ABOUT
4NK9, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business delivering elite K9 detection and security services. Built on Marine Corps combat discipline and real-world experience, we provide explosives, narcotics, firearms detection, patrol, and personal protection dogs—fully trained, mission-ready, and reliable in any environment.
4NK9 sets the standard for K9 services nationwide. From schools and stadiums to government and private sectors, we deliver dogs and teams you can trust when it matters most.
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What we stand for
Proven Expertise — Real-world experience in combat, law enforcement, and high-security environments.
Certified Standards — IWK9A-recognized instruction and operational readiness.
Mission-Driven — Every dog and handler trained for reliability in the field, not just the training ground.
Nationwide Reach — Services available across the U.S.
Whether you need a fully trained detection team, a certified personal protection dog, or specialized K9 training, we deliver the skills and professionalism that keep people safe.
Founder
Shain Nickerson is the President of 4NK9, Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business specializing in professional K9 services and training. With more than 15 years of experience in law enforcement, military, safety management, and canine operations, Shain has built a career on leadership, operational readiness, and excellence in working dog programs.
A United States Marine Corps veteran, Shain served as a Military Police Officer, K9 Handler, and Trainer, deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq. He operated as a Patrol Explosive Detector Dog handler and Subject Matter Expert, supporting combat operations with Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA), and 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.
Following his military career, Shain expanded into the private sector, managing large-scale K9 procurement and training programs for government agencies including DHS, DoD, USDA and CBP. He has procured and tested hundreds of green dogs from international vendors, developed single-purpose and dual-purpose handler courses, and led imprinting programs that prepared K9 teams for operational certification.
In addition to his canine expertise, Shain has served in safety and management leadership roles across multiple industries, including roles as EHS Manager, Site Safety Coordinator, and Account Manager, where he specialized in OSHA compliance, safety program development, and workforce training.
Today, as President of 4NK9, Inc., Shain combines his military discipline, K9 expertise, and leadership skills to deliver premier services in:
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Explosives, narcotics, and firearms detection
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Patrol and dual-purpose K9 training
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Handler and trainer development programs
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Green dog procurement and imprinting
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School, venue, and corporate detection services
Shain’s mission is clear: to deliver elite working dog teams and training solutions that ensure safety, readiness, and success for clients across law enforcement, schools, and the private sector.
chief trainer
Daniel Seale brings a comprehensive background in K9 handling and training, with extensive experience in military, law enforcement, and security operations. Having served in both the Marines and Army, Daniel possesses a deep understanding of high-pressure environments and the tactical demands of working with dogs in these settings.
Specializing in the full spectrum of working dog training, Daniel is skilled in training dogs for detection, personal protection, and police/patrol applications. This includes explosive detection, firearms detection, search and rescue, as well as personal protection and patrol work, ensuring that each dog is prepared for the demands of real-world operations.
With a passion for developing strong handler-dog teams, Daniel focuses on building dogs that excel not only in detection but also in personal protection and tactical police work. As Chief Trainer at 4NK9, Daniel is committed to training all aspects of working dogs, from basic obedience to advanced tactical performance, ensuring teams are at the highest level of readiness for any mission.
