The Plaid Horse

European Shepherds Hand-Picked For Pedigree, Intelligence, and Temperament
Providing extensively-trained, elite Security K-9s for affluent clientele in the U.S. and abroad.

Aiken, South Carolina, widely known as equine country, is also home to Harrison K-9*, an elite entrepreneurial venture established in 1975 by Harrison Prather (known in the business simply as “Harrison”). The twenty-five- acre, world-renowned facility has catered to an exclusive clientele for over thirty years, offering a form of security far superior to any alarm, deadbolt, or bodyguard – the Harrison K-9*. In fact, a Harrison K-9* is a superior security system that needs no batteries, cannot be bribed, and loves you more than you love yourself!

Harrison K-9* is considered the premiere outfit in the U.S., providing extensively-trained, elite Security K-9s for affluent clientele such as entertainers, celebrities, professional athletes, and high-ranking government officials in the U.S. and abroad. Harrison’s K-9s* are equally as efficient at being excellent family companions for individuals that simply seek to secure their private properties.

There has been a surge of interest recently in the horse industry in this unique form of security. Owners, trainers, and contestants competing in horse shows often find themselves alone late in the evening and in unfamiliar surroundings with people they’ve never met. A Harrison K-9* gives these individuals the security of knowing that an exceptionally-trained canine is supplying the companionship and protection that only a Harrison K-9* can provide. To quote a cutting horse competitor: “I am always on the road and I often arrive alone or late at night to a show. Having a Harrison K-9* gives me peace of mind. I know my K-9 is watching me – well-behaved around multitudes of people, but vigilantly dedicated to me.”

These outstandingly bred K-9s come from the treasured bloodlines of Europe and are hand-picked by Harrison K-9* for pedigree, intelligence and temperament. They complete their foundation training in Europe and must prove themselves to be proficient on the field of Schutzhund / IPO trials, the standard by which working K-9s are judged internationally.

While these K-9s are being campaigned in Europe they are also being exposed to the family and extended family environment. “Each K-9 that we bring into the country is raised in a home with small children, older couples, and in busy households,” says Harrison K-9 Vice President November Holley.

The first requirement is a social and friendly European German Shepherd, which results in a K-9 that is capable of passing rigorous working K-9 tests, but has a gentle, family-oriented side too. Once selected by the staff at Harrison K-9*, each K-9 undergoes a rigorous three-week evaluation. All graduates proceed through precision training in order to earn the official title of a “Harrison K-9*”. Harrison K-9* has designed a training and selection course so unique that it tests the skills and abilities of some of the best European German Shepherds in the world. This specialized training allows the staff to effectively match clients to the K-9s that are most appropriate for their lifestyles. But such careful consideration comes with a price – the average cost of a Harrison K-9* is $25,000 to $50,000 USD. While it is certainly an investment, it’s one that people – especially those with young children and those who travel a lot – are willing to make. Harrison says “It’s important to remember … 99% of the time, a Harrison K-9* is just a warm and friendly family companion, a trusted side-kick and most definitely one that you can rely on.”