#118 Marine Corps Dog Handler Reveals the Untold Truths of Combat Detection Work
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 high-stakes missions, life-or-death decisions, and the gut-wrenching moments that still haunt him. From learning to trust his dog under fire to dealing with the aftermath of critical mistakes, Monty gives an unfiltered look into the pressures K9 handlers face that most people never see.They also dive into:•The transition from military to contracting work•Why handler-dog bonding off the clock actually saves lives•The problem with ego in the K9 world•How modern training is evolving (but still has a long way to go)This episode is packed with real-world lessons, vulnerable moments, and powerful advice for dog handlers in any discipline.Chapters:00:00 Intro & Meet Monty01:18 Off-Leash IED Dog Program Explained05:06 Combat Missions & Game-Changing Experiences09:07 Life-or-Death Mistakes & Lasting Regrets14:35 The Pressure of Reading Your Dog in Combat18:14 The Power of Trust & Bonding with Your Dog25:30 Contracting World vs. Military Dog Work33:00 Why You Should Live with Your Dog39:00 Ego, Open-Mindedness & Industry Growth43:09 The Dangerous Role of Compulsion Training46:00 How the K9 Industry is Evolving (Slowly)51:42 Monty’s Journey into Social Media & Storytelling
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#117 Living The Dream with Deni McNulty & K9 Tanner
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 partner Tanner.Deni shares how she transformed personal curiosity into a thriving professional career, what it was like transitioning from sport detection to high-stakes contract work, and the hard-won lessons she learned handling everything from “a Yorkie to a psycho Malinois.” You’ll hear candid insights about handler-dog bonding, private sector challenges, and why real-world readiness goes far beyond a perfect sit.Whether you're a handler, trainer, or just detection-dog-curious, this episode is packed with wisdom, humility, and tactical takeaways for anyone looking to break into the field from the civilian side.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro – Breaking Into K9 Detection Without Law Enforcement01:18 Deni’s Journey: From Craigslist Puppy to Nose Work06:50 Landing the First Detection Dog Job08:14 Handling Her First Real Working Dog14:16 Finding Tanner & Transitioning to Labs18:19 Private Sector vs Law Enforcement K9 Work25:41 Raising and Training Tanner from Puppy to Pro34:51 Life on the Road as a Broadway Bomb Dog Handler39:07 Real World vs Training: Reading Your Dog in Action50:00 Continuing Education & Advice for New Handlers
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#116 Revolutionizing Detection Dog Training with Science and Technology: Insights from Dr. Lauren DeGreeff and Dr. Lindsay Waldrop
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. Delve into the intriguing world of experimental and computational fluid dynamics, where Dr. Waldrop's passion for dogs and science converge, showing how breeds and skull shapes affect performance. Dr. DeGreeff shares her exciting transition to Florida International University, where her expanded research group delves into projects from explosives detection to human remains.Explore the complexities of training detection dogs and the significance of realistic scenarios, as we highlight challenges teams face transitioning to real-world searches. Discover how collaborations with institutions like Texas Tech and updates from OSAC are setting new standards in dog certification, ensuring rigorous evidence-based practices. Fascinating experiments reveal how scent detection and training methods evolve, from using smoke machines to visualize odor plumes to innovative training setups that encourage natural sniffing behaviors.Venture into the future with us as we discuss the intersection of AI and canine capabilities, where emerging technologies promise to enhance detection dogs' roles in law enforcement and beyond. Learn how AI is beginning to assist handlers with data-driven insights and imagine a future where it pinpoints specific odors detected by dogs. As we reflect on the logistical challenges of organizing dog trials, we express gratitude for the support that makes these endeavors possible and invite you to stay curious with "K9's Talking Scents.Chapters:(00:10) Detection Dog Research and Training(12:08) Advanced Detection Dog Training Insights(18:50) Training Variation in Detection Dogs(25:31) Enhancing Detection Dog Training Methods(32:59) Operational vs. Nose Work Dog Differences(45:38) Exploring Detection Dog Training Research(56:55) Utilizing Odor Chemistry in Dog Training(59:41) Advancements in Detection Dog Technology(01:09:07) Logistical Challenges in Running Dog Trials
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#115 K9s Talking Scent Podcast 2 Michaels a Ford with a Forrest
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 cues, and the application of matching law in reinforcement strategies. The trainers share insights from their experiences, highlighting the challenges and solutions in training dogs for law enforcement tasks. In this conversation, Cameron Ford delves into various aspects of dog training, focusing on the matching law, reinforcement strategies, and the importance of understanding hedonic value in training. He discusses the nuances of negative punishment and the significance of using markers effectively. The dialogue emphasizes the need for actionable skills in dog training, encouraging trainers to adapt their methods based on individual dog behavior and the context of training sessions.Sponsors Getxent Getxent odor absorption tubes http://www.getxent.comPrecision Explosives- Purchase all kinds of REAL odor training aids go visit http://www.pre-exp.comMichael Ellis online school http://www.michaelellisschool.com Grassroots K9 http://www.grassrootsk9.comFord K9 for all things detection dog and webinars, online classes and more http://www.fordk9.com Stratoscope Security solutions http://www.stratoscope.com
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#114 Detection Dog Standards and the Red Kong
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 implications and community engagement are also emphasized as crucial elements in the successful implementation of these standards. In this conversation, Paola Tiedemann and Cameron Ford explore various aspects of canine detection, including the analysis of Kongs, the misconceptions surrounding bomb and gun dogs, and the complexities of chemical detection in firearms. They discuss the challenges posed by 3D printed guns, the evolving threats in explosive detection, and the ongoing research into fentanyl. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding chemical mixtures and the need for handlers to ask the right questions about training aids.Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/iKbKOq3RoJcTo sign up for OSAC click here https://www.nist.gov/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/how-to-work-with-us/apply-join-osacLinks to published standards https://www.aafs.org/search/standardsSponsors:Getxent (odor Absorption) Training aids. http://www.getxent.comPrecision Explosives get your explosive and drug training aids here. NO LICENSE required. http://www.pre-exp.comSci K9 TADD Keep your training aids safe http://www.scik9.comFord K9 For everything Detection Dogs and online classes and webinars http://www.fordk9.com
This podcast is all about Detection Dogs we talking training, working the dog in the real world, starting a new dog or have an experienced dog, this show is for you. Calling all Detection dogs, Sniffer Dogs, those who compete in Nosework / Scentwork sports. If you work a detection dog that sniffs out bombs, drugs, guns, cell phones, electronic devices or anything else this podcast is for you
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