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 into:

• The birth and rise of PSA (Pro...

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 redemption.

Through Pawsitive Change, inmates ...

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, ...

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 tran...

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 ...

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 match...

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 e...

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. 

They also explore the deba...

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, temperature, and generalizatio...

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 detection work. The discussion highlights...

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 physical preparedness required for su...

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 handlers. The conversation also touches ...

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 failures, as well as the need fo...

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. The conversation then shif...

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, the different strains of...

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 the merging of technology and dogs, ...

#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 odor in general.  

Contact ...

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. Wesley emphasizes the importance of wild...