Got a K9 friend at home or at work? Post it on Instagram with the tag #ufproK9. UF PRO will select the 10 best submissions and put them to a vote of the community to decide which ones are the most badass. Owners/handlers of the three leading posts receive a limited-edition K9 Combat Medic patch for free.
Full details here.
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.
By 1st Lt. Faith Brodkorb, 93d Air Ground Operations Wing Public Affairs
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
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.
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
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.
