K9s Talking Scents

Cameron Ford
  • 5,0 (4)
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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 

  1. −20 H

    #134 Electronic Storage Device (ESD) Detection Dogs with Derek Ramierez

    Derek Ramirez, the first ESD (Electronic Storage Device) K9 handler in his large Southern California agency, breaks down why electronic detection is the most challenging discipline in K9 work. Despite working in a major metro area with high demand, Derek's biggest hurdle wasn't finding work—it was educating decision-makers about what ESD dogs can do.Unlike narcotics or explosives with consistent target odors, electronic devices present massive challenges: thousands of manufacturers, constantly evolving technology, and micro-level odor signatures from SD cards and circuit components. Derek explains why handlers must become experts at reading subtle behavioral changes, why "interest" often matters more than full alerts, and how missing a hidden device can mean lost evidence in child exploitation cases.Key Topics:Why the nonprofit model creates handler limitationsESD vs. narcotics detection: fundamental differencesGeneralization training across device types and manufacturersReading dogs in low-odor scenariosWhy double-blind testing is essential for ESD teamsSearch methodology: how hiding spots affect successBuilding an ESD program from 5 to 16 dogsEssential for anyone considering ESD capabilities for event security, corporate environments, or law enforcement applications where electronic device detection matters.Derek Ramirez Background: First ESD K9 handler in major SoCal agency, built program from ground up, now manages growing unit of 16 dogs, works both ESD and narcotics detection.________________________________________🧠 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: info@stratosk9.com🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

    1 tim 12 min

  2. 29 JAN.

    #133 The Reality of Explosive Detection with Hank Wong

    Hank Wong, veteran law enforcement K9 handler turned DHS contractor, reveals shocking findings from government READY events that test bomb dog teams nationwide: NO team passes odor recognition tests 100% correctly on first attempt. The culprit? Over-reliance on single training kits and lack of exposure to varied manufacturers, packaging, and storage methods. Cameron and Hank break down the critical difference between discrimination (target vs. non-target) and generalization (recognizing target across variations), exposing how most handlers excel at one while failing the other. They discuss why dogs alert to "their version" of explosives but miss real-world threats, how training culture creates false confidence, and what event security teams must do differently. Key Topics: Why training on one kit creates operational gapsThe "chaos factor" science can't measureAction-on-find procedures for security vs. law enforcementHow to read your dog in low-odor scenariosWhy double-blind testing is essentialDiscrimination vs. generalization trainingEssential listening for event security K9 teams, handlers, and anyone responsible for explosive detection programs. Hank Wong Background: 20+ year LE K9 handler (Orlando area), worked dogs Recon, Gunner, Smash, and Keno. Now DHS contractor conducting READY events nationwide, bridging science and practitioner perspectives. ________________________________________🧠 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: info@stratosk9.com🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

    1 tim 43 min

  3. 15 JAN.

    #132 Detection Therapy Dogs with Deputy John Grey

    In this groundbreaking episode, I sit down with John Grey, a law enforcement K9 handler who's doing the "impossible" - running a program with PUPPIES that are BOTH therapy dogs AND detection dogs (firearms/explosives).The traditional K9 world said this would never work:❌ "Puppies have too high a washout rate"❌ "Therapy dogs are low-drive couch potatoes"❌ "Labs can't detect anything"❌ "You can't do both - pick one"John's program is proving all of that WRONG.What We Cover:Why their puppy washout rate is LOWER than agencies buying adult dogsHow therapy work actually IMPROVES detection capabilityTraining while working (no pulling officers off the road)The massive PR and funding benefits agencies don't expectUsing rituals and signals to switch between therapy and detection modesWhy "crackhead" high-drive dogs are actually HARDER to work withHow obedience training makes detection dogs betterWorking in elementary through high schoolsAdding tracking to the mix (and the lessons learned)Why this ISN'T entrapment (they're NOT drug dogs)Real Results:✅ Lower washout rates than traditional programs✅ Enormous public support and funding✅ Dogs work effectively in both roles✅ Handlers train while maintaining regular SRO duties✅ Kids and community fully invested in the dogsJohn's agency is in Colorado, and they're working with organizations like Colorado Police K9 Association who now offer therapy dog certification. His company is Fundamentals First K9 Training and he's helping other agencies implement similar programs.This episode challenges EVERYTHING traditional K9 programs believe about drive, selection, training timelines, and what's "possible" with working dogs.Whether you're in law enforcement, education, or just love working dogs, this conversation will change how you think about K9 programs.🔗 Fundamentals First K9 Training: https://fundamentalsfirstk9training.com/🔗 Connect with John Grey: https://www.instagram.com/Fundamentalsfirstk9Timestamps in comments ⬇️About K9's Talking Scents:This podcast dives deep into the world of detection dogs, training, and the realities of working K9 operations from someone who's been in the trenches with Naval Special Warfare and now building the future of commercial detection.Subscribe for more real talk about detection dogs, training methodology, and industry insights you won't hear anywhere else.#TherapyDogs #DetectionDogs #K9Training #SchoolSafety #WorkingDogs #LawEnforcement #K9Handler #PuppyProgram #SchoolResourceOfficer________________________________________🧠 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: info@stratosk9.com🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

    1 tim 1 min

  4. 2025-12-30

    Unregulated & Misunderstood: Fixing the Commercial Detection Dog Industry with Dan Donovan

    In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dan Donovan, Founder and Managing Partner of Stratoscope, Ingressotek, Ford K9, and Stratos K9, who recently acquired For Canine and became my business partner. Dan has 30 years in event security, working 13 Super Bowls and 7 Olympic Games, and he's here to expose the hard truths about detection dogs in the private sector. What We Cover: Why 90% of event security professionals don't understand what K9 teams actually doThe shocking reality of an unregulated industry (18-year-old security guards need certification, but K9 handlers don't?)Real incidents from major events - when private dogs saved the day vs. when they failedThe "second dog" problem that wastes time and creates false confirmationsWhy handler training matters MORE than dog trainingBreaking down barriers: why former military/LE background shouldn't be a requirementHow to actually evaluate K9 providers (stop hiring "Scooby Doo" detection services)Dan shares real stories from the field, including a tense situation at a 40,000-person tech conference where a dog alert could have shut down the entire event. We discuss the trust gap between law enforcement and private K9 teams, the punishment culture that makes handlers afraid to call alerts, and what needs to change industry-wide. This episode opens with me presenting Dan with a Naval Special Warfare Multi-Purpose Canine Program challenge coin - one of the rarest coins in the K9 world - as a symbol of trust and partnership. Whether you're a handler, trainer, event security professional, or just interested in detection dogs, this conversation will change how you think about commercial K9 operations. Dan Donovan's Companies:🔗 Stratoscope (Event Security Consulting): https://stratoscope.com🔗 Ingressotek (Weapons Detection Technology): https://ingressotek.com🔗 Stratos K9 (K9 Deployment): https://stratosk9.com🔗 Ford K9 (K9 Training & Certification): [Add link if available]🔗 Dan Donovan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddonovan50/ 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:09 - Opening & Challenge Coin Presentation 00:03:18 - Dan Donovan's Background & Stratoscope 00:05:12 - The Gap in Event Security (Proactive vs Reactive) 00:08:58 - 90% Don't Understand What K9s Do 00:10:30 - Trust Issues: Law Enforcement vs Private K9s 00:13:18 - San Francisco Conference Crisis Story 00:16:25 - The "Second Dog" Problem 00:17:44 - The Unregulated Industry Revelation 00:19:34 - Certification vs Documentation 00:21:04 - Real-World Handler Failures (0-for-3 Story) 00:23:41 - Handler Training Crisis 00:25:15 - What Handlers Should Actually Be 00:27:00 - Technology Parallels (Nvidia & Ingressotek Example) 00:29:06 - The Punishment Culture Problem 00:32:11 - Breaking Down Industry Barriers 00:33:08 - Success Story: From DJ to Top Handler 00:34:23 - Industry Education Needs 00:35:23 - Building Trust Through Knowledge 00:36:08 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

    35 min

  5. 2025-12-12

    The Origin Story of Cameron Ford: K9 Training, Scent Detection & the Making of a Modern Handler

    This special replay episode of K9’s Talking Scents takes listeners back to one of the most insightful conversations ever recorded about the man behind Ford K9 and Stratos K9 — Cameron Ford. Originally aired on Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel, we’re bringing it to our K9TS audience so you can hear Cameron’s journey in his own words. With more than 25 years in the detection dog world, Cameron shares:• How he got started in K9 handling and why scent detection became his life’s work• The evolution of working-dog training from military deployments to civilian law enforcement• How science, data, and cognition research shaped the Odor Pays system• Why modern security demands mission-specific detection dogs• The misconceptions the public still has about K9 teams• The real responsibilities of handlers in today’s threat landscape This episode also touches on timely security concerns — including the increasing importance of detection dogs in preventing real-world threats — and how Cameron’s work continues to influence the future of the K9 profession. Whether you’re a handler, trainer, supervisor, or someone who simply wants to understand the mind behind Ford K9, this replay offers a rare personal look into Cameron’s history and what drives his passion for the industry.

    1 tim 11 min

  6. 2025-11-26

    #129 Punished by Reward with Michael Ellis

    In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, Cameron Ford sits down with world-renowned trainer Michael Ellis for one of the most in-depth conversations ever recorded on reinforcement theory, over-arousal, odor commitment, reward schedules, and why many detection dog programs unintentionally create false alerts.Together they break down the problems behind “reward-rich” training systems, how reinforcement can become punishing, why omission matters, and how to build dogs who persist, stay committed to odor, and search with accuracy — even in operational environments where rewards rarely come.This episode covers:• Why dogs become toy-obsessed instead of odor-committed• How handlers accidentally create false alerts• Why “continuous reinforcement” destroys operational reliability• Rewarding search vs rewarding finds• The science of frustration, dopamine, and over-performance• The difference between learning behavior and maintaining behavior• Why real-world deployments MUST be represented during training• How to introduce blanks, variable schedules, and expectation violation• "Satan’s Infinite Loop" and how trainers build bad habits into dogs• Why many dogs don’t indicate because they want the search to continue• How to build persistent, reliable, stable detection dogsIf you’re a detection dog handler, trainer, supervisor, or K9 program manager, this is a masterclass.CHAPTERS00:00 — Intro & catching up01:00 — Online education & training libraries02:00 — Are rewards harming performance?05:00 — Reinforcement vs intrinsic motivation07:00 — Over-arousal in detection dogs08:30 — Searching for toys vs searching for odor10:00 — False alerts & frustration12:00 — The “cheat code” problem14:30 — Reward-rich environments vs real deployments17:00 — Continuous vs variable reinforcement19:00 — Training that mirrors real-world operations21:30 — Expectation violation & handler discomfort23:00 — Why easy training creates weak dogs26:00 — Dogs that quit vs dogs that persist28:00 — Reducing rewards without breaking the dog30:30 — Reading search behavior correctly32:00 — Consistency in training fundamentals35:00 — Foundation errors that create future problems38:00 — When to introduce blanks41:00 — Reinforcing end-of-search behaviors44:00 — Fixing continuously rewarded dogs47:00 — Why dogs miss the first odor49:00 — Over-arousal & compensation behaviors52:00 — Indication obsession & unintended consequences54:00 — Odor recognition vs sit/down behavior57:00 — Natural indications & reading the dog59:00 — Satan’s Infinite Loop explained________________________________________🧠 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: info@stratosk9.com🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

    1 tim 11 min

  7. 2025-11-13

    #128 Dr. Melanie Uhde | Puppies & A Clown Riding A Bicycle

    In this episode of K9's Talking Scents, I sit down with Dr. Melanie Uhde from Canine Decoded for an in-depth conversation about canine neuroscience and puppy development. We explore the critical early developmental periods, how a puppy's brain processes learning differently than an adult dog, and the science behind fear periods. Dr. Uhde breaks down complex neuroscience concepts into practical insights for dog trainers and handlers, discussing everything from the pros and cons of early detection training to the role of dopamine, cortisol, and serotonin in behavior. We also dive into controversial topics like the balanced vs. force-free training debate, the increasing use of anxiety medications in dogs, and fascinating cultural differences between how dogs are raised and treated in the US versus Germany. Whether you're raising a puppy, training detection dogs, or just fascinated by canine behavior and neuroscience, this conversation offers valuable insights backed by science and real-world experience. Guest:Dr. Melanie Uhde - Canine Neuroscientist & Founder of Canine Decoded Find Dr. Melanie Uhde: Instagram: @caninedecodedYouTube: Dr. Melanie Uhde / Canine DecodedWebsite: Canine DecodedChapters 0:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 0:02:19 - Canine Decoded Update: Growth & New Programs 0:04:31 - Navigating the Balanced vs Force-Free Debate 0:12:01 - The Science Communication Challenge 0:24:05 - Peer Review Process: Behind the Scenes 0:42:25 - Research in Dog Training: What Makes Good Science 0:56:42 - Puppy Brain Development: 8-10 Weeks 1:06:00 - Fear Periods: What to Watch For 1:13:54 - Managing Novel Objects & Environmental Exposure 1:17:45 - Starting Detection Work Early: Pros & Cons 1:19:12 - Resilience & Stress Recovery in Puppies 1:20:18 - Learning from Hunting Dog Communities 1:24:15 - Olfaction vs Vision: How Dogs Process Information 1:29:05 - Drive, Arousal & Optimal Learning States 1:32:52 - Possessiveness & Social Dynamics in Dogs 1:37:47 - Cultural Differences: US vs Germany Pet Stores 1:40:00 - Dog Culture in Germany vs United States 1:47:33 - Wrap Up & Where to Find Dr. Uhde

    1 tim 52 min
  8. #127 What Makes a Great Detection Dog Team? A Deep Dive with Melinda Ruopp

    2025-10-30

    #127 What Makes a Great Detection Dog Team? A Deep Dive with Melinda Ruopp

    In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford welcomes Melinda Ruopp — a leader in the science of detection dog training and deployment. Melinda brings decades of experience in research, program development, and scientific evaluation of canine teams. From field-based decision-making to the nuanced variables behind effective training, she breaks down: Why measurable standards must evolveThe difference between qualified and quantifiedBalancing handler instinct with data-driven insightsLessons from research projects like mine detection and FEMAHow to test what your dog actually understandsWhether you’re a handler, trainer, or program supervisor, this conversation bridges the gap between operational demands and scientific rigor. 📌 Sponsored by DogBase.co 🐾 Become a member at FordK9.com

    2 tim
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Om

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 

Information

  • Skapad av
    Cameron Ford
  • Aktiva år
    2019 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    134
  • Åldersgräns
    Vuxet innehåll
  • Copyright
    © Cameron Ford
  • Programmets webbplats
    K9s Talking Scents

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