. Here the handler will learn how to identify and treat common injuries and the dog will learn how to respond to the treatment in a relaxed manner.

Zombie Containment

The prime objectives of a ZDT are to find zombies (either by tracking them down or going to the reported coordinates of a zombie infestation reported by other ZDTs) and drive them to pre-determined areas for “cleansing” by the ZKT’s. A secondary role is to clear an area of toxic zombie remains once the ZKT’s have finished their job. In this course the  K9-ZDT candidates will receive the special training necessary for zombie remains removal.