Click to view the superintendent communication about implementation during summer school 2025.

Meet the Dogs
Anakin (pictured left) is a Labrador Retriever and Rizz (pictured right) is a German Shorthaired Pointer.

Why is Glenbard District 87 implementing canine teams within the high schools?
The safety of our students and staff is at the forefront of our work. Based on the work performed by our district-wide threat assessment team, Glenbard District 87 is implementing this additional layer to its comprehensive safety and security program. The trained canine teams will help detect and identify potentially dangerous items or materials that may be in our buildings.

Is canine detection effective?
Canine detection has a proven track record of success in highly populated settings (concerts, amusement parks, sporting events) and is widely recognized as an effective component of a comprehensive safety mitigation strategy.

Why is District 87 implementing this program during summer school? 
Following the Board approved contract in February, the implementation process began. The program takes approximately 3 to 4 months to prepare the canine detection teams for deployment, which aligns well with a summer school rollout.

Deploying the teams during summer school will allow students and staff the opportunity to get to know the handler and canine in advance of the 2025-26 school year.

Who trains the dogs?
3DK9 Detection Services is the company that trains and deploys canine detection teams. The dogs are specially bred and trained to work safely and effectively in school environments, including being around students. Each handler also goes through extensive training to work closely with their canine partner. The canine teams are not deployed until all training and certification requirements are fully met. The training process has ongoing training requirements and recertification components.

When will the canine teams work? 
The canine detection teams will work on an irregular schedule among buildings throughout the school day. The schedule will intentionally be structured in such a way that it will not be predictable to our students and visitors. Additionally, the teams will also occasionally work during select extracurricular events and activities. 

How will people know if the dog is actively working?
Like many service dogs, the dog will wear a vest that indicates it is actively working.

Will the dog bark if it finds something?
No, the dog will not bark. If the dog detects a possibly dangerous scent, it will discreetly notify the handler.  

Will the dog bite?
No. The dog is trained to remain calm and professional. Only dogs that meet rigorous training standards and certification requirements will be deployed for service. This ensures that the canine teams maintain a high level of reliability and professionalism in supporting our safety efforts.

What if I am allergic to or afraid of dogs?
District 87 will work with the student or staff member to best address that particular individual’s concern. Due to the brief interactions with the dog, other organizations have not experienced problems with individuals who have allergies. District 87 students and staff should contact the school nurse or a school counselor to relay individual needs. 

Can I pet the dog?
No. While the dogs are friendly, they are actively working while on the school campus and therefore should not be approached like a pet. 

How will I know the difference between a canine detection dog and a therapy dog?
The canine detection dog is trained for a specific task. They are labeled and actively working throughout the building and school grounds. 

A therapy dog is a specially trained dog that provides comfort, support and affection to people in various settings. Therapy dogs are announced, labeled and assigned to specific rooms in the building. 

How is the dog treated?
The dog is treated well. The canine team functions as a true partnership, with the dog living and working closely with its handler. The dog also has scheduled rest periods and breaks throughout the day.

If I have questions about the canine detection program, whom should I contact?
For questions about the program, please contact [email protected]. 
Please note: This email address is for non-emergency use only. For emergencies, contact the appropriate emergency services immediately.