Von Forell International Launches New K9 Defence Tactics Training For Global Market

Oct. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- We all know that the landscape of law enforcement today is vastly more complex than that of even a decade ago. The old model for K9 and Defensive Tactics training followed the ‘one size fits all’ approach; and two or three decades back, there were few viable alternatives. Nowadays though, ignorance is no longer a plausible excuse and it is expected that professionals keep abreast with best practice in all areas of training – including K9 / Defensive Tactics.

The Problem:  

There are two parts to the problem. The first being that most large Law Enforcement agencies are simply overwhelmed with operational duties, administrative considerations and the like, that they simply do not have either the time or the resources to be keeping abreast with changes in K9 Defensive Tactics training models – most of which are taking place at an accelerated rate within the private sector. The end result of this is that the K9 / Defensive Tactics training models in use tend to be decades ‘behind the times’. The second part of the problem is that operational needs vary greatly from agency to agency and from group to group within those agencies. The idea of one all-encompassing K9  Tactics training package that will fulfil everyone’s needs – is simply a myth.

The Solution:

In as far as it is practicable to do so, everyone should be trained in a Core Competencies K9 / Defensive Tactics package that reflects absolute best practice by today’s standards. The emphasis here should be placed on DEFENCE – with the primary goal being to maximize survival opportunities and safety for the operator. Many Law Enforcement agencies are decades behind the private sector in this area. Operators remain at greater risk than at any other time in history. This needs to be resolved. And it is an extraordinarily simple task to do so.

On top of this Core Competencies package there needs to be a number of Operationally Specific packages that are tailored to the very specific needs of the specialized groups. Some groups need an emphasis on K9 Assault - Takedown, Control & Restraint, whist others may need to focus on Explosive and Narcotics searching two very different types of training. These add-on K9 Training modules need to be married on to the Core Competencies package but be tailored specifically to the operational groups needs.

Our part in the solution:

It has been our life’s work to stay ahead of the trends in K9 breeding, Canine training and the overlapping fields of animal learning and K9 / defensive tactics that operators employ on a daily basis. A significant part of our work each year is devoted to seeking out the very best working dog genetics and people (on all four corners of the globe) in all facets of training and animal management – thereby keeping ourselves at the very cutting edge of developments in both teaching and training methodologies.

We also spend a considerable amount of time and resources in reducing and structuring all that research into meaningful training models for a wide variety of groups – in Government, public and private sectors. During the past decade, we have been able to provide a unique bridge between new developments in the private sector and the constantly changing needs of the public sector. As a consultant to a wide cross section of both the military and law enforcement communities, we come to the table as a subject matter experts with the big picture in hand.

The study and delivery of Canine and Handler training can be a complex and daunting task at the best of times. As with all technologies, the face of K9 training has changed dramatically in the past decade; in fact, it has changed dramatically in the past two or three years. Very best practice, at the ‘cutting edge’ of development, is central to my mission statement. It is our job to provide the most current training and teaching models for a wide-variety of K9 Training packages. We start out by emphasizing effective skill acquisition, real-time experience and practical credibility.

Effective skill acquisition:

Our number one priority. Participants must be able to apply the skills they have acquired. The techniques, although on the cutting edge of K9 development, are simple and easy to learn. These techniques are designed to work in an aggressive, non-cooperative scenario. Although our training methodology serves to provide the best possible foundation for ongoing study and skill development, it is our number one goal to produce results that allow participants to operate effectively in the short term. i.e.: be able to defend against and efficiently subdue and arrest larger, stronger and highly motivated offenders more effectively. Our emphasis is on highly effective, short term skill acquisition.  

Real-time experience:

This is not a theoretical approach to K9 / defensive tactics training. We take a hands-on approach that allows the participant to clock up valuable hours of real-time experience. Most so called K9 experts have less than three years experience under their belts, whilst our teams has over 140 + years combined.

While theoretical training and the development of fine-motor and technical skills may offer something over the long term, there is no substitute for actual, full-blown, hands-on experience. This ‘hands-on’ experience, combined with a sound methodology, is what produces results.

Practical credibility: Participants of our training model are required to attain standards that reflect a high level of both practical and conceptual credibility. During violent confrontation not everything goes as planned; hence we don't advocate or teach a set of tricks or moves that work only under ideal circumstances.

Participants acquire skills that are designed to cope with the flux and change of close quarters combat coupled with the complexity of managing a driven K9. Upon completion of the training, participants should have clear understanding of the logic and underlying strategies of best practice K9 / defensive tactics training. It is very important that instructors be able to demonstrate credible understanding.

We begin by training a 1st Tier Cadre of Master Trainers who will assist with the further training and development of  the 2nd tier of trainers who will be eventually tasked to disseminate the training throughout the larger body of personnel.

Through our training system Master Trainers will teach what it takes to get 100% from Police dog regardless of their application. We will teach them how to identify a dogs “Optimal Functional Zone” ® and how to keep a dog in that zone; maximising his energy and endurance ensuring full expression and powerful controlled behaviour during his operational deployment. We will also train the 1st Tier of Master Trainers to fully understand the process of moving from the current body of standards and practices to best-practice training-models in a broad range of areas.

The Defensive Tactic arm is conducted by John Will: www.bjj.com.au  

The Defensive Tactic arm or our organization specialises in the tailored-design of Defensive Tactics packages for Military, Law Enforcement and Security personnel.  We begin by assessing your specific needs and then tailor a package or number of packages that would best suit your needs. We do this using the very best-practise defensive tactics training models, tactics and strategies necessary for effective restraint and control in both standing and ground-based applications.

Law Enforcement organizations have repeatedly attempted to adapt either sports or martial arts as a ‘use of force’ option with little or no success. Please understand that what we have to offer are tailor-made programs, that take into account cultural, environmental, timeline and other operational factors so that we achieve the best possible outcomes in the shortest amount of time.

For further information please visit www.vonforell.com or email at info@vonforell.com

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Global leaders in Working Dogs Genetics & K9 Handler Training
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Suppliers of leading K9 training products
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