Join us for a one-of-a-kind dog training seminar at the Historic Wendover Airfield Museum, the most authentically preserved WWII Army Air Force base in the United States. This remarkable site offers a unique backdrop for hands-on learning while connecting us to one of the nation’s most significant military landmarks.
Seminar Instructors:
- Stacey West, PPP Program Manager
- Judith Guthrie, Dark Moon Farms & Kennels
What You’ll Experience:
This weekend seminar, designed exclusively for AKC Patriotic Puppy Program participants, will feature:
Hands-on training sessions to strengthen skills in raising, training, and selling sporting breed canines for detection dog programs at every level of law enforcement.
Classroom-style discussions that blend theory with practice.
Learning opportunities for both new and experienced trainers to expand knowledge and sharpen techniques.
Seminar Topics:
Building Hunt & Drive - Techniques to develop drive, extended hunt, and problem-solving skills.
Toy Work & Reward Value - Build possession, drive, and purposeful delivery behaviors while enhancing reward motivation.
Environmental Exposure - Learn to build confidence and resilience through hands-on challenges and mindset-shifting discussions beyond simply working in new spaces.
Balanced Hands-On & Theory - Daily sessions alternate between scenario-based work and classroom-style learning.
Seminar Goals:
- Equip handlers with practical tools to build drive and search behaviors while preserving enthusiasm and resilience.
- Increase comfort and adaptability through thoughtful environmental challenges.
- Combine actionable training techniques with a deeper understanding of learning theory.
- Support breeders, raisers, and trainers in building both their skill set and their dog’s potential for success in the Patriotic Puppy Program.
Participation Details:
Approved PPP participants are encouraged to bring their canines for inclusion in training sessions. This is a hands-on seminar designed to help you develop and refine skills in real time.
If you plan to bring your dogs, please email:
- Stacey West – [email protected]
- Melissa Ferrell – [email protected]
Lodging Options:
Hotels within minutes of the airfield:
- Best Western
- Motel 6
- Quality Inn
- Super 8
Casino hotels (some pet-friendly – confirm before booking):
- Peppermill Hotel Casino
- Montego Bay Hotel Casino
- Rainbow Hotel Casino
- Red Garter Hotel & Casino
- Wendover Nugget Hotel & Casino
Registration:
All attendees must register by close of business, Monday, October 27th, 2025
Location
Historic Wendover Airfield Museum
352 E. 'A' Street (Airport Way), Wendover, UT 84083
352 E. 'A' Street (Airport Way), Wendover, UT 84083
Date & Time
November 1- 8:30am- 4:00pm
Lunch provided
November 2 - 8:00am- 12:00pm
Breakfast provided
Lunch provided
November 2 - 8:00am- 12:00pm
Breakfast provided
Seminar Instructors
Stacey West
Program Manager, AKC Patriotic Puppy Program, DDTF SME, & Executive Field Representative, Retrievers
Stacey has he held several roles with K2 Solutions including serving as a Field Service Representative deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Helmond Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
He is also an AKC Licensed Retriever Field Trial Judge and a Key Opinion Leader with Eukanuba Dog Food.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science in Zoology from Clemson University.
He is also an AKC Licensed Retriever Field Trial Judge and a Key Opinion Leader with Eukanuba Dog Food.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science in Zoology from Clemson University.
Judith Guthrie
Dark moon farms & Kennels, LLC
Judith brings a unique perspective to scent work, combining her background in professional detection with years of judging, teaching, and competing. She is known for making the invisible visible and uncovering the why behind what happens in the search area — turning confusion into clarity and giving teams the tools to grow.
Judith uses her knowledge of odor to design training that builds confidence, strengthens problem-solving, and prepares teams for success. She also helps handlers understand how body language and behavior shape the search, creating more effective teamwork. She coaches across the U.S. through seminars and private sessions, teaches online through Scent Work University, and shares insights in her monthly Nose Dogs Newsletter.
At her seminars, participants leave with practical tools they can apply in training and trial — and with greater confidence, competitiveness, and enjoyment of the sport.
Judith uses her knowledge of odor to design training that builds confidence, strengthens problem-solving, and prepares teams for success. She also helps handlers understand how body language and behavior shape the search, creating more effective teamwork. She coaches across the U.S. through seminars and private sessions, teaches online through Scent Work University, and shares insights in her monthly Nose Dogs Newsletter.
At her seminars, participants leave with practical tools they can apply in training and trial — and with greater confidence, competitiveness, and enjoyment of the sport.
Tentative Schedule:
November 1,2025 – 8:30am (check in), Seminar will begin at 9:00am – 4:00pm, Lunch will be provided
November 2, 2025 – 8:00am – 12:00pm, Breakfast will be provided
November 1,2025 – 8:30am (check in), Seminar will begin at 9:00am – 4:00pm, Lunch will be provided
November 2, 2025 – 8:00am – 12:00pm, Breakfast will be provided
Location
Historic Wendover Airfield Museum
352 E. 'A' Street (Airport Way), Wendover, UT 84083
352 E. 'A' Street (Airport Way), Wendover, UT 84083
Training Opportunities at Wendover Airfield
Join us on November 1 - 2, 2025
We look forward to seeing you!
Pre-registration is required.
Registration deadline is C.O.B., Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025.
Pre-registration is required.
Registration deadline is C.O.B., Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025.