More Than Just a K-9 Podcast: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World

Dustin Stiles
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

"More Than Just A K-9 Podcast," hosted by Dustin Stiles—former U.S. Marine, K-9 Trainer, and Handler—shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the canine world. Each episode explores the vital roles of working dogs, including search and rescue, therapy, military, law enforcement, and training.  Join us for captivating stories, heartfelt bonds, and the incredible impact these dogs have on our lives. Tune in and discover the powerful stories of dedication, loyalty, and purpose behind K-9 handlers and their furry partners.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    From Narcotics to Emeralds: Inside the World of Elite Detection Dogs | Coty Rizan

    In this episode, Dustin sits down with Coty Rizan, founder of Inner Circle K9, to talk about the realities of the detection dog industry. From narcotics to emerald detection, Coty shares insights on training standards, accountability in K-9 programs, and why certifications alone won’t protect handlers in court. They also discuss mentorship, leadership, trusting the dog, and what the future of detection work may look like as technology and data continue to evolve. This is an honest conversation about raising the standard in the K-9 world and building better detection teams.

    1h 49m

  2. FEB 20

    Sgt. Brenner & Grief: A Marine’s Hardest Farewell

    Sergeant Alfred Brenner, retired U.S. Marine Corps K-9 handler and Purple Heart recipient, joins the show to share the unfiltered reality of war through the eyes of a handler and his dog. From boot camp to Afghanistan, Alfred recounts building an unbreakable bond with his canine partner, Grief — a bond forged in trust, danger, and daily life-or-death decisions. He opens up about the pressure of leading from behind a leash, the trauma of losing brothers in combat, and the devastating moment that changed his life forever. This isn’t just a story about war. It’s a story about loyalty, identity, grief, healing, and what it really means to trust something with your life. If you’ve ever wondered what military working dogs truly do — and what it costs the handlers who walk beside them — this conversation will stay with you. Sgt. Brenner's Website Link: https://www.survivingwithgrief.com/ Contact More Than Just a K-9: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ac1KRRv8R/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@dusti.3?_t=ZT-8xKBcY3VHS9&_r=1https://morethanjustak9podcastrealstoriesfromtheworkingdogk9world.riverside.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-stiles-961a5727a?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_iosThanks for listening & keep podcasting!

    45 min

  3. FEB 4

    Beyond the Badge and the Leash: Leadership, Loss, and the K-9 Legacy of Chief Roscoe

    Send a text In this powerful episode of More Than Just a Canine, host Dustin Stiles sits down with Chief LJ Roscoe, a 36-year law enforcement veteran whose career spans leadership, innovation, and elite K-9 operations. Chief Roscoe shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her path, the challenges and triumphs of building mission-ready K-9 units, and the extraordinary bond between handlers and their dogs. From explosive detection and cutting-edge canine work to officer wellness, community trust, and leadership at the highest level, this conversation goes far beyond tactics — revealing the heart, resilience, and purpose behind the badge and the leash.  Chief Roscoe's Contact info: email: ljroscoe@goosecreeksc.gov  If you're interested in learning more about the WRTP International K9 Memorial, please visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/K9MemorialWRTP/. The WRTP (We Ride to Provide) International K9 Memorial is a meaningful annual event held in Porterdale, Georgia, that honors fallen police dogs and working K-9s from around the globe. It’s the only memorial of its kind in the world that recognizes all fallen K-9s, regardless of the circumstances of their passing. Contact More Than Just a K-9: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ac1KRRv8R/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@dusti.3?_t=ZT-8xKBcY3VHS9&_r=1https://morethanjustak9podcastrealstoriesfromtheworkingdogk9world.riverside.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-stiles-961a5727a?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_iosThanks for listening & keep podcasting!

    47 min

  4. 12/01/2025

    Breaking Ground: My Journey as Part of the First Group of U.S. Marines Initiating a New K-9 Program

    Send a text In this inaugural episode, Dustin shares a gripping story from his time in the Marines, where a dog's sharp nose and training saved lives on the battlefield. He reflects on the journey that led him from a young Marine to part of a groundbreaking IED detection program, training in Alabama, California, and ultimately serving in Iraq. Discover the behind-the-scenes training, the sacrifices, and the incredible partnership that makes these dogs more than just animals—they are lifesavers and brothers-in-arms.  This is more than a podcast; it's a tribute to the silent heroes who serve alongside us and the unbreakable bonds that transcend words. Subscribe now and join us on this journey into the heart of heroism, loyalty, and the extraordinary lives of our canine warriors. Contact More Than Just a K-9: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ac1KRRv8R/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@dusti.3?_t=ZT-8xKBcY3VHS9&_r=1https://morethanjustak9podcastrealstoriesfromtheworkingdogk9world.riverside.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-stiles-961a5727a?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_iosThanks for listening & keep podcasting!

    15 min

  5. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Discover More Than Just a K-9: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World

    Send a text Discover the incredible world of working dogs with *Discover More Than Just a K-9: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World*. Join us as we explore different breeds, share gripping stories from K-9 handlers, and hear personal tales from my own experience in a new program with the U.S. Marine Corps. Uncover the loyalty, skill, and heroism behind these amazing animals. Contact More Than Just a K-9: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ac1KRRv8R/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@dusti.3?_t=ZT-8xKBcY3VHS9&_r=1https://morethanjustak9podcastrealstoriesfromtheworkingdogk9world.riverside.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-stiles-961a5727a?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_iosThanks for listening & keep podcasting!

    2 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

"More Than Just A K-9 Podcast," hosted by Dustin Stiles—former U.S. Marine, K-9 Trainer, and Handler—shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the canine world. Each episode explores the vital roles of working dogs, including search and rescue, therapy, military, law enforcement, and training.  Join us for captivating stories, heartfelt bonds, and the incredible impact these dogs have on our lives. Tune in and discover the powerful stories of dedication, loyalty, and purpose behind K-9 handlers and their furry partners.

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