I’m tickled pink this morn. The New York Times ran a Featured Article today, Sunday, June 12, 2011, about Harrison K-9 Security Dogs. I scooped this story for the NY Resident back in March:
Harrison Prather, Founder and CEO of Harrison K-9 Security Services, LLC (harrisonk9.com) has been providing canine security for 35 years.
“The abilities of the European German Shepherd are endless, these dogs are always up to the task of learning something new and training can include locating the scent of missing children, avoiding poisonous foods, in-home search for intruders and prevention of a car-jacking, just to name a few.” says Harrison.
The only canines his company works with are German-bred dogs. Harrison calls them, “the European thoroughbreds from the finest bloodlines.” Their key qualities include high intelligence, excellent temperament, alertness, uncompromised health, and a willingness to work and please. Sounds like the mandatory characteristics missing from all too many human relationships, eh?
The German Shepherds are judged on an international standard called Schutzhund. “Schutzhund” is a German word for “protection dog.” With a series of demanding tasks, a certified judge tests the ability level of each pooch.
“These dogs are the Gold standard of working dogs,” said Harrison. “If a German Shepherd cannot achieve a title in Schutzhund there is usually a reason, and it is not a reason most people want in their home around their families. My dogs are guaranteed.”
Harrison’s K-9’s dogs are trained on his 25-acre woodlands property in Aiken, South Carolina. These dogs are guaranteed because of their breeding and unique positive-reinforcement training that produces a gentle, loyal, obedient, non-aggressive pet.
In multiple studies and interviews conducted among convicted robbery and burglary felons, convicts were asked what security measures taken by homeowners were most effective at deterring their criminal intentions. Consistently at the top of the list was security dog. Asked why, criminals responses included: the fear of being attacked by a dog, barking alerts homeowners and neighbors too quickly, canines’ hearing picks up suspicious sounds earlier than humans and alarm systems, and disarming a dog is far more risky than disabling an alarm system. Most criminals bypass property guarded by a watchdog and move on to more accessible, less risky targets.
“These dogs are not afraid of being hurt, nor do they fear dying. A dog of this level has no concept he can be defeated and does not feel he needs to prove himself with unnecessary aggression,” said Harrison. “They can run 30 to 40 miles per hour, can be taught in four different languages—English, German, Dutch, Czech—and we train the owners too.”
The final step in the training is teaching the owner how to continue the positive reinforcement training and appropriate commands to ensure the best performance from their new dog.
“The difference between my dogs and attack dogs” said Harrison “is that mine can be around people. They’re social, loving, and safe around children. They’re a family member, with fur.”
Harrison K-9 Security Services has been featured on television shows including Discovery, Fox News, Style, E! entertainment, Travel, and PBS American Business Review with John Stossel. Many articles about the company have appeared in the press including The Robb Report, Forbes Living and Fortune magazines. Videos, press and FAQs are available on the website: harrisonk9.com.