An International Elite
Each of our instructors has something unique to offer to K9 teams.
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Whether your primary interest lies in detection, bitework or camera guidance - their diverse range of expertise is sure to enrich your operational capabilities with your K9 partner.
Jeff Schettler
Jeff Schettler is a retired police K9 handler who worked for the City of Alameda and County of Amador in California and was attached to the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Teams’ K9 Assistance Program for two years. This program was designed to locate and apprehend high-risk fugitives on the run.
He is a certified military trainer graduating from the prestigious US Army’s Leadership Academy also known as Drill Sergeant School.
Jeff has worked hundreds of trailing cases across the USA and is a specialist in the areas of tactical tracking applications. He is also considered an expert witness in tracking/ trailing.
As an international K9 trainer, he spends 12 weeks a year training throughout Europe, South America, and Asia. His program is in use with numerous international police agencies as well as NATO military units.
Thomas Schuppe
Thomas is a former member of a French special operations unit. He combined his expertise in EOD and assault tactics with his talent for dog training, to shape France's first multi-specialty K9 program (assault, explosives detection, camera-guided reconnaissance, and laser targeting). Consequently, K9 teams became an increasingly valuable asset to intervention teams.
Later in his career, Thomas' focus shifted to making disciplines like camera/radio guidance and laser targeting accessible to all. He added to his operational role the title of program instructor, and demonstrated that multiple generations of dogs and handlers were capable of learning and sustaining advanced training techniques. Thomas established testing protocols and standards with the Centre National Cynophile de la Gendarmerie, enabling all French national police and military units to officially certify K9s in those specialties.
He now pulls from over 20 years of special operations experience to train units worldwide - with the goal of raising standards and demonstrating that we remain in the early stages of what K9 programs can truly offer tactical teams.
James Sabol
James Sabol is a SWAT Canine Training Specialist for the United States Department of Homeland Security.
James has been training canines in various disciplines for over 21 years. James has trained canines for law enforcement, State Department, Department of Defense, and various other agencies. As a previous Master trainer for Marine Special Operations Command Multi-Purpose Canine Program, James has developed various training techniques that are implemented in the Special Operations tactics today.
James has operational experience both with special operations and conventional warfare in various combat theaters. As a training instructor James is certified in teaching Homemade Explosives, Decoy/apprehension development, Tracking/Trailing, Maritime Operations, CQB, and Desert Warfare. Through joint training events James is on the cutting edge of instructing canine teams in SWAT tactics and SOF team integration. James has a conducted countless hours teaching both handlers and canines through seminars, course instruction, and development of new procedures and instruction. Through his current employment James is knowledgeable on risk reduction techniques and tactical deployment of SWAT canine teams.
Paul Bunker
Mr. Paul Bunker is the founder and Principal of Chiron K9 LLC, a specialized canine consultancy company dedicated to detection. With over 22 years of service in the British Army as a Canine Trainer, Instructor, and Assessor, Paul has deployed on high-threat counter-terrorist operations around the globe. His tenure in the military saw him excel as the Senior Instructor and Trainer of Specialized Search Dog and Explosive Detection Dog/Handler Training for both the UK and US Military.
A pivotal achievement in Paul's career was the creation and implementation of the Explosive Detection Dog Program, which necessitated the development of innovative training techniques and methodologies. His exceptional service earned him the NATO Joint-Commanders Commendation for Distinguished Service in the Balkans. In 2017, Paul founded Chiron K9 to focus on detection dog research and conservation/environmental detection. Under his leadership, Chiron K9 has pioneered unique programs to support conservation and environmental canine detection initiatives, deploying with teams to ensure success. His contributions extend to providing canines and training support for detection research conducted by universities and government organizations.
Paul's expertise is well-documented through his co-authorship of several published papers and his authorship of the book “Imprint Your Detection Dog in 15 Days.” His profound knowledge and innovative approach continue to drive Chiron K9’s mission to harness the extraordinary capabilities of detection dogs for conservation and environmental efforts worldwide.
Patrice Foucault
The name Foucault has been known to the French canine world since 1984. A certified trial decoy in 1985, he completed various competitions across France, to be selected for the championship final in 1989.
Breeder of working line malinois (Cité de Foucault) , he has developed generations of dogs from start to finish - for both sport and profesional applications. Appointed Lieutenant by the 132° Cynotechnic Regiment of Suippes in 2022 , he also trains decoys for the French Army and other administrations.
Through his sport club, he has taken multiple handler-dog teams to championship level in Ring, Campagne and Mondioring. Personally, he holds the titles of multi-Champion of France, vice-champion of France and Coupe de France, as well as Inter Continental Champion.
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Today he continues carries seminars around the world for French Ring and operational K9.
More Bios Coming Soon!
