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Modular Canine Helmets for Active-Duty Dogs

The DarkFighter K9 Helmet, by Dark Systems

By Rain Noe - June 13

in Object Culture

There's at least 45 countries around the world that supplement their military, Search-and-Rescue, and/or police forces with canines.

I know this because Dark Systems, "the world leader in K9 helmets," says those 45 countries are their customers.

Here's their DarkFighter K9 Helmet, currently in its 4th generation.

The modular helmet system features goggles that offer a wide field of vision and protect against dust and wind (for paratrooper dogs).

For dogs going into noisy situations, hearing protectors can be attached. There's also a speaker option, which permits the handler to communicate to the dog.

The tops of the headgear can take accessories like lights…

…and cameras.

Handlers can see what the dogs see, hear what they hear and offer verbal instructions to the dog, via this optional controller.

Muzzles and snout-protectors can also be fitted to the headgear.

Everything in the system is designed to be as lightweight as possible. "We have taken a significant leap forward in delivering helmets that not only protect our end-users, but also enhance their operational capabilities," the company writes in a press release. "Every gram counts when it comes to the gear our K9s carry."

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Daniel Herodes

5 months ago

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Nor do those dogs care. They do all that they can to serve their owner in whatever way possible. To them the owner is the pack, that is their beauty. It is our responsibility as pack leader to do whatever we can to take care of them. This seems like an awesome product.

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- Zach W
  
  Daniel Herodes
  
  5 months ago
  
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  1Z
  
  Reply
  
  By "take care of them" you mean send them after an armed suspect who will likely shoot the dog in the face when given the chance over some cocaine?
  You think a dog likes taking a bullet in the lung because the SWAT team didn't want to go in first? Have you ever seen a police dog get shot and start screaming in pain and fear?
  You think they "don't care"?
  Dogs also don't care about our stupid wars or crimes. We drag them into these situations. This product shouldn't exist.
  
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  - Rob Wilkey
    
    Zach W
    
    5 months ago
    
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    The camera mount and S&R aspects of these products are laudable - I know some S&R dogs and that is a job where they are far more capable than humans in many ways and aren't exposed to dangers. But I agree about the militarization elements, all that stuff is pretty bleak.
    
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  - Ryan Smith
    
    Zach W
    
    5 months ago
    
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    Z
    
    Have some faith in the boys to not get shot. Maybe they’re better than you?
    
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Zach W

5 months ago

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Not one of those dogs signed up to get shot at.

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