CHAPTER 167-E PUBLIC SAFETY COMFORT DOG CERTIFICATION
Section 167-E:3
167-E:3 Certified Public Safety Comfort Dog Handler Training. –
I. Each certified public safety comfort dog handler working with the certified public safety comfort dog shall complete training with his or her assigned certified public safety comfort dog. Such training and certificate testing shall be comprised of the following American Kennel Club certificates, or an equivalent certificate from another nationally recognized organization:
(a) Canine Good Citizen (CGC).
(b) Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA).
(c) Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU).
II. The following training shall also be required of certified public safety comfort dog handlers:
(a) Training on recognizing and responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
(b) Education on crisis intervention techniques for emergency response or public safety workers, including CIT training.
(c) Training on providing basic emergency care and first aid for canine partners.
III. The ongoing training shall be comprised of the following:
(a) A minimum of one hour per month of structured training with the certified public safety comfort dog. Training shall focus on reinforcing RSA 167-E:2 certification skills, handling techniques, and scenario-based public interactions.
(b) Regular exposure to emergency/public safety environments to maintain proficiency.
IV. The emergency response or public safety agency employing or owning the certified public safety comfort dog shall maintain detailed training records for both the dog and handler. Records shall include:
(a) Dates and duration of training sessions.
(b) The type of training conducted.
(c) Progress and any corrective actions needed.
(d) Certificate completion and renewal dates.