What We Do
We Train The Human End Of The Leash.
What We Do
We Train The Human End Of The Leash.
What We Do
We Train The Human End Of The Leash.
What We Do
We Train The Human End Of The Leash.
K9Research & Training Complex
Synergizing The Lab & The Field
Set on 520 acres in Iowa, The K9Sensus Education and Research Complex (ERC) provides extensive opportunities for training. Whether it be night operations or trainer interaction with a variety of animal species, the site will expand trainers’ understanding of learning processes and behavior.
Our Great Honor
Robin has been involved in detection work since 2001, beginning in wilderness and human remains detection (HRD), which expanded into disaster work. She trains and deploys with Nebraska Task Force 1 and Iowa Task Force 1. She is a certified explosives and narcotics detection dog handler.
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Robin also works at the nexus of academia and business, managing people and relationships from both sides of the table. Whether working with small business, tier 1 research institutions or fortune 500 companies, she found common ground, allowing both sides to achieve their goals.
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Her focused education in behavior technology started in 2016 by attending two Chicken Workshops (Behavior Technology Workshops). In 2018 she completed a four month resident apprenticeship with Parvene Farhoody, Phd. In 2022, Robin completed the Scandinavian Working Dog Institute year long Master K9 Trainer Program.
She uses many of the same techniques she honed training dogs to advance initiatives in organizations she managed, whether she was paid by them or not. By coaching the human, she provides students with a deeper understanding of the behaviors they are trying to achieve, not only in their K9 partner but in other people as well. Her progressive, research-based training translates theory into practice, empowering people to truly collaborate with others, no matter the language they speak.
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Robin serves as a Center Evaluator for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) where she coaches university researchers, industry and non-profit center members on how to best collaborate and operate efficiently and effectively in a startup-like environment.
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Robin is an associate certified coach through the International Coaching Federation. She uses the world of working dogs for engaging keynotes, workshops and training sessions.
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Working Dog Industry Leadership
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Subject Matter Expert working to improve working and detection dog training and certification standards by serving as a member of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST)/ Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC)/ Dogs and Sensors Subcommittee and the American Academy of Forensics Sciences Dogs and Sensors Consensus Body.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where she is an instructor and evaluator for both live and HRD
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She is a Chief Examiner/Evaluator for several national search and rescue organizations and is also a certified search manager and a search management instructor.
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About Robin
Robin responds to requests by various law enforcement agencies in and around the state of Iowa to aid in search management and to resolve cases with her canines. In 2006 she founded the Paws of Life Foundation, which was dedicated to the education and training of search and rescue (SAR) working dog handlers. Its online classes have served handlers throughout the United States and various other countries.
Paws of Life Foundation, now K9Sensus Foundation, expands its reach to focus on all working dogs, Veterans and individuals. Coaching the human end of the leash to better serve and collaborate with their K9 partners and humans.
Robin holds a master of arts in community and regional planning, which prepared her to anticipate and respond to behavioral changes, identify common language among diverse humans and animals, facilitate dialogue, and identify the common ground that ensures success in the field. She served as Academic Outreach Manager at DuPont Pioneer from 2012–2017; prior to that she served as Iowa State University Foundation Director of Development, Corporate, and Foundation Relations from 2007–2012. Robin was the Iowa State University College of Business Director of Industry Relations from 2003–2007.
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She is a farmer with a herd of registered Belted Galloway (the Oreo cows), miniature donkeys, and chickens. She also breeds Labrador Retrievers and can be found at Dog Day Acres Labrador Retrievers.
"Robin’s ability to collaborate among multiple related organizations and partners enables her to build productive relationships with colleagues to advance organizational objectives. When it comes down to it, acquiring top talent and developing teams is critical for the ongoing strength and vitality of any organization. Robin does this so well."
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Paul E. Schickler,
Owner, III Ag, LLC (Agriculture – Education – Community)
President, DuPont Pioneer (Retired)