Jari is also one of the driving forces behind the spectacular National K9 Day in Belgium, which has showcased working dogs to the public for four editions.
For this reason, we considered Jari to be the perfect person to objectively test the sleeves. Since there was also training for new patrol dogs and their handlers, Jari found the timing ideal, allowing the teams to test the sleeves while still in training. This created a win-win situation, as both the sleeves were tested, and the teams had the opportunity to practice biting "civilians" when no bite sleeves were visible.
This is the report of Jari’s findings and what other decoys experienced with the sleeves:
"I have tested the sleeves several times myself and had other colleagues try them as well. We all came to the same conclusion. The concept behind the sleeve is very good. It is very thin and ideal to wear under clothing. Like other 'civilian sleeves,' this one is not designed to improve the dog's bite or for long bites. However, it is perfect for determining whether the dog would actually bite a civilian or to get the dog accustomed to biting civilians. I purposely did not let the heaviest dogs bite because this would not be sustainable. Lighter to standard police dogs can bite for a few seconds. At no time was there any penetration of the teeth, so in that regard, it holds up well. However, there is virtually no protection against the pressure generated by the bite, so it is only sustainable for a few seconds. Three bites in a row are more than enough. But as mentioned, the sleeve serves its purpose.
The placement of the Velcro on the forearm is poorly positioned. It is right where the dogs come in, which means they often bite the Velcro, making it prone to wear or damage.
Due to the extreme pressure from the bite, I believe the leg sleeve would be impossible to use. I didn’t test it because I felt the pressure would be unbearable, increasing the risk of injury.
However, it would be ideal to wear under a thin Mondioring suit, as it provides extra protection."
In the meantime, the company was already working on an improved version, as they had received similar feedback before.
Regarding the leg protection, they agreed it is not meant to be worn under civilian clothing but under a Mondioring suit, which they state on their website. In other words, the leg protection is not sold for civilian bites.
We decided to have the new sleeve, the New Hidden Full Sleeve (€166), tested by the same police officers.
"The new version is a huge improvement! The sleeve now stays in place better, and the upper arm is better protected. The sleeve can be adjusted to fit everyone. The pressure from the bite is still as intense, and there is still no penetration, so that remains unchanged. However, the added value is that there is now much more overlap. This allows space for a neoprene sleeve underneath, so even slightly heavier dogs can bite. It doesn’t make the pain disappear, but it does make a big difference.
Wearing a neoprene sleeve underneath doesn’t make the sleeve more noticeable under a sweater or jacket. It is still just as inconspicuous as before
The fastening straps are a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, they allow you to tighten the sleeve securely. On the other hand, I found them personally a bit in the way when allowing dogs to bite. A possible solution could be using strong Velcro on the inside of the upper overlapping section and the top of the lower flap. This would eliminate or reduce the need for straps. Perhaps just one at the elbow to tighten at the crease.
The benefits of the first version were retained, and many negative points were addressed!"
Group DIANE’s feedback was similar to that of the local colleagues. They tested the sleeve with all their dogs. The pressure is intense, but there is no penetration of the teeth.
Of course, they already train their dogs to bite civilians, and the unit has always made their sleeves out of leather.
They suggested placing the metal rings lower to avoid the risk of a dog breaking a tooth on them.
Naturally, they did not use the sleeve constantly, only for testing, as they did not want to compromise the quality of the bite. With this sleeve, it is not possible to develop a technically strong bite, but that is not its purpose. The purpose is to allow the dog to bite on command without knowing there is a sleeve or suit, which is crucial for their unit. And this works perfectly with this sleeve.
Our contact person personally found that the straps for securing the sleeve were too long.
Group DIANE was so satisfied that they decided to purchase the sleeves. These sleeves are more convenient and safer than the material they have been using to date."
The company was also confronted with the report from Group DIANE. Once again, they responded very sportively. They were pleased that the Belgian special forces wanted to test their product, and were, of course, delighted to hear that Group DIANE has budgeted for the purchase of the sleeves for next year
Author : Axel Van der Borght
Photos and video : K9 Cardi, Jari Americkx, Belgian Federal Police
