A brown and black dog, possibly a Belgian Malinois, walking through tall, golden grass in a natural outdoor setting, possibly a field or meadow.
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K9 Detection Training & Problem Solving

Professional K9 Detection Training | Problem Solving | Handler Development

Effective detection work goes beyond simply finding the odor—it requires a K9 that can think, work through challenges, and be committed to the search, and obedient to odor source.

Our K9 detection training focuses on developing search behavior, odor recognition, environmental confidence, and problem-solving skills that help teams perform in real-world conditions.

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SERVICES

Train the dog to search and locate source. Train the handler to read the dog and make the appropriate call. Build a team that can solve the problem.

  • Building independent search behavior

  • Developing persistence when the odor is difficult to locate

  • Working through challenging environments and distractions

  • Improving handler observation and decision-making

  • Identifying and addressing training problems before they become operational problems

  • Strengthening the K9/handler team through clear communication and consistent training

All sessions are held at a location of the owner’s choosing, or a location the group agrees on. Travel outside 50 miles from San Antonio: $1 per mile.

Five K9 nosework clients standing outdoors near a tree and an old car, posing for a training session group photo.

Group training sessions

Sessions for 3–4 dog teams covering scent detection, search patterns, odor recognition, and handler technique. Structured but flexible to what your group needs that day.

$50 per team · 1–2 hrs

A nosework client in a white shirt and blue jeans training a dog in a grassy backyard. The dog is brown and black, and appears to be a border collie. They are scent work training.

Private training

One-on-one sessions built around your dog's specific strengths and gaps. Ruben watches your team closely — no cookie-cutter curriculum, no assumptions carried over from other dogs.

$100 · 1.5 hrs

Ruben Pena and several of his scent work clients posing with their competition awards. They are smiling in a rustic setting after a day of scent trials with their dog.

Seminars & workshops

Can provide 3–5 day seminars or 1–3 week workshops, upon request. Topics include scent theory, training aid management, search behavior, problem solving, and tracking and trailing. Available for groups and organizations.

Inquire for availability and pricing.

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evaluations & assessments

A structured, objective review of your K9 team. Ruben identifies what's working, where the gaps are, and what to do about it — whether you're preparing for certification or just want to know where you stand.

Inquire for details.

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Ruben Pena

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Founder, Underdog Detections Services · San Antonio, TX

Ruben Peña began his career as a K9 handler and trainer with the U.S. Air Force Security Police, where he served for 8.5 years. Over the following 37+ years, he developed extensive experience training and mentoring domestic and international law enforcement and military K9 teams in narcotics and explosives detection.

Ruben spent 14 years with Global Training Academy, where he trained K9 teams and supported the development of detection capabilities for law enforcement and military applications both domestic and international. His experience also includes building complete K9 programs for the U.S. Department of State’s landmine and unexploded ordnance initiatives.

He later spent 15 years with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Canine Training Center, serving in roles including K9 Trainer, Instructor, and Supervisor. During this time, he helped prepare explosives detection canine teams as well as passenger screening canine teams to supporting law enforcement agencies and organizations including the Federal Protective Service, TSA, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

With decades of operational and instructional experience, Ruben brings a practical, experience-based approach to K9 detection training.

  • Accredited United Police Work Dog Association (UPWDA) Master Trainer - K9 Certifications

  • National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) Judge

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“Ruben is a highly skilled K-9 trainer and handler with many decades of real life experience. he matches your abilities with your particular dog — he’s not a one size fits all trainer.”

— Doris Blake, Client

“I’ve been involved with SARS for 11 years. However, I’ve learned more in a few months training with Ruben. he has a natural gift that is obvious when he is working with dogs. Ruben is kind, caring, intuitive, encouraging, fun to work with and he is funny. It’s a real honor to be training with him.”

— Sarah Connor, Client

“whether you’re a novice or experienced handler ruben can help you and your k9 meet your goals. he has a knack for breaking down concepts in an easy to understand way. i can’t recommend underdog enough!”

— Casey Cassidy, Client

“Ruben has taught Team CCleo so many things. But one of the most important lessons is to have fun and Enjoy your dog!”

— Kathy Haygood, Client

“I have trained three dogs with Ruben for over 10 years. Training with Ruben is tailored to the needs of the specific dog and handler to help them be the best team possible.”

— Patricia Schwartz, Client

“Ruben has changed my perspective on Detection training from frustrated to happily enjoying training. I Highly recommend his services. ”

— Heather, Misha, and Lilith, Clients

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A Belgian Malinois dog sitting on tiled floor with ribbons and awards in front. The dog has an award ribbon on its neck. The room has a large window, wooden chairs, a glass-fronted cabinet, and various decorations, with trees visible outside.
Three elderly people, two women and one man, stand outdoors in front of a large tree, with two German Shepherd dogs sitting nearby. The man wears a cap and casual clothing, the woman in the middle wears a light gray hoodie, and the woman on the right wears a vest and a black t-shirt. The scene appears to be in a park or a yard on a sunny day.
A woman with curly, gray hair and glasses smiling while holding a yellow Labrador retriever puppy with a birthday bandana sitting on her lap, in front of a wooden wall.
A black dog wearing a pink collar and leash stands on its hind legs searching for scent. He is training with Underdog Detection Services.
A black and brown dog lying on a bed, surrounded by various award ribbons from the Nortex Scent Work Club.
Four people and a dog standing in a grassy, wooded area having a conversation during scent and search training.
A person in a blue shirt and gray jeans is hugging a white dog with black spots, wearing a harness with an orange leash in a green outdoor area.
A person in a blue shirt and gray jeans is hugging a white dog with black spots, wearing a harness with an orange leash in a green outdoor area.
A young Belgian Malinois dog lying on a table in front of a fireplace, with award ribbons hanging from the table. The dog has a brindle coat and large pointed ears, looking directly at the camera.
Two dogs, one black and white and one golden, sitting side by side on a tiled floor against a textured beige wall. Both dogs are wearing large pink and black ribbons with award labels.