New Section - "Handlers Forum"

TacticalK9USA.com will now attempt to assist handlers and trainers with problems they may be encountering on the street and/or at training. If you have a problem or situation and you would like to seek the opinion of others registered on TacticalK9USA.com, you may forward your request to us and we will send it out via our distribution list to assist you. We have often learned that handlers experiencing similar situations can often assist as much as experienced trainers and we encourage you as a handler, supervisor or trainer to contribute if you can do so.

If you have encountered a similar situation as posted or can provide some insight to the benefit of another handler, send your response or recommendation to us. We will forward all responses to the handler or trainer requesting the information as received to provide timely input and then post selective responses pertaining to the specific situation to assist others. We will provide this service as long as there is a need.

What I like about this photo: This photo depicts a decoy-suspect at the end of the hallway during a training session. It is a simple scenario with many good learning points. You will notice the handler and his police dog both have a visual on the suspect and there is a cover officer over the handler providing lethal fire support. You will also notice the handler has a long line (lead) attached to his dog via a harness to control its range in case the suspect decides to flee into one of the door openings or becomes uncooperative to the point the handler may decide to deploy his dog. The long line allows the handler the option to control distance and maintain visual observation of his dog in the event the suspect flees beyond a containment area or into an area which would be unfavorable to the dog if released for an apprehension. I also like harnesses being used for long line deployments because it keeps the dog focused down range when it reaches the end of the long line and doesn't redirect the dog or feel like a correction when its head gets snapped back. As this scenario unfolds, the handler and the cover officer should have had a previous conversation as to options available to them should the suspect be cooperative or not and the appropriate timing of options discussed. Many times, a K9 team will be moved into a room and not allowed to view the suspect in a hallway. By doing so, the suspect may be less intimidated to cooperate because he does not see the dog and the dog will not be in a position to immediately react to an apprehension if the suspect flees and pursuit is an option. As the suspect approaches the point of arrest, the K9 team may or may not be repositioned and there are various arrest-and-control techniques and tactics that can then be incorporated. -Bill Lewis II

Welcome to TacticalK9USA.com.....

TacticalK9USA.com is another resource for you to access K9-related training information, tactical talk, tips and commentaries. The primary purpose of this site is to provide a resource and service open and accessible for sharing information and providing training and consulting to reduce risk, limit liability and make the job easier and safer for those K9 handlers and other law enforcement and military personnel deploying and associated with a service dog. No subscription or money required, only registration. TacticalK9USA.com is safe for the environment!

We provide articles from K9 experts and also incorporate a little parody to offer advice and provide commentaries on current issues and tactical deployments via contributions by "The Leagle Beagle" and translations of "The Tactical Wisdom of Dog Tzu" with real-world up-to-date applications. We may send registrants an occasional e-mail notification regarding a significant K9 incident or an important article that has been posted.

Additionally, we offer K9-related products and equipment for sale via our Online K9 Store featuring "Tactical K9 Gear" that is open and accessible to "civilian dog owners" as well as law enforcement and military personnel to provide quality leashes and other products that will help offset the costs of maintaining and advertising this web site.

The information posted within or distributed via TacticalK9USA.com is intended strictly for active or retired sworn law enforcement personnel deploying or associated with police service dogs, other than the Online K9 Store and Product Reviews. TacticalK9USA.com operates under the auspices of Training and Consulting (TAC) Team, LLC. TAC Team is owned by Sergeant Bill Lewis II (Retired) who also serves as primary facilitator for TacticalK9USA.com and TacticalDebriefs.com. If you have not already done so, you may now request access to this site;