K9 Solutions Australia has been at the forefront of military and law enforcement canine training since 2015. The story of their latest star, MPD (Military Police Dog) Deek, is a testament to the dog's abilities and the company's dedication to excellence in developing working dogs.
Jason Kelly, owner and operator of K9 Solutions Australia, expressed his satisfaction with being able to talk openly about their dogs' progress, like MPD Deek. "It's a rare opportunity for us to share these stories," Jason said. "Many of our dogs are deployed in highly sensitive roles, and due to the secretive nature of their work, we usually can't discuss where they end up, what they do, or highlight any of their successes, of which there are many. Highlighting their development and success, like in Deek's case, is incredibly rewarding for our team and showcases the hard work and dedication of producing these quality working dogs."
Jason confirmed the exceptional qualities that made Deek a powerhouse among their working dogs. "Deek's ability to focus and learn quickly ensured he would excel in any role assigned," Jason explained.
Jason emphasised Deek's strength in more advanced areas of training, particularly his understanding of the "civil picture" — his ability to discern between different environments and threats. "Deek had an excellent grasp of the civil environment, which is key to his performance in real-world scenarios," Jason said. "His bite was confident and strong, driven by prey aggression rather than play drive, making him highly effective in tactical situations.
Desley Power, K9 Solutions Australia's initial puppy developer, fondly reflects on her experience with MPD Deek. "He was a great pup and just loved everything. He was always happy and enthusiastic, and everyone adored him. Deek loved being social and he thrived in his environment. He was a crazy worker, a true powerhouse," said Desley. "Desley's hands-on involvement with MPD Deek laid the foundation for a crucial partnership between dog and future handler", Jason added.
"As with all K9SA stock, Deek's training foundation is built on Michael and Bart Bellon's NePoPo® system, which ensures a balance of positive reinforcement and correction. In tandem with other training methods, this system gave Deek the drive and control needed to excel in high-pressure environments." Jason said. "Deek, like all K9SA dogs, has been developed with a robust training foundation, preparing him for the high demands of military and law enforcement roles."
"Deek's development is a testament to the dog's natural abilities and, in my view, reflects the high-quality training at K9 Solutions Australia," said Jason. "Along with Desley, a team of passionate handlers and outstanding support staff, we'll continue to develop dogs like MPD Deek and play a vital role in defence and security operations nationwide."
Enter Private Riley Mayne of the Australian Army. Raised on the Gold Coast, Mayne's love for dogs began in his youth. But it wasn't until Mayne joined the Army and met MPD Deek that he realised the true potential of the human-canine bond. In just four short months, Private Mayne and MPD Deek established a bond that many dog lovers can only dream of.
Mayne first encountered MPD Deek at the 1st Military Police Battalion's Bravo Company in Darwin, and their connection was immediate. When Mayne began the Military Working Dog Handler Basic Course at RAAF Base Amberley in April 2024, he was determined to be teamed with MPD Deek. Mike Hughes of www.contactairlandandsea.com reports that Mayne said, "We rotated through handling different dogs but Deek was my first preference from the get-go." Mayne recapped that MPD Deek's willingness to work made it easier.
Their hard work paid off when Mayne graduated as the Dux of his 17-week course in August, an achievement he humbly credits to MPD Deek. Mike Hughes reports, "I'm sure Deek carried me through parts of the course. He made me look good. You have to trust your dog. It's an awesome feeling when you do and it works out well," Private Mayne said.
"This is a great career, you get to work with your best mate every day and be around other passionate people who love dogs while providing a specialised capability to combat units and Defence as a whole. MPDs are so smart and have a high drive for work. They're pretty incredible, and there's always something to learn from dogs", reported Hughes.
In a recent update from the Australian Defence Force, five soldiers from the 1st Military Police Battalion have graduated from an advanced training program, enhancing military police dog capabilities. This training, spanning 20 weeks, equips dog teams with detection, deterrence, and apprehension skills crucial in field operations. Graduates, including handlers like Lance Corporal Stephen Warton, highlighted the invaluable early warning abilities provided by their dogs. For further details, read the full article on the Department of Defence website here.
Read the original article posted by Mike Hughes of www.contactairlandandsea.com here.