Welcome to Black Dog America, LLC
Nevada P.I.L.B. #4402
Cage Code 148S4
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Black Dog America, we deliver top-tier training for Working Dog Handlers and Armed Response Team professionals, setting industry standards in safety and operational excellence. Committed to enhancing tourism safety, we empower individuals and teams with the expertise and confidence to safeguard lives, uphold trust, and ensure a safe and welcoming experience for everyone.
"Steve built these world-class programs from the ground up; he impressed me with his strategic approach to developing the programs while also focusing on the details so nothing ever fell through the cracks."
- Paul Kennedy | Global Strategic Security & Crisis Response Leader
WHY CHOOSE BLACK DOG AMERICA
Black Dog America, LLC is distinguished by its expertise and dedication to excellence in training and leadership. Founded by Steve Martinez, a retired career law enforcement professional with 32 years of service with the Chicago Police Department, the company reflects his extensive experience and commitment to public safety.
Throughout his career, Steve specialized in police canine training, counter-narcotics operations, and advanced tactical response strategies. As part of J.I.E.D.D.O. operating out of Yusifiyah Iraq during OIF VII and VIII, earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense as a Law Enforcement Subject Matter Expert in organized crime investigations, intelligence, and counter-insurgency operations. Most recently, Steve played a pivotal role in building and managing the Special Response Team and K9 Units for Caesars Entertainment.
The strength of Black Dog America lies in its team of Program Managers, each a Subject Matter Expert in their respective fields, with extensive backgrounds in law enforcement, military service, and overseas contracting. Together, Black Dog America deliver comprehensive and reliable solutions tailored to your needs.
Established. 2014 - Rebirth 2025
Canine Security Services and Canine Deployment
Canine Security Capabilities
Black Dog America provides professional canine security capabilities built around detection, deterrence, and operational readiness. Our K9 teams support explosive, firearm, narcotics, and specialized odor detection while providing a strong visible security presence for casinos, resorts, events, private property, and critical infrastructure.
Service Options & Operational Fit
Services are available in armed and unarmed configurations and are tailored to the client’s threat profile, site requirements, and compliance needs.
Licensing, Compliance & Credentials
Black Dog America is a Nevada-licensed security company, PILB License #4402, fully insured, and compliant with applicable state security regulations. Our programs are supported by experienced law enforcement, military, and private-sector security professionals, with K9 operations aligned with recognized industry standards, including SWGDOG-based practices and DrugBeat certification standards.
Certified K9 Detection, Deterrence, and Compliance.
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"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
- Martin Luther King Jr. | American Baptist minister and civil rights leader
Working Dog Training, Handler & Program Development
K9 Detection Certification
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K9 Team Initial / Annual Certification
Black Dog America proudly serves as a leading certifying authority for scent detection K9 teams across Nevada. Specializing in Explosive Detection Dog (EDD), Firearms Detection Dog (FDD) and Narcotic Detection Dog (NDD) certifications, we evaluate and validate the operational readiness of working teams through industry-best standards.
Our certification protocol meets or exceeds the rigorous benchmarks set by Drug Beat Professional K9 Certification and the Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal Detector Guidelines (SWGDOG).
K9 teams certified by Black Dog America demonstrate verified reliability, precision, and professional preparedness. We support law enforcement agencies, private security firms, and public safety organizations with objective, nationally aligned credentialing. --Click Here for Details --
K9 Procurement and Program Development
Create a world-class K9 program with our expert consulting services and our Working Dog Procurement.
- Comprehensive Support: From sourcing exceptional K9s to designing and managing customized training programs, we provide guidance tailored to your needs.
- New or Existing Programs: Whether building from the ground up or enhancing an existing team, our expertise ensures your K9 unit exceeds operational standards.
- Mission-Ready Teams: Ensure your K9 team is equipped for success with strategies designed for optimal performance.
Partner with us to elevate your K9 program to the next level!
Handler and Working Dog Training
Elevate Your K9 Team's Performance!
Enhance your unit's capabilities with advanced tactical and operational training tailored for real-world scenarios. Our programs focus on detection, tracking, apprehension, and safety operations, ensuring precision and confidence for any mission.
- K9 Leadership: Designed for supervisors, program managers, and team leaders, this course focuses on the effective management of K9 units within private security and law enforcement environments.
- K9 Obedience: Various levels of Obedience and Control, led by world-renowned trainer Jaymi Crook.
- Handler Training: K9 Handling, K9 Supervision, Handler Protection, and more, taught by seasoned experts with Police, Military, and Private Sector experience.
- K9 Operations Support: Tailored for security officers, dispatchers, and staff who support K9 operations, this course provides essential knowledge to enhance team effectiveness.
"We believe that Martinez would be an excellent choice to instruct new LEPs in what techniques he used when he embedded with the 3/187."
- Edgington and Gonzales | 10th Mountain Division HQ - OIF VIII
Response Team Training and Preparation
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Response Team Training
Empowering armed professionals with tactical readiness for real-world threats—combining weapons mastery, compliance, and coordinated response.
Advanced Firearms Training
- Multi-target engagement & movement with cover
- Low-light shooting & red dot sight use
- Stress-based malfunction drills & reloads
Sustainment & Qualification
- Periodic modular refreshers & live-fire drills
- Certification compliance & safety standards
- Instructor-led assessments & feedback
Security Response Team
- Active threat protocols & team coordination
- Rapid assessment & structured drills
- Post-incident review & accountability
Tactical training built for confidence, compliance, and action.
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- “Believe passionately in what you do, and never knowingly compromise your standards and values.”
- David Maister | Renowned Business Management Consultant
Security Consulting and Program Development
K9 & Response Team Program Development and Management
- Program Development: Design and establish comprehensive K9 and SRT programs tailored to your organization's security needs, ensuring alignment with industry standards and operational goals.
- K9 Training and Deployment: Develop training programs for K9 handlers and their dogs, focusing on detection, patrol, and tactical operations to enhance safety and operational effectiveness.
- SRT Management: Create and manage Special Response Teams with specialized training in tactical response, firearms qualification, and incident management to prepare for high-threat situations.
- Operational Assessments: EConduct regular evaluations of K9 and SRT performance to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary upgrades.
Emergency Management and Plan Development
- Crisis Preparedness: Design and establish comprehensive K9 and SRT programs tailored to your organization's security needs, ensuring alignment with industry standards and operational goals.
- Risk Assessment: Develop training programs for K9 handlers and their dogs, focusing on detection, patrol, and tactical operations to enhance safety and operational effectiveness.
- Compliance Assurance: Create and manage Special Response Teams with specialized training in tactical response, firearms qualification, and incident management to prepare for high-threat situations.
Policy and Procedures Review
- Policy Audits: Review existing security policies and procedures to identify gaps, inefficiencies, or areas of non-compliance.
- Custom Policy Development: Draft or update security policies and operational protocols to align with best practices and organizational goals.
- Incident Response Protocols: Design detailed response procedures for handling various scenarios, from security breaches to natural disasters.
- Ongoing Support: Provide periodic reviews and updates to policies to reflect changes in regulations, technology, or organizational needs.
"The consultant’s job is to provide insights that help their clients make better decisions, not to make decisions for them."
- Unknown
This is Who We Are!
In the News Around the World
Black Dog America's founder has been featured in Security Magazine interviews, television news segments, and several stories highlighting his work in overseas contracting and community outreach.
From training elite K9 teams for high-level security and Law Enforcement operations to rescuing dogs from shelters and giving them a new purpose, our mission continues to gain attention.
Much of what we do is rooted in why Black Dog America was founded, to bridge the gap between professional security, service, and compassion.
Whether it’s preparing dogs and handlers for real-world threats, supporting veterans and first responders, or saving working dogs in need, our story reflects a commitment to making a difference both in the field and in the community.
Our Causes
At Black Dog America, we believe in giving back to the communities and heroes who inspire our work. We proudly support organizations that honor and assist those who serve and protect—our nation’s veterans, first responders, and working Dogs.
From The Warrior Project and Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provide vital support to veterans and first responder families, to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, which honor fallen officers and their loved ones, we stand with our heroes.
We also give back to causes closely aligned with our mission, including the USPCA Retired K9 Assistance Fund, Vegas Casino K9 Foundation, and the Kristy Moats Foundation.
These causes reflect our values of service, honor, and community. By supporting them, we help ensure that those who protect us—whether on two legs or four—are never forgotten.
About Us
Black Dog America is built on real-world experience, not theory. Our team is made up of retired law enforcement officers, military veterans, security specialists, and elite K9 trainers who have worked on the frontlines—from the streets of Chicago to overseas contracting for the Department of Defense.
Our founder, a retired Chicago Police Officer and former Caesars Entertainment K9 and Special Response Team Program Manager, brings extensive expertise in narcotics investigations, organized crime, and high-level security program development. Alongside him is Jaymi Crook, a nationally recognized K9 trainer with more than 1,200 dogs trained, CNCA-certified in explosives detection.
Together, we bring proven experience in executive protection, threat mitigation, casino and resort tactical training, explosives and narcotics detection K9 programs, and active shooter response. What makes us Black Dog America is simple: unmatched skill, hard-earned credibility, and an unwavering commitment to service, honor, and the highest standards.
“Timing: the difference between making it better or making it worse.”
- Ralf Weber | Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist - Founder of Happy Dog Training