Series begins with standard Certification areas that in my opinion should be pulled due to the fact they mirror the Sport Dog mentality. They are the most unrealistic scenarios that a canine team would experience on the street. Not only are these areas difficult for trainers to train, but also for handlers to keep sustainment […]
Certification Series (Intro)
In no way am I bashing the pioneers of the working canine world. The industry has come a long way from where it started. That being said, the industry has plateaued. Case in Point: Certification. Most canine programs today train all year to certify. That concept works, only if certification mirrors real world concepts. Does […]
January/WK23 2017/Blog – Canine Tactical Gear Series (#9)
Last week I introduced the C-IFAK (Canine – Individual First Aid Kit). I recommend storing the C-IFAK with first line gear in a cargo pocket on the handler’s support side. The C-IFAK contents support serious canine injuries/illness when you are away from your vehicle and seconds count. For example – in a building, during a […]
December/WK21 2016/Blog – Canine Tactical Gear Series (#8)
The one thing that was ingrained in our mind-set is that every operator should be able to do every other operators job all the way up to OIC level, which is the highest ranking operator on scene. I make this point because there were specific job titles in our unit; each team member had a […]
December/WK20 2016/Blog – Canine Tactical Gear Series (#7)
Canine Tactical Product: The Canine Ballistic Vest Most canine ballistic vests on the market are rated for human protection which is not practical for working canines. A police canine’s working environment involves close quarters with small arm causalities, i.e. small caliber, knife or blunt object, and mobility is crucial for survival. However, the vests are bulky, heavy […]
December/WK19 2016/Blog – Canine Tactical Gear Series (#6 actual)
Working canines are a valuable asset and need to be properly equipped for safety and function. It is important to understand when it comes to canine protective gear, more is not always better, what everybody else has is not always best, if it restricts mobility, speed or inhibits performance regardless of how tactically cool it […]
November/WK17 2016/Blog – Giving of Thanks (#6)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! FROM THE KENNEL OF CANINE TACTICAL OF IOWA
November/WK16 2016/Blog – Canine Tactical Gear Series (#5)
Canine Collapsible Canvas Water Bowls: During my canine deployments, because of the heat, water was important for us both. Typically, I would just pour water in my helmet for my canine and dump any remaining over my head. A helmet is not a practical water bowl these days! I don’t have issues with other canine […]
November/WK15 2016/Blog – Canine Tactical Gear Series (#4)
Last week I stressed the importance of multiple uses for each piece of gear and introduced the Fail-Safe Collar and the JP Electric Collar (refer to 04Nov16 blog). I described the fail-safe application, that if the hardware/snaps or breaks, the collar would still be attached to your canine. Just that application alone sets it apart from […]
November/WK14 2016/Blog – Canine Tactical Gear Series (#3)
Why have a 1/2 inch thick collar around your dog’s neck? For tracking? For K9 identity? For posting?Handlers should understand that the mobility of the canine is paramount. When I see the picture below, all I see is a dog that is limited. “Ideally, a canine should have nothing but a light around its neck during […]