About Family First K9

Who runs it

Family First K9 is Jeremy McLaughlin. The page published under the business's own name opens on his biography: "Jeremy McLaughlin's passion for dogs began in childhood, accompanying his father and uncle on hunting trips for rabbits and birds. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong interest in canine behavior and training." The site says he later took part in 4-H dog programs, "but it was his career as a canine handler that truly solidified his commitment to the craft."

Background in detection work

The biography is specific about the operational side. "With nearly three decades of experience handling detection dogs, Jeremy spent over 24 years with the Department of Corrections, working dual-purpose canines and developing a deep understanding of real-world application." It adds that "over the course of his career, he has trained hundreds of dogs for agencies and has helped build and establish several successful canine programs."

Judging and certifying

Three judging appointments are named, two of them with dates: "Jeremy has been an AKC Scent Work judge since 2017. He is also a judge for National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) and has been a judge for Canine Performance Events (CPE) since 2019." Before the sport work, the site says, "he was already judging narcotics detection trials and certifying detection teams, giving him a rare depth of experience that bridges both sport and operational environments." He "continues to certify police, military, and private security detection teams, and has instructed and presented at major industry events including the Police K-9 Conference, K9 Cop Conference, and K9 Street Survival School," and "has also taught workshops and seminars across the United States and internationally."

How he describes the work

"Jeremy believes that detection work, whether in sport or operational settings, is fundamentally the same at its core. His philosophy emphasizes clarity, communication, and building a true partnership between handler and dog." The site calls detection "one of the most powerful team building activities available, allowing handlers to better understand, trust, and appreciate their dogs while developing reliable, high-performing teams."

What the site sells

The site is a storefront rather than a class schedule. Eight products are listed with prices: a 12" Box Insert with Scent Jar for Dopamine Food Reward at $59.95, an 8" Box Insert with Scent Jar at $49.95, an ASAT Biothane Harness at $40.00, a Dakota Hero Kennel at $859.00, a Dopamine Food Reward Box at $279.95, an ET-300 Mini Educator at $219.95, an FE-560 Fob Educator at $219.95, and a G3 Large Framed Kennel at $539.00.

Before you book

Ask directly about classes, lessons and seminars, and about prices and location.