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822nd Base Defense Squadron K9 Teams Train Fast-Rope Insertions

Monday, December 2nd, 2019

Members of the 822nd Base Defense Squadron fly in a HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 41st Rescue Squadron to conduct fast-rope training with their military working dogs (MWD) Nov. 20, 2019 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Fast-roping allows the MWD teams to quickly access a rugged location where an aircraft is not able to land and start conducting base defense as soon as they are needed.

: Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Patty, 822nd Base Defense Squadron military working dog (MWD) handler, lifts MWD Pepper off the ground to test the safety of her harness Nov. 20, 2019 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The handlers double check that the MWD is securely fastened in its harness and to its handler before approaching the aircraft to conduct fast-rope training. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Faith Brodkorb)

: Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Patty, 822nd Base Defense Squadron military working dog (MWD) handler, holds MWD Pepper while they wait to board a HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 41st Rescue Squadron during fast-rope training Nov. 20, 2019 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Each MWD team went one at a time riding the helicopter for a few minutes before fast-roping down. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Faith Brodkorb)

: Staff Sgt. Ronald Marasco, 822nd Base Defense Squadron military working dog (MWD) handler, and MWD Haston fast-rope out of an HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 41st Rescue Squadron during training at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Nov. 20, 2019. This was the first time the MWDs had fast-roped out of helicopters, but they had practiced on training towers with their handlers. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Faith Brodkorb)

: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Vega, 822nd Base Defense Squadron military working dog (MWD) handler, and MWD Bbicbic fast-rope down from a HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 41st Rescue Squadron Nov. 20, 2019 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The helicopter hovered approximately 40 feet from the ground. Fast-roping allows the MWD teams to quickly access a rugged location where an aircraft is not able to land and start conducting base defense as soon as they are needed. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Faith Brodkorb)

: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Vega, 822nd Base Defense Squadron military working dog (MWD) handler, and MWD Bbicbic move away from the helicopter after fast-roping down during training Nov. 20, 2019 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Fast-roping allows the MWD teams to quickly access a rugged location where an aircraft is not able to land and start conducting base defense as soon as they are needed. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Faith Brodkorb)

: Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Patty, 822nd Base Defense Group military working dog (MWD) handler, rewards MWD Pepper with a toy after successful fast-rope training Nov. 20, 2019, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The MWDs were rewarded with a toy and praise from their handlers after each helicopter ride and fast-rope insertion. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Faith Brodkorb)

By 1st Lt. Faith Brodkorb, 93d Air Ground Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Battlefield Airman, Guest Post, K9 | 10 Comments »

Innovative Hearing Protection May Protect Military Working Dogs Like The One Who Helped In The al-Baghdadi Raid

Wednesday, November 20th, 2019

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (Nov. 20, 2019) — Military working dogs played a vital role in the recent raid and death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi; however, temporary and permanent hearing loss due to high-decibel noise in training, transport and operations put these animals at risk. Now, thanks to an Army small business innovation program, canines may have new gear to protect their ears.

Zeteo Tech, Inc., in partnership with Pete “Skip” Scheifele M.D., Ph.D., a retired Navy lieutenant commander, professor at the University of Cincinnati and leading animal audiology expert, developed the Canine Auditory Protection System, known as CAPS, to prevent short-term hearing loss in military working dogs.

“Even a short helicopter flight can affect a dog’s hearing, resulting in impaired performance and inability to hear the handler’s commands, which can hinder the mission,” said Dr. Stephen Lee, senior scientist at Army Research Office. “This new technology protects the canine while on missions and can extend the dog’s working life.”

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command supported the program as a part of a Small Business Innovation Research grant managed by ARO — an element of U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory.

Military workings dogs are used for a variety of roles, including tactical operations, patrol, detection and specialized search. Until now hearing protection systems available were rigid, cumbersome and hard to put on the dog, with limited effectiveness in testing for the protection of canine hearing.

The CAPS uses lightweight, high-quality acoustic absorption materials to block unwanted sounds. Unlike conventional canine hearing protection, this solution is constructed of flexible materials that conform to the unique shape of a dog’s head. This flexibility ensures proper sealing around the ear and maximum sound reduction.

The snood-style headgear, resembling a close-fitting hood, uniformly distributes the pressure required to hold the hearing protection in place, while avoiding challenges associated with straps. At a little more than an inch thick, the device’s low profile will not be a hindrance for dogs working in tight spaces. It is also compatible with other gear used by working dogs, such as goggles.

The research team tested the headgear extensively with military working dogs, as well as federal law enforcement working dogs, for wearability, usability and comfort. The team also measured the hearing protection effectiveness during helicopter operations and found a significant reduction in short-term hearing loss.

“This new technology will extend canines ability to work in a wide range of environments in combination with the Soldier and autonomous systems that could greatly enhance situational awareness of the individual Soldier in the future and empower a broader use for military working dogs in operations,” Lee said.

“Zeteo Tech is excited to provide CAPS in response to a critical need for effective canine hearing protection in demanding environments,” said Michael McLoughlin, vice president of Zeteo Tech, Inc.

McLoughlin said Zeteo Tech is a Maryland-based small business founded in 2013 and dedicated to “developing and delivering solutions to address the health and welfare of the military and others who serve the nation.”

By U.S. Army CCDC Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs

Posted in Eyepro, Guest Post, K9 | 1 Comment »

AUSA 19 – Speedbox Introduces Kennels and Coolers

Thursday, October 17th, 2019

Speedbox has introduced kennels and coolers to complement their line of modular container systems for palletized cargo.

It is offered in four sizes and features climbing rope handles for durability. Additionally, it is sized for backseat carry, which is safer for the K9 than in a bed or rear of an SUV. The door is removable and can be opened to the left or right, as well as configured as a sunshade or ramp.

The K9 is kept off of the floor of the kennel thanks to this mesh bed. There is also a PALS compatible cover to store accessories.

Additionally, Speedbox has introduced coolers.

Working with Orion Coolers, they’ve got three sizes that will make your deployments much better.

www.speedbox.us

Posted in AUSA, K9 | 2 Comments »

G-Code Limited Edition K9 Collars and Leashes Available Now

Thursday, August 29th, 2019

G-Code’s K9 Handler Kit includes the following items:

-1 K9 Collar made of 1″ nylon tubular webbing.

-1 18″ K9 Training Lead

-1 5ft K9 Leash

www.tacticalholsters.com

Posted in K9 | Comments Off on G-Code Limited Edition K9 Collars and Leashes Available Now

“Dewey The Puppy” Book Raises Money For SpikeS K9 Fund

Sunday, August 25th, 2019

Several Hampton Roads groups have come together to raise funds for Spikes K9 Fund.

Navy SEAL Jimmy Hatch created the Spikes K9 fund to care for K9s. This 501c3 Tax-Exempt Organization focuses on the training, care and preservation of working dogs. They have donated ballistic vests for dogs to various police departments, provided veterinary care to some and additional training to others.

Jimmy Hatch wrote the “Dewey The Puppy” Book in collaboration with Joe Nobody, Tattoo artist to Naval Special Warfare, and principal of Tribe Sk8tz. Proceeds will go to Spike K9 Fund.

The story follows puppy Dewey as he learns about the life of Argo, a working dog.

Joe Nobody’s Artistic Development Group, can be found on Instagram.

To get your copy, visit spikes-k9-fund.myshopify.com/collections/front-page-new-products/products/dewey-the-puppy-book.

Posted in Fundraising, K9, Veterans | Comments Off on “Dewey The Puppy” Book Raises Money For SpikeS K9 Fund

Meet Callie – DoD’s Only Search and Rescue K9

Monday, August 19th, 2019

(Air National Guard photo by SSgt Darby Arnold, 134th ARW Public Affairs)

Meet Callie, a 26-month-old Dutch shepherd, is one of the newest additions to the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron in Louisville, Ky. She is the Kentucky Air Guard’s first member of the 123rd Search and Rescue K-9 program, making her the only search and rescue dog in the entire Department of Defense.

Callie’s handler, TSgt Rudy Parsons, is a Pararescueman with the 123rd STS, Kentucky Air National Guard.

Posted in Air Force, K9, SOF | 7 Comments »

9th Annual K-9 Cop Conference & Vendor Show

Friday, June 28th, 2019

The conference will be held at the Nashville Airport Marriott in Nashville, TN, Sept. 10, 11, 12 – 2019

K-9 Cop Magazine is hosting their 9th Annual International K-9 Cop Conference for Police & Military Working Dog Handlers in September. The K-9 Cop Conference brings together world-class K-9 instructors, top-notch vendors, and over 800 attendees from all over the world over a three-day period. The conference features more than 40 courses, including seminars and interactive K-9 demonstrations. Topics include tracking, scent training, bitework, K-9 nutrition, narcotics and explosives detection, and integrated search strategies.

Courses include:
• Training the Remote Detection K-9 with Pat Nolan of Tactical Directional Canine Systems
• Obedience to Odor with Ken Licklider of Vohne Liche Kennels
• Person-Borne Explosives Detection K-9s with Tracy Campbell of K2 Solutions, Inc.
• Creating Clarity and Intensity in Bitework with George Daniolos of K-9 Defense
• KATTS – K–9 Tactical Tracking with Terry Anderson of National Police Canine Association
• The Effective K-9 Unit Handler with Don Slavik of United States Police Canine Association
• And many more!
• For a comprehensive look at the schedule, visit the K-9 Cop Conference Full Line-Up.

The vendor hall will house 45 top-notch vendors over a two-day period featuring the latest in K-9 technology and equipment, including apparel, communications and nutrition. See a list of 2019 Exhibitors here.

K-9 Cop Conference attendees can book their stay at their host hotel where the conference will be held at the Nashville Airport Marriott. Hotel Link

For more information on K-9 Cop Magazine, visit www.k9copmagazine.com or call (270) 534-0500. Register today and receive 16 hours of continuing law enforcement K-9 education.

Keep updated via social media: Facebook – @k9copmagazine | Instagram – @k9copmagazine | Twitter – @k9copmagazine | LinkedIn – k9copmagazine

Posted in Advertiser, K9, Press Release | Comments Off on 9th Annual K-9 Cop Conference & Vendor Show

2nd Annual Special Operations Forces K9 Conference Follow Up

Monday, June 24th, 2019

SOF Project’s Krzysztof Puwalski was one of the organizers of the second international conference Special Operations Forces K9 Conference (SOFK9C), which took place from 17 to 21 June near Warsaw.

The theme of this year’s event was: “How can we help you and your dog in achieving and maintaining full operational readiness”.

The conference was attended by SOF operators, dog handlers, trainers, canine specialists and scientists from USA, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Austria, Germany, Sweden and Poland. This time the main focus was on the operational preparation of both the guide and the combat dog.

The conference was full of interesting lectures, behind-the-scenes conversations and establishing relationships, but above all, practical exercises conducted by leading SOF instructors. The special guest of the conference was James Hatch, a longtime operator and team leader of the K9 Navy SEALs, who had to leave the active service as a result of injuries sustained in a combat operation. James told the participants of the conference about his combat experiences and about the extraordinary bond between the guide and the dog. He also touched on the extremely important issue of coping in everyday life after leaving the service.

The conference was co-organized with the following companies: Silent Technical (Poland) and Norse K9 (Norway).

Special thanks to the event sponsor – Direct Action, producer of high quality tactical equipment.

The next conference is planned for 2021.

Posted in International, K9, SOF | Comments Off on 2nd Annual Special Operations Forces K9 Conference Follow Up