Tonight on CNN I saw a piece on a Police Department that accepted $2,800.00 for 4 bullet proof vests for their police dogs.

These vests are rediculous. They are HOT they make the dogs HOT they do not save dogs lives. They slow dogs down and reduce their efficentcy.

One of the benifits of a service dog is the speed and agility of the animal. These vests reduce or elimate the dogs speed.

What I see is equipment suppliers playing the big con on Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other well intended service organizations to make a fast buck. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

57% of gunshot wounds reported to the AVRA at University of Washington were face and neck shots. I thought that was interesting. I'm not sure but, I think that is American Vet Research Association????? Something like that.

The idea behind the vests is great. Yet, in practical application they are of questionable use.
For many years we criticized those that deployed Patrol dogs with harnesses on for giving a combatice suspect another handle on the dog. Now we are opting for slowing the dog down, diminishing the effective search time of the patrol dog by adding weight and heat, increasing risk of heat related problems in some climates or seasons, dimishing the dog's agility, as well as adding more places for a dog to get hung up on in tight quarters.
Now, proponents of the vests may have had different experiences but I would like to hear of people who use the vests in a routine manner and have demonstrated a number of apprehensions while using such equipment.
There is quite a strong movement towards animal and civic minded folks to help K-9 Units to purchase such equipment. I would politly suggest that such support be directed at more useable items.
I point out that every time one of our dogs has sustained an injury or been fought by a suspect, the suspect attacks the dogs head. We have seen dogs struck with hands, feet, objects of opportunity, and been cut with scissors and knives in my community as well as shot in the head. the vests would not have been a help.

They are not only a con job by equipment manufacturers, they are also a great PR opportunity for administrators, etc. to get their pictures on the evening news.

It is almost impossible for a Unit to win a "battle" over vests for the dogs...kinda loke being against officer safety...yet as soon as they accept them, they are, IMO, in a "catch 22" situation. Not only will ignorant supervisors /administrators assume they can send the dog where he should not be sent, (barricaded armed suspects call for SWAT, not K9) but if the dog is injured on duty and is not wearing the vest, you can be sure they will be looking to hang someone out to dry. Most units I know that have them never use them, or even train with them.

I think it is great for the public to show support for Canine, but there are better and more effective ways to do this.

Call SWAT anyway, Shop lifting, barking dog complaint, loud stereos; we nedd the work......just kidding. Kevin's point about the heat is obviously a point here in Arizona. Event the highest elevations in the north see 90 degrees. I have never seen a dog in Az wear one. Here again, marketability supercedes the practical application. Did any one consult the street level police officer before designing them? I'm curious to know how the manufacturers came up with the prototype.

Four of the units that train here have them. They were all donated and all the happy press that went along with it. I don't think except for the photos when they got the vest that they have even taken them out of the trunk of the cars.

As for bring practicle, what a joke. How are the dogs supposed to wear those things all night? Exactly, if they don't have it on for the full shift, how can they get it on when needed. If it's a "hot" call, you are not going to have the time to suit the dog up in one of those things. If you know it's a gun call, why use the dog? Again, I'm all for the public eduaction, and more for the public support of area units. However, I think it's sad that the vest makers use little kids, and civic organizations just to make $. It's not like the vest makers are giving the vest away now are they! I know most of the guys could use the $1000 or so for much better things than a extra oversized paperweight in the back trunk.

One of the nice things around here is a local Safeway has been working for a few years to raise money for the local P.D. K-9 program. The goal is to raise cash and the unit uses it for what ever they need. They have gotten a new dog and some equipment with the money. One of the things they got was a really nice full body hidden bite suit. With it on it is almost imopssible to tell that the agitator has it on. You cant take many bites with it as it allows some nasty bruises, but it is great for proofing.

Josh-

Good post! IMO vests are not practical for the PSD! Too hot and bulky to wear for the whole shift and who wants to fetch it from the trunk and put it on (especially on a hot call).
Reminds me of my former boss: I worked for a quirky Chief on one P.D. who kept his second chance vest in a garbage bag in the trunk of his car! His rationale: he always had time to go put it on in the previous 25 years! :rolleyes:

Good post,they are a gimmick but dont you all wish you had thought of such a good money maker,I am currently designing doggy crash helmets just in case.LOL
Paul

Richard, never heard of the hidden full body suit......where could one be found? I think DOC here in our home state is looking for this very thing. Gonna go to the Yuma trials in March as MCAS Yuma?

Gordo