The K9 Elements Taxonomy

Behavior taxonomy

Every behavior in the K9 Elements curriculum — the building blocks (Foundation), the trained-and-proofed skills (Applied), and the composite trial exercises (Integrated).

132 behaviors · 25 Foundation · 66 Applied · 41 Integrated

Tier All Foundation Applied Integrated

Discipline All Obedience Protection Tracking Detection L3 EN Cross

Level All Entry L1 L2 L3

Foundation

Atomic single-skill behaviors trainable in isolation; the building blocks of every other behavior.

F-06 Heel position (static) Obedience
Dog holds heel position at handler's left side, shoulder aligned with handler's leg, on cue, without handler movement.
EntryL1L2L3
F-12 Object pickup / mouth commitment ObedienceContent coming
Dog picks up an object with mouth on cue, without excessive mouthing, dropping, or chewing.
EntryL1L2L3

Applied

Chained, proofed, or duration-extended single-domain behaviors; the training team’s daily focus.

A-01 Heeling pattern (foundational) ObedienceContent coming
Dog holds heel position through a handler-navigated pattern including turns, halts, and pace changes on flat surface with minimal environmental variables.
EntryL1L2L3