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Archive for the ‘K9’ Category

Milipol 25 – Combat Clean

Thursday, December 4th, 2025

Combat Clean is a product from Sweden’s Zymiq and serves a dental enzyme to keep your teeth clean even in the field and has the added benefit of fresh breath.

Combat Clean comes in two formulations, one for general man’s and the other for our K9 companions. The version for humans is a lozenge format and the version for pups is a spray.

www.zymiq.com/brands/combat-clean

AARDVARK Tactical and Dark Systems Strengthen Partnership to Advance Tactical K9 Protection in the US

Wednesday, August 6th, 2025

La Verne, CA — AARDVARK Tactical, a leading provider of operator-focused solutions for elite military and law enforcement units, has expanded its strategic alliance with Dark Systems, the global leader in cutting-edge K9 helmets, electronics, and camera systems.

Building on Dark Systems’ recent announcement as a distributor of the P7K9 ballistic vest in Europe—exclusively supplied by AARDVARK—this expanded partnership positions AARDVARK to distribute Dark Systems’ full line of K9 technologies across the United States. Offerings include the DarkFighter K9 Helmet & Camera, DarkMesh MANET System, and a full suite of muzzles, hearing protection and K9 electronics delivering comprehensive physical protection, live video intelligence, and real-time situational awareness.

“Our collaboration underscores our shared mission to push the limits of what’s possible for tactical K9 teams,” said Jon Becker, CEO of AARDVARK. “By integrating Dark Systems’ modular technologies with others such as P7K9, teams can operate with full confidence that their working dogs are protected and mission-ready.”

This collective solution offers an elite edge for law enforcement and military working dog teams operating in high-risk, high-tempo environments, ensuring both handlers and K9s can operate with enhanced safety, agility, and effectiveness.

SUPPLE Launches SUPPLE Squad Initiative to Support Joint Health for Military, Veterans, First Responders, and K9 Heroes

Saturday, July 19th, 2025

Industry-leading orthopedic performance drink supplements now available to support the unique physical demands of America’s defenders – on two legs and four.

NEENAH, Wis., July 17, 2025 — SUPPLE, a 7-day fast-acting, premium joint health dietary supplement trusted by customers since 2006, is proud to introduce its Premium Glucosamine & Chondroitin and Boswellia products to our military, veteran, first responder, and K9 working dog communities through its Supple Squad Initiative. Designed to support joint comfort, mobility, flexibility, and protection under the most extreme conditions, SUPPLE products deliver high-quality ingredients backed by decades of research, without unproven ingredients or dosages found in many supplements.

Military service members, veterans, first responders, and working dogs endure relentless physical demands, including wearing heavy gear, performing repetitive tasks, and operating in extreme environments. Whether on long patrols, wearing heavy tactical gear, responding to dangerous emergencies, or supporting public safety operations, these communities need products that match their realities. SUPPLE’s premium joint health formulas are purpose-built for this lifestyle: supporting mobility, flexibility, and strength without hype or ineffective ingredients. Now purposefully introduced to those who serve, both two-legged and four-legged, SUPPLE is honored to help keep America’s defenders strong, mobile, and mission-ready. Military, First Responders, TEMS personnel, and their families can receive an additional 20 percent off any item from www.supplesquad.com with the use of unique discount codes from GovX.com.

“Our military and first responders face extraordinary physical challenges every day,” says Peter Apatow, Founder and CEO of SUPPLE. “It’s an honor to provide products that are designed to support their missions – supplements with premium, clinically effective ingredients they can trust to help them stay active, mobile, and ready for whatever comes next.”

The SUPPLE product line includes SUPPLE Drink Instant, SUPPLE Drink, SUPPLE TurboFlex Joint Health Supplement, and SUPPLE Pets Hip & Joint Health Chews.

SUPPLE Drink Instant is a 7-day fast-acting, peach-mango flavored orthopedic performance drink mix designed to deliver powerful support for joint comfort, mobility, flexibility, and protection. It features premium European pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate—the same ingredient quality trusted by over 55 million people worldwide and prescribed by doctors in Europe for over 50 years—alongside high-purity, shellfish-free glucosamine. It also includes a premium Boswellia serrata AKBA extract, and vitamins C and D3 to help support muscle function, antioxidant protection, and bone health. Free from caffeine and sugar, SUPPLE Instant is ideal for service members, first responders, and veterans looking for clean, effective joint support that can fit into their demanding routines on base, in the field, or off duty.

The original SUPPLE Drink, with over 100 million cans sold, remains a convenient, delicious way to support joint health and delivers the same benefits as Supple Instant. Each sparkling ready-to-drink can is packed with the same dosages of premium European pharma-grade chondroitin, glucosamine, Boswellia extract, and vitamins C and D3 found in SUPPLE Instant – plus a small amount of natural fruit juice for enhanced flavor. SUPPLE Drink contains a modest level of caffeine (unlike the caffeine-free Supple Instant), making it a refreshing option for those looking for joint support with a light energy boost. Whether on a long shift, traveling, or working through tough physical demands, SUPPLE Drink offers a ready-made option that fits right into a cooler or go-bag, keeping joint health support simple and effective for those who serve.


SUPPLE TurboFlex Joint Health Supplement is a premium capsule-based joint supplement developed to help support peak joint function and performance for active individuals. At its core is a clinically studied Boswellia serrata AKBA extract, a powerful gum resin of Indian frankincense, a plant that has been safely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Standardized to a patented AKBA concentration, this key ingredient is backed by a strong Cochrane Collaboration review, strong clinical research, and is shown to help improve joint comfort, mobility, and flexibility in as fast as seven days. TurboFlex works by helping to block destructive enzymes that attack joints and by promoting an environment in which joints can move and perform at their optimal potential. Flexible dosing allows users to adjust based on daily needs, making it an ideal companion for personnel on deployment, in training, or responding to call-outs where drink mixes may not be practical.


Working K9s—whether in military, law enforcement, search and rescue, or service roles—face just as many physical stresses as their handlers. SUPPLE Pets Hip & Joint Health Chewsare formulated with premium, human-grade glucosamine and chondroitin to support canine joint health, mobility, and flexibility. Containing the same European pharma-grade chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine found in SUPPLE Drink, these tasty chews are an ideal daily addition for K9s engaged in active service, training, or retirement.

SUPPLE products are made in the USA with premium key ingredients sourced globally, are shellfish-free, and contain no fake or unproven ingredients or dosages. They are manufactured under FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and are independently verified by the leading research firm, Eurofins.

Formulated for those who demand more from their bodies and their supplements, SUPPLE is built to serve America’s military, first responders, veterans, and K9 heroes.

For more information on SUPPLE, visit its website at www.supplesquad.com.

DARK SYSTEMS and PROJECT7 Armor Unite to Elevate K9 Tactical Protection Across Europe and Beyond

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Dark Systems, a global leader in advanced K9 helmet and cameras systems, proudly announces a strategic collaboration with PROJECT7 Armor to integrate the cutting-edge P7K9 ballistic vest into its modular ecosystem. This partnership marks a significant advancement in providing comprehensive protection and operational efficiency for European tactical teams and international SOF units.

Renowned for its innovative K9 helmets, electronics and cameras, Dark Systems has been at the forefront of equipping elite police tactical teams and special forces worldwide. The increasing demand for stabilized, high-quality load-bearing solutions necessitated a partnership that could deliver unparalleled protection without compromising mobility.

The P7K9 vest by PROJECT7 Armor stands out as the premier solution in the market. Developed over three years in collaboration with elite handlers and tactical experts, the vest offers unmatched coverage, mobility, and protection for working dogs. Its innovative biomechanical design includes a detachable ballistic yoke collar that shields vulnerable neck and chest areas without hindering the dog’s movement, bite, or search capabilities. Quick-release buckles on the yoke pivot seamlessly with the dog’s body, offering flexible and adjustable protection. The P7K9 can be donned, doffed, or scaled in under 30 seconds, making it ideal for various high-threat environments.

Furthermore, the P7K9 vest has been designed to perfectly accommodate the DarkMesh Manet K9 Camera system, a state-of-the-art technology recently selected for several international military programs.

This integrated approach ensures that K9 units are equipped with the best-in-class protective gear, enhancing their safety and effectiveness in the field. The P7K9 vest’s compatibility with Dark Systems’ modular components allows for seamless integration, ensuring that K9 teams can adapt to various mission requirements with ease.

About Dark Systems:

Dark Systems is a leading provider of advanced K9 helmet, electronics and camera systems, dedicated to enhancing the safety and effectiveness of working dogs in tactical operations. With a focus on innovation and quality, Dark Systems delivers cutting-edge solutions to military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

About PROJECT7 Armor:

PROJECT 7 is the culmination of years of research and development to produce the ultimate integrated tactical armor systems. PROJECT7’s innovative products are available at www.project7armor.com. PROJECT7 ballistic armor is sold only to sworn military, law enforcement, and federal agents either through the digital storefront or through our sole-source distribution partner AARDVARK in La Verne, California.

SOF Week 25 – Qore Performance ICEFLASK K9 Holster

Friday, May 9th, 2025

Qore Performance unveiled their new ICEFLASK K9 Holster.

Frozen, it offers all of the same advantages to our K9 companions that the ICEFLASK does for humans: thermoregulation which prevents heat injuries and boosts performance.

They’ve developed a K9 harness which allows the handler to quickly and easily don or doff the ICEFLASK holsters to the dog.

New from SPARTANAT Books: New Book Reveals the Incredible World of Service Dogs on the Front Lines

Sunday, May 4th, 2025

From Tracking Criminals to Rescuing Disaster Victims – Meet the Heroes on Four Legs

Service dogs are more than companions — they are lifesaving heroes on the front lines of the world’s most dangerous and demanding missions. From locating missing persons, to apprehending criminals, detecting narcotics, uncovering contraband at airports, and even supporting soldiers in combat zones, these extraordinary canines work side by side with their human partners under the most challenging conditions imaginable.

In K9 – Dogs for Service, author Karl-Heinz Klöppner pulls back the curtain on the elite world of service dogs in military, police, customs, and rescue operations. Drawing on over 40 years of hands-on experience, the book offers a rare, in-depth look at how K9s are selected, trained, and cared for, and how they are mentally and physically prepared to face intense, high-stakes environments.

Packed with real-world insights, expert training techniques, and behind-the-scenes knowledge, K9 – Dogs for Service is a must-read for dog lovers, professionals in the field, and anyone fascinated by the incredible bond between humans and their canine counterparts.

Discover what it takes to turn an ordinary dog into an extraordinary hero.

K9 – Dogs for Service” is available now on Amazon.com for $19.99, plus taxes and shipping.

Meet the Expert Behind the Training: Karl-Heinz Klöppner

With a career spanning several decades, Karl-Heinz Klöppner is one of the most respected figures in the world of service dog training. He has collaborated with dozens of government agencies and trained hundreds of dogs for high-stakes operations — from tracking fugitives to saving lives in disaster zones. A best-selling author of professional K9 training manuals, Klöppner now distills his lifetime of knowledge into this accessible, action-packed edition.

His latest book, K9 – Dogs for Service, goes far beyond the mechanics of training. In this book, Klöppner shines a light on the powerful, often unspoken bond between handler and K9 — a relationship built on trust, instinct, and mutual respect. It’s not just about building elite service dogs — it’s about forging unbreakable partnerships between extraordinary animals and the humans who rely on them.

Other books from SPARTANAT:

DARK SYSTEMS – DarkFighter Gimbal K9 Camera

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025

Dark Systems is proud to present the DarkFighter Gimbal K9 Camera

This system is revolutionizing the standards of visual technology for tactical users requiring a tool that is as robust as it is advanced. This system addresses these needs with its cutting-edge stabilization and imaging capabilities, offering high-definition visuals that ensure no detail is missed in critical situations. This digital system remains economical and affordable for K9 units. 

What sets the K9 Camera apart is its advanced gimbal technology, which ensures that the video remains perfectly stable even in the most dynamic or unstable conditions. This level of stabilization is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the captured content, allowing users to focus on their mission without being hindered by equipment limitations. Moreover, its compact design does not sacrifice functionality; rather, it enhances portability and usability, making it ideal for tactical use where quick deployment is often necessary. 

The Darkfighter Gimbal K9 Camera is a back-mounted system, no cable. The End User Device is capable of receiving video up to 200 meters away from the canine. This K9 camera is mesh capable, additional radios can be used to extend the operational range and user’s vision.

Dark Systems is the world leader in K9 helmets. Worldwide, over 3,000 of the company’s products have been deployed to the military and law enforcement agencies, SAR and K9 handlers. Each day, they use the DarkFighter K9 Helmet to protect their personnel. Dark Systems is a company of high-level engineers and professionals committed to listening, understanding and responding to our customers’ mission-critical needs.

www.darksystems.com

VORTEX to Donate All Dog Collar Proceeds to the United States War Dogs Association

Wednesday, November 6th, 2024

Show your support for military working dogs with the online purchase of a Vortex™ dog collar November 1st to November 30th, 2024.

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Anyone who has visited our headquarters or follows us on social media knows we are a dog-friendly company. That deep love of dogs combined with our commitment to supporting men and women in uniform is behind an exciting charitable initiative happening in November.

Your purchase of a Vortex™ Adjustable Waterproof Dog Collar ($24.99), standard Vortex™ Adjustable Dog Collar ($19.99) or Vortex™  Padded Dog Leash($29.99) via the Vortex® website during this special charitable promotion will directly support the work being done by the United States War Dog Association. All proceeds will go directly to USWDA to support their work with the military K-9 community.
 
Collars and leashes will be available for purchase throughout the month of November 2024 or until inventory is depleted. Hurry and click here to make sure you get yours. 

“When you come to Vortex® HQ, you’re not only greeted with smiling faces, but you’re also greeted with wagging tails. Our furry friends add joy and companionship to our lives – both inside and outside of our building,” said Joe Hamilton, Vortex® CEO. The Vortex® campus has been dog friendly since opening its doors in 2018. “That’s why we couldn’t be prouder to partner with the US War Dogs Association and their work within the active and retired military working dog community. Through funding K-9 memorials, sending care packages to K-9 teams currently deployed, facilitating free prescriptions for retired military working dogs, and so much more, the US War Dogs Association is doing amazing work in supporting the military working dog communities.”   

Listen to the Vortex Nation™ Podcast, #10MinuteTalk – Honoring Our Nation’s War Dogs and Their Handlers – the US War Dogs Association, to listen to Chris Willingham from USWDA talk about their organization and the incredible work they do.

Go to uswardogs.org to learn more about the United States War Dogs Association.

To see more from Vortex®, visit VortexOptics.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X, and TikTok.