K9s Talking Scents

Few figures have had as lasting an impact on the K9 world as Jerry Bradshaw — founder of Tarheel K9, co-creator of PSA, and host of the Controlled Aggression podcast. In this special episode, Jerry sits down with K9's Talking Scents to reflect on the evolution of dog sports, detection dog methodologies, and the delicate balance between science and experience in modern training. We go deep int...

In this moving episode of K9's Talking Scents , host Cameron Ford sits down with Zach Skow , co-founder of Marley’s Mutts   and the groundbreaking Pawsitive Change Program . Zach shares his personal battle with addiction—and how it ultimately led him to a purpose-driven mission: rescuing shelter dogs and pairing them with incarcerated individuals to create a powerful cycle of healing and rede...

Upcoming Seminars: https://www.fordk9.com/events/ Stratos K9 Application: https://stratosk9.com/work-for-us/ In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford sits down with Jonathan “Monte” to unpack his incredible journey from Marine Corps infantry to canine handler on the frontlines. Monte shares what it’s really like to work an off-leash IED detection dog in combat zones, including the...

In this episode of K9s Talking Scents , host Cameron Ford sits down with Deni McNulty—a professional detection dog handler whose journey into the K9 world breaks all the traditional molds. With no military or law enforcement background, Deni started with a Craigslist shepherd and zero working dog experience. Today, she’s touring with Broadway’s Hamilton as a bomb detection dog handler with her par...

Upcoming Seminars: https://www.fordk9.com/events/ Stratos K9 Application: https://stratosk9.com/work-for-us/ Unlock the secrets of detection dog training and discover innovative techniques revolutionizing the field! Join us as we welcome Dr. Lauren DeGreeff and Dr. Lindsay Waldrop, whose groundbreaking research into the sniffing prowess of dogs offers fresh insights into their remarkable abilities...

In this episode, Cameron Ford, Michael Ellis, Michael Nezbeth and Forrest Micke discuss the complexities of dog training, particularly focusing on skills transition for police dogs. They explore the importance of mental flexibility, managing arousal levels, and the role of handlers in facilitating effective training. The conversation emphasizes the need for calmness, the development of rituals and...

In this episode, Cameron Ford and Dr. Paola Tiedemann discuss the role of OSAC and NIST in establishing standards for canine detection in forensic science. They explore the publication process, the importance of standardization, and the voluntary nature of these standards.  The conversation highlights the evolving nature of these documents and the significance of defining dogs as sensors. Legal im...

In this episode of K9's Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford engages with Todd Wilber from Precision Explosives to discuss the intricacies of explosives, odor prints, and their applications in training detection dogs. The conversation delves into the science behind odor absorption, the importance of surface area in training aids, and the safety considerations when handling hazardous materials. ...

In this episode, Cameron Ford interviews Dr. Katylynn Sloan, a chemist with the United States Secret Service, who specializes in canine detection and odor availability. They discuss her extensive background in explosives research, recent publications on canine training, and the importance of understanding odor dynamics in detection work.  Dr. Sloan emphasizes the significance of surface area, temp...

In this conversation, Cameron Ford and Natalie Morris discuss the evolution of training methods in the detection dog community, emphasizing the importance of adapting techniques to enhance communication, search intent, and the use of blanks in training. They explore the balance between science and experience, the significance of markers, and the role of handler behavior in shaping effective detect...

This podcast is from an impromptu Zoom Q&A session where I answered a variety of questions, ranging from basic detection concepts to more advanced or unique topics. I hope you enjoy the discussion!  For more Q&A sessions, detection training tips, or to submit your own questions, visit http://www.fordk9.com

In this episode of K9s Talking Scents, Cameron Ford engages with a panel of experienced search and rescue professionals Diana Bunch, Athena Haus and Jack Thorpe who share their insights and experiences from recent disaster recovery efforts in North Carolina following a hurricane. The conversation covers their backgrounds, the scale of the disaster, the importance of training, and the mental and ph...

In this episode of K9's Talking Sense, Cameron Ford engages in a deep conversation with Michael Nezbeth, exploring various aspects of dog training, particularly in detection work. They discuss the importance of communication between trainers and handlers, the balance between scientific methodologies and the art of training, and the emotional connections that exist between dogs and their handl...

Episode #107 with Shay Cook.  In this episode, Cameron Ford interviews Shay Cook, a search and rescue dog handler, about her background and experiences in the field. They discuss the different disciplines within search and rescue, such as tracking, trailing, and area search, and the definitions and differences between them. They also talk about the importance of experience and learning from failur...

Summary In this episode, Cameron Ford sits down with Dr. Stuart Hilliard to discuss their experiences in the dog training world. Dr. Hilliard discusses the importance of looking at the scientific data and conclusions without prejudice or bias when it comes to dog training. He emphasizes the need to understand the science of aversive control and communicate what is known to practical dog trainers....

In this Episode  Laleh Aksu, a trainer of C. difficile detection dogs, discusses the importance of using dogs to search for C. diff in hospital environments. C. difficile is a bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and is a hospital-acquired infection. The dogs are trained to detect the presence of C. diff in the environment, such as on surfaces and in the air. Laleh explains the training process...

In this episode, Dr. Nathan Hall and Dr. Paola Tiedemann discuss their research on canine detection applications and the use of olfactometers. They explain that olfactometers are scientific instruments used to provide measured and standardized odors to animals. The researchers have been working on miniaturizing olfactometers and making them more rugged for various applications. They also discuss t...

#103. Many have heard of Getxent tubes OR the detection odor training aids sold by Precision explosives.  I always get so many questions about this product how it works and what is the MAGIC behind this.  This episode I sit down the with co inventor Gregory Herin of the Getxent tube and this  is dedicated to answering all the common questions as well as covering lots of the common questions abut o...

Episode #102 In this conversation, Cameron Ford interviews Wesley Visser from Sent Imprint for Dogs. They discuss Wesley's background and the work his company does in conservation detection. Wesley shares his passion for training dogs to protect endangered species and combat poaching. They talk about the most common items that are poached, such as rhino horn, pangolin scales, and ivory. Wesle...

Summary In this episode Cameron, Michael Ellis and Ivan Balabanov discuss various topics within the dog training industry. They cover the definition of a good repetition in training, the importance of timing and motivation, the impact of human intervention on dog evolution, the use of errorless learning versus trial and error learning, the utilization of a dog's genetic predisposition in trai...

In this episode, Dr. Melanie Uhde of Canine Decoded (Canine Neuroscientist) discusses the topics of arousal, motivation, and learning in dogs. She explains how arousal affects search efficiency and the role of dopamine in the brain. The conversation also explores the impact of anticipation and cue-induced excitement on behavior. Additionally, Dr. Uhde addresses the lack of research on dopamine in...

This episode contains a wealth of information. Dr. Gadbois delves into various aspects of detection dog work and general dog training. Some of the topics discussed include the use of markers, variable reinforcement schedules, the significance of blank searches, the acknowledgment that reality is not flawless, and the notion that training should not strive for perfection either. Dr. Simon Gadbois i...

In this Episode we sit down with Steven Atommarchi who is a police officer K9 handler and trainer, K9 researcher and owner of Next Level K9 located in TX.  Steven has a wide range of real world experience and now more and more experience with the various K9 research projects such as Hemp vs. MJ he has done with Dr. Kenneth Furton.  You can reach Steven via email at nextlevelk9texas@gmail.com To le...

In this episode, Cameron Ford interviews Stu Phillips, an operational K9 handler and trainer. Stu shares his journey of working with military working dogs and transitioning to civilian work as a detection dog handler. He discusses the challenges and requirements of working with passive screening drug dogs in high pedestrian environments. Stu also talks about his experience working with explosive d...

In this episode, Steven Antommarchi, a fellow Police K9 Trainer and Handler, engages in a deep and informative conversation with Cameron.  The interview covers a wide range of topics, delving into both personal and professional aspects of Cameron’s life, with a significant focus on detection dogs. This episode offers a comprehensive insight into Cameron’s experiences and expertise, making it a mus...