This week’s Friday Focus is an exciting announcement regarding FirstSpear’s work on a new line of K9 products.
May 19, 2016, FirstSpear and K2 Solutions today announced a new collaboration to jointly develop, produce, and bring to market products that enhance the capabilities of military and law enforcement canines and their handlers. The agreement brings together one of the leading canine services and training providers with one of the most recognized names for innovation in military and tactical law enforcement individual equipment.
The partnership between FirstSpear and K2 leverages decades of tactical experience to enhance the efficiency of the modern American warfighter. This team will be rolling out a unique line of tactical canine gear in the summer of 2016, with special previews at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa, Florida, on May 24, 2016.
“I was excited when K2 approached us about working together. We have been looking at the canine market for some time, but to do it right, the dog has to be viewed as the Operator. K2’s ability to bring forward canine product requirements through their numerous trainers and their ability to test canine performance in realistic situations has provided the missing part to solving the problems associated with the current products in this space,” said Scott Carver, FirstSpear CEO. “Additionally, we think this is the first time that the development process included a true look at the dog’s anatomy, resulting in more ergonomic systems that reduce fatigue as well as the long and short term stress placed on the canine’s body.”
“We are very excited about our partnership and the resulting products we are bringing to the warfighter and canine handler. Our requirements are driven by our military and police forces, and our gear is designed, manufactured and distributed in America.” says Dr. Heidi Alvey, R&D Scientist at K2.
I’m waiting to see the first fat, wheezing bulldog or pug show up to the dog park in some K9 tactical gear.
Tactical Shar Pei is a force multiplier during the zombie apocalypse.
Is it just me, or does looking at this unfocused pic mess with anyone else’s eyes?
I thought the went with the diffuse filter to protect the dog’s identity. Woof, and all that. Not sure why that MS Windows-esque logo is included on the side of the dog… Oh, I guess it’s messing with my eyes too.
Yes, it is.
K9 market is getting flooded but I trust FS to innovate. Excited for this.
For more special ops k-9 gear, check out http://www.elitek9.com
I am exceedingly interested, and can’t wait to lay my dirty hands upon one. I know at least one of my GSD will be having fun with this shortly.
Exactly Stick. Looking forward to pics.
I thoughthink k2 solutions was in deep water over their adoption practices and dumping dogs into civilian adoptions before giving the handlers a chance first as the permits
They did what DoD directed them to do. Not saying it’s right, but it’s what they were told to do based on their contractual obligations with the government.
Classy, Specopsk9. Very classy. (That’s sarcasm, in case anyone was wondering.)
I’ll be looking forward to First Spear’s offerings, especially considering their pedigree.