In 2007, our teamed vision and technical expertise led to success in developing the first 21 prototype IED Detection dogs (IDD) for the USMC in response to an Urgent Needs Statement from Gen Jim Mattis. Requirement was for rapid fielding of hundreds of off-leash dogs providing standoff detection of IEDs at the squad level - without additional manning, extended handler training or infrastructure.
The written selection, conditioning and training protocols from our experiment were used by commercial providers to select and prepare 600+ dogs deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with the Marine Corps.
We teamed to write the book on policy and procedures for the use of dogs in counterinsurgency operations by the DoD. Training off-leash explosives detection dogs, increasing search stamina and refuting the need for air conditioning increases the options available to the military.
Our vision, plus the Naval Research Laboratory Applied Physics Lab, provides physics-based odor plume modeling that defines probability of detection (POD) for canine sensors and integrates it into virtual reality trainer for handlers that uses off-the-shelf hardware (Kinect).
Operational users reported reduced detection reliability against homemade explosives (HME). This device quantified their observations, identified scientific principle underlying the problem and may provide part of the solution.
We develop experiment plans and provide oversight for Limited Objective Experiments. This test, at a commercial provider, confirmed the traditional method of training dogs using a single component of a homemade explosive results in only 17% probability of detection of the actual explosive mixture. What are your dogs training on?
What if you thought of the dog as a sensor platform that can provide data, visual and location information to EOD in order to make best use of valuable manpower and ensure rapid, accurate autonomous deployment of EOD robots to locations where the dog has responded? We, and Navy scientists, did.
We've done curriculum development for trainers, handlers and operational leadership and communicate effectively at all levels.
Feedback from deploying users of IDDs indicates that the value of the dog to the squad is far higher than just his ability to detect explosives.
We've looked at the challenges, pitfalls and incredible benefits of using properly trained dogs in varied security profiles. Through training and evaluating thousands of attack and detection dogs, as well as large-scale operational and research program management, we have developed a comprehensive and sophisticated view of the 'art of the possible' pertaining to dogs.
Our contacts list is packed with top scientists from Auburn University, Duke University, Oklahoma State University, North Carolina State University, Cornell University, Battelle Institute and others. We’ve worked on business development planning with a Fortune 500 Company, written security plans for a national treasure and established the only basic-to-applied canine research program in the Department of Defense, managing a $14+M portfolio.
Our library of peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, briefings and program documentation is unparalleled in government or private practice. We understand the science and we understand how laboratory results can be used to inform operational use.