Advertise on podcast: K9s Talking Scents

How does a detection dog find concealed fish on a boat already covered in fish odor? Captain Royce Ilse joins Cameron Ford to explain the training behind conservation law enforcement K9 work—and what other detection handlers can learn from it. Royce shares how Texas game warden teams train for wildlife detection, tracking, and article searches. He and Cameron discuss reading behavior before the final response, building confidence on blank searches, distinguishing target species from distractions, and preventing different tasks and rewards from competing with each other. They also explore dog selection, puppy development, water-search work, and the value of collaboration through the Conservation Canine Officers Association. From trout and shrimp sharing a cooler to shell casings scattered across a hunting field, this episode examines how teams prepare for searches where several familiar odors—and several possible jobs—exist in the same space.

A dog can succeed on its usual training aids and still miss a different version of the target. Steve Stoops joins Cameron Ford to explain what that lesson taught him—and how his experience in law enforcement and special operations shaped his approach to detection training. Steve discusses building odor value before finishing the indication, using known hides to educate handlers, selecting dogs that can work through human mistakes, and the challenge of balancing detection with apprehension work. He also shares a Baghdad deployment where a dog indicated on explosives behind a wall, while Cameron explores how packaging, training-aid variation, and cognition can affect performance. The conversation closes with Steve’s experience advising Brad Pitt on combat dog handling for Heart of the Beast, including rehearsing a helicopter scene with a dog and 60 pounds of kit. Throughout the episode, the question remains: does the training prepare the team for the work?

What does it take for a K9 team to move from a tactical entry to an explosive detection search? Former FBI Hostage Rescue Team operator Mike Skinner joins Cameron Ford to discuss the training and dog selection behind that transition—and why the work has to be practiced in the conditions teams may actually face. Mike shares lessons from HRT deployments, including a Herkimer operation in which his dog repeatedly headed toward an area the team was not yet searching. He and Cameron also discuss detection cues, rewarding at source versus calling a dog back for reward, laser directionals, and what a missed odor at a threshold taught Mike about preparing for the next search. For handlers and trainers, this conversation comes back to a demanding question: Have you trained the dog for the search you’re about to ask it to do? STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMS Premier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for:• Large-scale events• Conferences & expos• Concerts & festivals• Corporate security & dignitary operations Our dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training. 👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com 📩 For event inquiries: [email protected] 🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALS Stratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9 Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detection Facebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Shannon Krieger shares 30 years of military and law enforcement dog training experience—from pioneering SOCOM's canine detection programs to developing the "social gorilla" selection philosophy that changed how we choose working dogs. This episode covers real operational stories, the evolution from direct-action assault dogs to advanced detection capabilities, and the training philosophy that made him one of the most respected figures in the detection dog community. What We Cover: The incident that started SOCOM's detection dog program (lost explosives overseas, pre-9/11) SOCOM selection story: left weapon on cliff, nearly quit, General Miller's response The Lane Kreitzer kitchen incident: witness to direct-action K9 deployment (knife wielding suspect, multiple breaches) Dog selection is MORE important than training (the #1 mistake handlers make) From mean killers to "social gorillas" (why we ditched bite suits and started selecting differently) The proof of concept: 2 dogs to 8 to 20 to 40 dogs in short period Working with legendary trainers: Steve Stoops, Wendell Eckland, Lane Kreitzer, Brian Mowrie (Secret Service) "Our motto: take everything, steal it, make it yours" (knowledge gathering philosophy) Building your tool garage: having every technique available for different problems Direct action & counter-terrorism as mission-essential (everything else is afterthought) The hedgerow discovery: no commands, no force, just rewards (revolutionary training approach) Why you can't forcefeed the same technique to every dog (400 different ways to train) Be multidimensional, not singular (adaptability over dogma) When you solve a problem, the dog gets better (the coolest part of training) Operational lessons applied to law enforcement K9 programs HSI tactical canine program (wartime experience translated to federal law enforcement) Why rigid training methods fail (definition of insanity) From Afghanistan to digital forensics: evolution of Shannon's career Working with Mike Deal (LAPD) and other legendary handlers How SOCOM's approach influenced federal law enforcement nationwide Training all day long without burning out dogs (the chemistry with Stoops) Civilian trainers bringing police experience into military programs ________________________________________ 🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSON Level up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem: 🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURES Odor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more 👉 https://FordK9.com 🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE) Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library 👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships 🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMS Premier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for: • Large-scale events • Conferences & expos • Concerts & festivals • Corporate security & dignitary operations Our dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training. 👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com 📩 For event inquiries: [email protected] 🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALS Stratos K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9 Ford K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detection Facebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Jordana Gamble (former Canada Border Services Agency handler, Food/Plant/Animal canine handler) reveals the world of biosecurity and agricultural detection dogs—the discipline that gets zero love but produces the most finds. Working at Toronto Pearson Airport and international postal facilities, Jordana discusses the challenges, the rivalry with drug dog handlers, and why this is actually the BEST detection dog career.What We Cover:The path to becoming an ag/biosecurity handler: CBSA selection, 10-week academy, dog pairingDrug dog dropouts make excellent ag dogs (motivation differences: food vs. toys)Postal mode detection: endless boxes, short searches, keeping dogs engaged all dayPassenger mode detection: baggage carousels, fluid environment, longer search timesTraining aids: grocery store meat, smoked products, cured items, real food variationThe generalization nightmare: raw vs. cured vs. smoked meats confuse dogsFalse positives: baked goods with apple filling (legal but dog alerts)Real finds: grass cutters, dried monkeys, Iberian ham, endangered species, live animal smugglingThe rivalry: "Apple Dogs" vs. "Sausage Police" vs. Drug HandlersThreat response: African swine flu prevention, bird flu concerns, economic protectionDaily find rates: 10+ interceptions per day (vs. drug handlers going weeks with nothing)Reading your dog after thousands of finds: knowing fish smell vs. rotten ham vs. pork flossFinal response problems: dogs going active on bags (markers saved training)The "dog brain" override: when smell/frustration overrides trained behaviorWhy postal is physically brutal but rewardingHandler advice: never turn down an ag dog positionCareer satisfaction: dogs see work as playground, not just trainingWhy agricultural detection protects economies and industriesThe hidden importance of biosecurity workJordana worked both postal (conveyor lines, thousands of parcels) and passenger (airport baggage) modes. She shares how target-rich environments accelerate handler development—you get hundreds of finds to learn from, versus drug dogs going weeks without positive reinforcement. She also discusses the competitive dynamic with her drug handler husband, who now wishes he had her find rate.Critical Takeaway: "Detection work is detection work. Whether you're looking for drugs, firearms, currency, or food—it's all the same. Don't be too proud for the ag dog."________________________________________🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSONLevel up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem:🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURESOdor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more👉 https://FordK9.com🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE)Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships🔥 IN-PERSON CLASSES — SANTA ROSA, CADetection Handler SchoolDetection Dog Training ClassOdor Pays Workshops👉 Sign up at: https://FordK9.com🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMSPremier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for:• Large-scale events• Conferences & expos• Concerts & festivals• Corporate security & dignitary operationsOur dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training.👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com📩 For event inquiries: [email protected]🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Armin Winkler (renowned detection dog trainer, international expert) and Cameron Ford break down why current K9 certification standards don't actually validate operational readiness. They discuss why training records matter more than certifications in court, why everyone trains for the test instead of the job, and what real operational readiness actually looks like. What We Cover: Certification is department CYA, not a measure of reliability Detection dogs should have OPERATIONAL standards, not minimum standards Training records with proper documentation beat certifications in court every time Why observers/supervisors signing off on training matters more than a piece of paper Running multiple dogs in same area: nasal secretions and saliva contaminate everything The "cheat code" dogs use when training mimics certification How evaluators inadvertently give away test locations through nonverbal communication Why environmental soundness testing is critical (traffic, noise, distractions) The difference between ORT (odor recognition test) and operational readiness Lottery-based scenario testing instead of rote certification patterns Handler decision-making: the most untested aspect of any certification Why SEAL Teams didn't certify but had real results Training for certification vs. training for the street (these are NOT the same) Real-world deployment: rain, night, roadside traffic stops Hide placement strategy: hide like a criminal, not in filing cabinets The handler's job: watch the DOG, not the room ("the nose nose") The avalanche dog that found both victims but failed certification Why handlers don't see their dogs during searches (looking for hide locations instead) Apprehension dog certification problems (false sits, stress on one-day tests) Free air sniff legality: roadside delays = searches, not free sniffs International perspectives: Norway military working dogs, customs operations The problem with "master trainer" guru culture Supervision and training records as alternative to certification Scenario-based training in real conditions (using cooperating officers) Why some agencies (LAPD) use OJT/FTO model instead of certification gates The risk of certification standards creating liability instead of protection Armin draws on decades of experience working detection dogs internationally, including military operations, customs, search and rescue, and avalanche response. He challenges the industry's comfort with certification-based standards and advocates for documentation, supervision, and scenario-based operational testing. Critical Takeaway: "If you're afraid of rewarding the wrong thing during testing, you're not ready to test. You have a bigger problem than that moment." ________________________________________ 🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSON Level up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem: 🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURES Odor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more 👉 https://FordK9.com 🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE) Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library 👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships 🔥 IN-PERSON CLASSES — SANTA ROSA, CA Detection Handler School Detection Dog Training Class Odor Pays Workshops 👉 Sign up at: https://FordK9.com 🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMS Premier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for: • Large-scale events • Conferences & expos • Concerts & festivals • Corporate security & dignitary operations Our dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training. 👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com 📩 For event inquiries: [email protected] 🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALS Stratos K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9 Ford K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detection Facebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Tim Baird (Vice President, AK9I) and James Overton (Operations/Business Development, AK9I) break down exactly how to become a detection dog handler—whether you're a veteran, civilian, or career changer. They discuss training programs, the GI Bill, dog selection, breed trends, and AK9I's school safety operations that have reduced violent incidents by 87% in Virginia schools. What We Cover: How to get into canine detection (veteran and civilian pathways)Using the GI Bill to fund your K9 training (the process is "incredibly easy")AK9I's nationally accredited trade school program (6, 8, 10, 12-week courses)Qualifications: 18+ years old, high school diploma (that's it)Do you need dog experience? No. Do you need military background? No.What disqualifies personal dogs (environmental soundness is #1)Dog selection on day one (and why "pretty" doesn't win)Breed trends: why floppy ears are now in high demand for schoolsPost-graduation employment: 80% placement rate for AK9I graduatesSummer gig opportunities: $40-50/hour + travel/hotel paid (FIFA, NFL, events)Single-purpose vs. dual-purpose dogs: which for your career goals?School safety operations: explosives, firearms, narcotics detectionReal impact statistics: 47% reduction in narcotics, 87% reduction in violent incidentsDeterrence vs. detection: what schools actually needCareer earnings and lifestyle (yes, you'll spend it all on your dog)Veterans finding post-military purpose through K9 workMixed-background classes: why civilian + military handlers learn best togetherProfessionalism and social media presence (industry expectations)How to stand out in a competitive job marketFor: Veterans seeking career transitions, civilians career-changing, school administrators, law enforcement, security professionals, anyone asking "how do I become a K9 handler?" Key Takeaway: You don't need a military or law enforcement background to become a detection dog handler. You need commitment, willingness to relocate/travel, and the right mindset. AK9I has trained hundreds through their nationally accredited program with an 80% post-graduation employment rate. Tim Baird: Vice President, AK9I; former Auburn University K9 program director; decades of canine detection experience James Overton: 8 years Army, Operations & Business Development at AK9I; 12+ years in canine detection; school safety program founder; passionate about veteran transition Cameron Ford: Naval Special Warfare K9 trainer, Ford K9 founder, detection dog consultant AK9I Background: Founded 2001, originally trained IDD (Improvised Explosive Device) detection dogs for U.S. Marine Corps. Now nationally accredited trade school specializing in civilian and veteran K9 handler training. Operating school safety programs across Virginia school districts.

Pat Nolan returns to discuss the science of early odor imprinting and how to properly train detection puppies from 8 weeks old. This isn't theoretical—Pat shares his exact methodology for building odor value, the two-can game foundation, common mistakes (like the one-box problem), and video evidence of puppies as young as 24 days responding to target odor.What We Cover:Why early odor imprinting creates lasting structural changes in the puppy's brainCritical periods: the window where early experiences matter mostAlan Goldblatt research: why puppies imprinted early learn faster laterStarting from birth: blowing odor in the whelping box (first 24-48 hours)The two-can game foundation (the easiest choice puppies will ever make)Progression from two cans to four cans (often in one session)Using UDC or NODA (laboratory odors that won't contaminate real-world searches)Why emotional state matters: frantic ≠ driveThe one-box mistake: teaching behavior vs. teaching odor detectionVariable interval training: the restaurant analogy that explains durationVideo proof: 24-day-old puppies seeking target odor, 6-week-old puppies choosing odor over playReasonable precision for puppies (don't ask too much too soon)Introducing distractions, blanks, and controls from day oneWhy puppies need patience, not pressureBuilding executive function skills through detection gamesPat discusses how early experiences create lasting neural pathways and why starting detection work young doesn't mean rushing—it means being thoughtful, having a plan, and understanding what success looks like at each stage.Critical Takeaway: You CAN train puppies on odor. The question is: do you know what you're doing? Have a plan. Know your benchmarks. Be aware of emotional state and developmental stages. That's what separates good puppy programs from ones that create problems.#PuppyTraining #DetectionDogs #OdorImprinting #K9Training #PuppyDevelopment #DetectionDogTraining #EarlyImprinting #BrainDevelopment #CriticalPeriods #TrainingMethodology #CaninesDalkingScents #PatNolan #K9Handler #DogTrainingScience________________________________________🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSONLevel up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem:🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURESOdor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more👉 https://FordK9.com🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE)Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships🔥 IN-PERSON CLASSES — SANTA ROSA, CADetection Handler SchoolDetection Dog Training ClassOdor Pays Workshops👉 Sign up at: https://FordK9.com🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMSPremier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for:• Large-scale events• Conferences & expos• Concerts & festivals• Corporate security & dignitary operationsOur dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training.👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com📩 For event inquiries: [email protected]🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Nicole (15-year LA County narcotics K9 veteran, now head trainer) and Adam (5-year handler, transitioned from interdiction) discuss real operational stories, breed selection, and what it actually takes to work narcotics dogs in one of the busiest K9 programs in the country.What We Cover:Being a female handler in a male-dominated field (Nicole's journey)Adam's unconventional path: interdiction officer to K9 handlerThe reality check: your first operational search warrantsReal case stories: $150K cash hidden in a lunch pail, 10 pounds of meth in tortillasWhy you can't disregard food searches (even when it looks like trash)The breed shift: why LA County moved away from German Shorthair PointersDutch Shepherds vs. Spaniels vs. Malinois for cluttered house searchesThe "praise off" method (training the same way you work operationally)Nicole's trainer philosophy: "You do, but you don't" (why it works)Why new handlers shouldn't get hand-me-down dogsThe worst handlers are the ones with the best dogs (and why)Blending training with real operational deployments (dogs in search warrants day 1)Marker system implementation at LA CountyDecision-making under pressure in volatile environmentsNicole and Adam discuss how their program has evolved, lessons learned from multiple dog breeds, and why the biggest growth comes from handlers who are willing to be uncomfortable and humble.________________________________________🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSONLevel up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem:🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURESOdor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more👉 https://FordK9.com🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE)Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships🔥 IN-PERSON CLASSES — SANTA ROSA, CADetection Handler SchoolDetection Dog Training ClassOdor Pays Workshops👉 Sign up at: https://FordK9.com🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMSPremier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for:• Large-scale events• Conferences & expos• Concerts & festivals• Corporate security & dignitary operationsOur dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training.👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com📩 For event inquiries: [email protected]🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Jeremy Bedingfield (Southern California narcotics interdiction officer, Cartel Traps founder) shares the real methods for identifying and stopping drug loads on highways. Managing a GSP's competing instincts, reading suspects through interviews, finding hidden compartments, and the legal future of K9 detection. What We Cover: Why GSPs are harder to work in narcotics (genetically wired for bushes, not drugs) Building reasonable suspicion: the interview technique that reveals lies Vehicle targeting: what smugglers' cars have in common The two-direction search pattern (why it matters) Systematic vehicle search: start underneath, work inward void by void Real training vs. parking lot training: why they're different Dealing with 20+ kilo loads (changes dog expectations) Fentanyl reality: mixed loads, quick imprinting, prevalence on highways Body cam footage: what handlers miss in real time The future: AI harness technology (5-10 years away) Jeremy breaks down tradecraft that's rarely discussed publicly—from target selection to compartment location to creative training solutions. He also discusses why the legal system is moving toward objective K9 data (harness technology with biological algorithms) rather than handler interpretation. For: Drug dog handlers, narcotics officers, interdiction teams, law enforcement exploring K9 evidence in court. ________________________________________ 🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSON Level up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem: 🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURES Odor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more 👉 https://FordK9.com 🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE) Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library 👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships 🔥 IN-PERSON CLASSES — SANTA ROSA, CA Detection Handler School Detection Dog Training Class Odor Pays Workshops 👉 Sign up at: https://FordK9.com 🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMS Premier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for: • Large-scale events • Conferences & expos • Concerts & festivals • Corporate security & dignitary operations Our dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training. 👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com 📩 For event inquiries: [email protected] 🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALS Stratos K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9 Ford K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detection Facebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Eric Stanbro (Working Dog Radio host, best-selling author, former Canton PD K9 handler) and Cameron Ford have the conversation detection dog handlers need to hear. This isn't polished—it's two veterans with decades of experience discussing the real problems, failures, and solutions in detection dog training. What We Cover: Why rewarding every find creates pattern dogs (and court problems)The "all done" command stolen from European trainers that changes blank search trainingCourt record analysis: why 100% training success rates destroy credibilityWhy dogs skip the first hide and go for their "favorite" odorThe magnet shell game for vehicle searches (stop starting from headlights)Edmonton PD airflow study: where vehicle odor ACTUALLY escapes (not door handles)Cameron's admission: 90% false alert rate at blank traffic stops—even for handlers who know betterThe vehicle door handle myth vs. touch transfer realityWhy detection training needs more "monkey wrenches" like NSW doesBalancing training records: 50% blanks, 50% finds for court credibilityEric walks through his evolution from "four hot, one blank" to incorporating proper blank searches, distractors, and variable rewards. Cameron breaks down the science, legal implications, and practical solutions. Both emphasize: we've made every mistake so you don't have to. Critical for: Law enforcement K9 handlers, private security detection teams, trainers building programs from scratch.

Dr. Paola Tiedemann and Cameron Ford dive into the controversial Kong toy research that detection dog handlers have been asking about for years. This episode exclusively covers the chemical analysis of Kong rubber toys and what it means for teams using toys as training aids or rewards. What We Cover: The chemical signature found inside Kong rubber toys Why this research was conducted and what question it answers U.S. vs. Europe: different legal frameworks for Kong training The Fourth Amendment problem: probable cause and court challenges How defense attorneys could use Kong training against handlers Risk assessment: "My client is a dog lover, there was a Kong in the car" Making informed decisions about toy-based training methods Dr. Tiedemann breaks down the science behind what dogs actually smell when detecting Kong toys, while Cameron addresses the operational and legal implications for law enforcement handlers. The conversation emphasizes informed decision-making rather than blanket recommendations—understanding both the benefits (used successfully in Europe) and risks (U.S. legal system challenges) of toy-based training. This isn't saying "don't do it"—this is saying "know what you're doing and the potential consequences." Upcoming Training Opportunities: 🔗 Colorado K9 Conference - Join Cameron and top trainers: https://coloradok9conference.com/ 🔗 Ford K9 Detection Dog Trainer Course - Comprehensive handler education: https://www.fordk9.com/detection-dog-trainer-course/ ________________________________________ 🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSON Level up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem: 🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURES Odor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more 👉 https://FordK9.com 🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE) Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library 👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships 🔥 IN-PERSON CLASSES — SANTA ROSA, CA Detection Handler School Detection Dog Training Class Odor Pays Workshops 👉 Sign up at: https://FordK9.com 🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMS Premier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for: • Large-scale events • Conferences & expos • Concerts & festivals • Corporate security & dignitary operations Our dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training. 👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com 📩 For event inquiries: [email protected] 🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALS Stratos K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9 Ford K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detection Facebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Dr. Paola Tiedemann returns to break down the groundbreaking firearm detection research she conducted with Cameron over the past four years. As the newly promoted Director of the Institute for Forensic Sciences at Texas Tech University, Dr. Tiedemann reveals why training on gun oils, solvents, and bulk smokeless powder creates operational blind spots. What We Cover: Why training on diphenylamine (the "gun chemical") causes false negatives The magazine problem: loaded vs. unloaded smell completely different Old firearms in storage (5+ years unfired): can your dog find them? Why teaspoons of powder don't represent real ammunition odor amounts The untargeted approach: what dogs actually detect vs. what we think they detect Training variety is key: mixing full weapons, magazines, ammunition types This research challenges the widespread practice of training solely on firing residue, propellants, or cleaning solvents. Dr. Tiedemann explains why firearms that haven't been recently fired present a completely different odor picture—and why most firearm dogs aren't trained to find them. PART 2 drops next Friday covering the controversial Kong training study and what it means for detection dog handlers. Upcoming Training Opportunities: 🔗 Colorado K9 Conference - Join Cameron and top trainers: https://coloradok9conference.com/ 🔗 Ford K9 Detection Dog Trainer Course - Comprehensive handler education: https://www.fordk9.com/detection-dog-trainer-course/ ________________________________________ 🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSON Level up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem: 🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURES Odor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more 👉 https://FordK9.com 🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE) Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library 👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships 🔥 IN-PERSON CLASSES — SANTA ROSA, CA Detection Handler School Detection Dog Training Class Odor Pays Workshops 👉 Sign up at: https://FordK9.com 🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMS Premier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for: • Large-scale events • Conferences & expos • Concerts & festivals • Corporate security & dignitary operations Our dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training. 👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com 📩 For event inquiries: [email protected] 🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALS Stratos K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9 Ford K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detection Facebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Tom Onyshko is a 20-year LAPD veteran and handler in Metropolitan Division's elite K9 Platoon, where he runs both a patrol apprehension dog and a firearm detection dog. With only 5 firearm detection spots serving all of Los Angeles, Tom shares real-world insights from one of the busiest K9 programs in the country. What We Cover: Why LAPD runs single-purpose dogs (patrol, narcotics, explosives, firearms - all separate) Getting into Metro Division: the physical tests, firearm quals, and multi-year tryout process Operating in South Central LA: 30 search warrants in one month, 6 warrants in one day Firearm detection deployment: area searches, vehicle searches, evidence recovery Training philosophy: why LAPD doesn't track, e-collar use, and area search methodology Working with LAPD's SIS (Special Investigation Section) - confirmed real and elite Real callout stories: multi-story building searches, murder suspect apprehensions Tom's background includes 5 years in LAPD's South Bureau gang unit serving high-risk warrants with homicide detectives and FBI before joining Metro Division. He discusses the differences between law enforcement and military K9 work, handler selection criteria, and what makes Metropolitan Division's training standards unique. Essential listening for law enforcement K9 handlers, firearm detection teams, and anyone interested in how elite metro agencies deploy detection dogs operationally. ________________________________________ 🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSON Level up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem: 🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURES Odor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more 👉 https://FordK9.com 🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE) Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library 👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships 🔥 IN-PERSON CLASSES — SANTA ROSA, CA Detection Handler School Detection Dog Training Class Odor Pays Workshops 👉 Sign up at: https://FordK9.com 🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMS Premier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for: • Large-scale events • Conferences & expos • Concerts & festivals • Corporate security & dignitary operations Our dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training. 👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com 📩 For event inquiries: [email protected] 🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALS Stratos K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9 Ford K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detection Facebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Fire Marshal Jared Harms (Spokane, WA) reveals why ignitable liquid detection dogs train on only ONE odor—50% evaporated gasoline—and why it works better than multi-odor programs. Learn how dogs find evidence that's been BURNED, why food reward is essential in fire scenes, and why certification requires passing tests at actual fire scenes. Essential wisdom for detection dog handlers across all disciplines. This episode challenges conventional detection dog training assumptions while providing practical insights applicable to explosives, narcotics, and other detection fields. ________________________________________ 🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSONLevel up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem: 🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURESOdor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more👉 https://FordK9.com 🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE)Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library 👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships Stratos K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detection Facebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection