About AMK9

At AMK9:

  • We conduct our business with honesty and integrity.
  • We are unwavering in our commitment to excellence in all that we do.
  • We are committed to continuous quality improvement of our services and our business operations.
  • We collaborate with our clients and partners to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
  • We focus on the mission first, to ensure successful delivery of results.

 

About AMK9

AMK9 is the recognized leader in K-9 detection services across the globe.  Using Explosive Detection, Narcotic Detection, Patrol & Special-Purpose K-9 teams, AMK9 provides the most effective, pro-active defense for federal, civilian, and private entities worldwide. Because we are committed to safety, we do not compromise on K-9 training standards or quality, resulting in the most elite and successful K-9 teams in the industry.  Our reputation for excellence has helped us emerge as the preferred choice in Contract Working Dog (CWD) services for the U.S. Military, and U.S and Foreign Government agencies.

Our past experience, operational expertise, and mobilization schedule is unmatched by our competitors. We are proud to have proven, mission-oriented experience providing direct, K-9 detection support for Special Forces units (U.S. and Canadian) operating throughout the Middle East.  This high intensity experience has been instrumental in navigating additional federal contracts in which AMK9 CWD teams have made a recognizable impact through:

  • Securing federal buildings, embassies, and their assets
  • Providing disaster relief on humanitarian assignments
  • Conducting other special purpose missions

Since beginning operations in 2005, AMK9 is proud to report our CWD team searches have successfully led to the discovery of hundreds of pounds of narcotics, over 400 Improvised Explosive Devices and numerous weapons caches, leading to the arrests of criminals and insurgents world-wide.

AMK9 History

AMK9 was founded in 2003 to offer quality contract working dog (CWD) detection services to a variety of clients. Built on a foundation of honesty, integrity and excellence, AMK9 became the first CWD Company to implement a set of performance and training standards in an industry that was largely unregulated, even after the events of September 11, 2001. Before deploying even its first CWD team, AMK9 spent eighteen (18) months working with the United States Department of Defense (DOD) to develop and implement a CWD certification standard. By achieving this standard, AMK9′s CWD teams could perform consistently in any environment. By mirroring the guidelines, training and certification criteria of the U.S. Military Working Dog Program, AMK9 could confidently deploy CWD teams that could protect the nation’s most important assets – our warfighters.

In addition to the DOD standards, AMK9 has incorporated training and certification standards from some of the most respected working dog associations in the industry. AMK9’s commitment to excellence in all that we do has led to our clients entrusting us with a current global operation of over 700 CWD teams. We are true professionals with a shared passion for excellence in the delivery of our K-9 services.

VISION

American K-9 Detection Services, LLC. (AMK9) provides world-class canine detection and security solutions to government agencies, NGO’s and private entities both domestically and worldwide. AMK9 strives to deliver excellence and continually raise the industry standards in safety, quality and results.

MISSION

To meet the needs of each client by providing custom-tailored, timely, world class canine security solutions, while exceeding expectations through a focus on safety, integrity, accountability and consistent delivery.

OUR TRAINING

AMK9 certifies, deploys and maintains our canine teams to the highest proficiency standards which meet or exceed the following measures:

• Army Regulation (AR) 190-12

• United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

• National Odor Recognition Test (NORT)

• Scientific Working Group on Orthogonal Detector Guidelines (SWGDOG)

AMK9 has established a positive working relationship with the U.S. Military allowing our K9 teams to achieve certification by the U.S. Military Working Dog Certification Authority, according to their standards, known as Army Regulation (AR) 190-12. This is the same criteria used by the 341st Military Working Dog Center at Lackland Air Force Base for all military working dog teams.

Because *AMK9 maintains Standard Operating Procedures for the safe handling and transport of explosives, which includes training and quarterly compliance review.

AMK9 is licensed by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to access a full range of explosives and narcotics for use in odor training. We use the most current slurries and compounds available for training, rather than pseudo-scents which can alter a canines sensitivity to the genuine odor.

FAQs


1. WHAT MAKES AMK9 THE LEADER IN K9 DETECTION?

AMK9 only hires K9 handlers who have canine experience earned exclusively in the military or law enforcement, and who are able to pass a detailed background screening. AMK9 handlers receive additional training recognized by the US Military and are certified according to appropriate Standards. Beyond our stringent training and certification, AMK9 has the capability to meet contract deliverables anywhere, anytime. We have experience mobilizing multiple contracts simultaneously, while maintaining the most ambitious and successful deployment schedules in the industry.

2. MY CORPORATION / BUSINESS ALREADY USES PROFESSIONAL SECURITY. WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER ADDING A K9 SECURITY COMPONENT?

When you add a K9 team to your existing security structure, you add the most comprehensive resource available. Simply put, the presence of a K9 team is often enough to deter most intruders. Through active patrol and vehicle inspections, the canine is able to alert your security team to anything suspicious that could easily go unnoticed by humans. Canines extend security beyond human limitations, and by adding this extra layer of precaution, your security team has the advantage in neutralizing a security breach before it becomes an issue.

3. AS THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOGS AND SERVICES, HOW DO I KNOW WHICH IS THE BEST FOR OUR NEEDS?

AMK9 will conduct a full needs assessment for your added security team. We will then make recommendations for the most useful K9 service, whether that be Explosives Detection, Narcotics Detection, Patrol Use, Single vs. Dual Purpose K9s, etc. Depending on the intended use, it may be best to use a Labrador Retriever over a German Shepherd or a Belgian Malinois. These are decisions that AMK9 can help you make, given your security needs.

4. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SINGLE PURPOSE AND DUAL PURPOSE K9 TEAM?

A Single Purpose K9 is trained to detect one category of odor, whether that be all the components that make up explosives, various narcotics, cell phones, molds, or human DNA. AMK9 does not cross train our canines, which means we do not train a detection dog on explosives and narcotics or any other combination of categories.

A Dual Purpose K-9 is trained on patrol work, in addition to the odor training of a Single Purpose K-9. A Patrol K-9 is specifically taught to catch an assailant on command. AMK9 Patrol K-9s are also trained to discontinue their efforts at catching or detaining an assailant immediately on command – in mid-chase, if necessary.

5. HOW SAFE ARE MY PERSONNEL AROUND YOUR K9 TEAM?

AMK9 strives to minimize risks by ensuring that all of our dog teams are trained and certified to the highest standards. Strict obedience is taught to our K-9s first and foremost. Additionally, AMK9 pairs only one dog with one handler to optimize their bond. The K9 Team builds rapport by living and working together and the handler is trained to know how his or her dog will react in any situation. The canine is always on leash and under direct supervision and control of its handler.

6. HOW ARE THE DOGS TRAINED TO WORK?

Training a Contract Working Dog is designed to focus the dog’s exceptional sense of smell, their natural high energy, and its prey drive into a game with rewards. In this sense, the CWD’s training is a more precise method of classic conditioning. One of the trainer’s goals is keep the search a high energy game so the dog continues to work and have fun.

7. WHAT TYPES OF DOGS DO YOU USE AND WHY?

At AMK9, we train German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retrievers. These specific breeds are chosen because of their exceptional sense of smell, high energy, intelligence and loyalty to their master. Additionally, because these dogs are large, athletic breeds they are resilient in a wide variety of environments and weather conditions. However, not all dogs in these categories make a good working dog. Each canine must undergo numerous rounds of evaluations and rigorous screenings based on temperament and health, before being chosen to train as a working dog.

8. HOW MUCH ADDITIONAL TRAINING DOES MY SECURITY TEAM NEED TO WORK WITH A K9 TEAM?

We can put together a simple brief for your team or conduct a full length class, depending on the experience and familiarity of your security team with K9 teams. We will work at your pace, but at no point are we willing to compromise safety. AMK9 will not begin working until everyone is comfortable and fully understands the K9 team’s function and capabilities.