HCK PRODUCES VAPOR WAKE® CAPABLE DOGS.

After six years of dedicated scientific and behavioral collaboration with Auburn University, Hay Creek Kennel has become the first organization, other than Auburn University, licensed to breed, develop and offer the sale of Vapor Wake-capable dogs.  Dogs of this caliber are candidates for local, national, and international threat detection organizations, law enforcement agencies, and armed forces operations.

“The key role Hay Creek will now play in breeding and developing Vapor Wake detection dogs for training by licensed Vapor Wake Trainers is instrumental in meeting the demand for these extraordinary animals.”

— Paul Waggoner, Co-Director of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Canine Performance Sciences

Why a pre-approved Vapor Wake® Candidate?

A Vapor Wake® quality candidate results in significant savings in training time and costs, as well as enhanced operational efficiencies due to consistency in performance, low failure rates, and longevity of canine service life.

Our Training Process

    • Breeding practices are science-based and science-driven. Breeding candidates are selected based on scientifically validated behavioral evaluations as well as genetic and health screenings. The information obtained through this rigorous selection process is utilized to inform breeder pairings to produce Vapor Wake® quality candidates that possess the highest levels of performance, environmental, and physical soundness.

  • Litters undergo a development protocol that is designed to provide a highly effective socialization program for puppies beginning in the neonatal period. It was created by researchers and breeders and is based on young puppy developmental stages, with the timing and intensity of experiences introduced each week designed to complement puppy physiological and behavioral development. The idea is to habituate puppies to the concept of novelty by constantly varying their environment and exposures. This constant change and variation of environment will significantly reduce reactivity and startle responses to novel stimuli resulting in resilience and operational versatility in the future.

    • Continuation of environmental development by increasing intensity of tactile, auditory, visual stimulation and socialization that are age appropriate in operationally relevant environments 

    •  Foundational development of detection performance phenotypes: reward value/reward possession, hunt (odor guided investigation of environment), independence, and air scenting.