Police K9 Radio

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman

Police K9 Radio is hosted by Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman. Gregg has 22 years of law enforcement experience, 15 of which were as a K9 handler. Gregg is also the owner of D-Tac K9 and is the trainer for 21 law enforcement agencies. Rich has 15 years of K9 handling experience and is a trainer for D-Tac K9. Together they will be interviewing some of the top trainers and experts in the police K9 community and will be sharing their insight and experiences with you.

  1. 12/21/2025

    Interview with U.K. K-9 Handler Ben Shaylor

    Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman sit down with Ben Shaylor. Ben is a police K9 Handler from the U.K.. The guys discuss the differences between policing and canine handling in the U.S. and the U.K. Thank you to our sponsors: Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com Black Jacks Leather - BlackJacksleather.com Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663  Email: Trainers@Dtack9.com

    1h 9m

  2. 11/17/2025

    Handler Aggression - Engagement - Equipment Fixation - Detection - Its Mailbag!

    Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman answer questions from viewers, handlers and trainers. Gregg and Rich offer their insight on topics such as handler aggression, equipment fixation, engagement, the tone, detection issues and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com Black Jacks Leather - BlackJacksleather.com Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email: Trainers@Dtack9.com

    55 min

  3. 10/22/2025

    L.T. Zach Pfannenstiel - Echelon K-9

    Zach is a seasoned K9 operations and law enforcement leader with over 18 years in public safety, and more than 15 years of dedicated experience in canine units. Recognized as a court-qualified expert in K9 deployment, use of force, animal behavior, less-lethal tactics, and policy compliance. Founder & CEO of Echelon K9, delivering training, consulting, and expert witness services to law enforcement and military clients. Zach has managed a canine unit comprising 40 working dogs. He has a dual-purpose patrol dog cross-trained in explosive detection. Zach led recruitment, procurement, training of "green" dogs, certification refresher, advanced K9 courses (e-collar, agitator, integrated SWAT / K9).  Zach has provided internal oversight, after-action reviews, and deployment audits. Thank you to our sponsors: Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com Black Jacks Leather - BlackJacksleather.com Sauna Box - Saunabox/k9.com Key word "K9" for discount Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663  Email: Trainers@Dtack9.com

    1h 1m

  4. 09/27/2025

    Dylan Jobson - Rogue Arsenal

    In this episode, Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman dive into a conversation with Dylan Jobson of Rogue Arsenal, an expert in acclimating working dogs to high-intensity auditory stimuli. Dylan brings a no-nonsense approach to preparing K9s for real-world scenarios involving flashbangs, gunfire, and other loud noises they might encounter in the field.  About Dylan Jobson and Rogue Arsenal: Dylan Jobson is the brains behind Rogue Arsenal, a company known for supplying top-tier tactical equipment and training aids to law enforcement K9 units. With Rogue Arsenal, he's helped countless handlers equip their dogs to handle the stressors of explosive sounds and unpredictable environments. Key Topics Discussed:  • Acclimating K9s to Loud Noises: the guys discuss how to desensitize dogs to sudden loud noises like flashbangs and gunfire. Dylan shares procedures that skip the fluff and focus on what actually works in the field.  • Practical Tips for Handlers: If you're a K9 handler looking for methods to prepare your dog for loud operational environments, this episode is for you. Thank you to our sponsors: Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com Black Jacks Leather - BlackJacksleather.com Sauna Box - Saunabox/k9.com Key word "K9" for discount Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email: Trainers@Dtack9.com

    1h 11m

  5. 08/27/2025

    The Great Debate! Releases with positive control or from a distance

    Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman discuss the tactical, legal and practical considerations surrounding the "positive control" release and the release from a distance. This is a must watch for any handler, trainer and supervisor. Thank you to our sponsors: Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com Black Jacks Leather - BlackJacksleather.com Sauna Box - Saunabox/k9.com Key word "K9" for discount Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email: Trainers@Dtack9.com

    42 min

  6. 08/16/2025

    Never say Never with Natalie Morris

    Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman interview Natalie Morris about all things detection including breed specifics, how much is too much obedience and problem solving outside the box. Natalie Morris is a trainer and manager at Ford K9, where she helps oversee Fordk9's daily operations such as puppy and adult development and selection, Sport Detection classes and coaching, as well as local classes and education for the sport of Scent work. Natalie has been training dogs and teaching owners in the Las Vegas Valley for 10 years, teaching hundreds of puppy and adult classes as well as assisting owners in behavioral modification plans and improving the bond between both ends of the leash. In 2011 Natalie was drawn to the world of K9 olfaction and detection through the sport of K9 Scent Work, when she began training and trialing her personal dogs for the sport.  Thank you to our sponsors: Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com Black Jacks Leather - BlackJacksleather.com Sauna Box - Saunabox/k9.com Key word "K9" for discount Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email: Trainers@Dtack9.com

    1h 7m

  7. 07/24/2025

    K9 Leo: A hero remembered - Interview with Handler Justin Tortora

    In this episode, we sit down with Corporal Justin Tortora of the Marion County Sheriff's Office to discuss the life, loss, and legacy of his partner, K9 Leo, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois who made the ultimate sacrifice on February 17, 2024, during a domestic call in Silver Springs, Florida. This heartfelt conversation dives into the incident that claimed Leo's life, the unbreakable bond between handler and K9, and critical lessons for canine handlers and trainers. What You'll Learn: The Incident: Leo was shot while protecting Justin and other deputies during a confrontation with an armed suspect, who fired at them. Despite wearing a bulletproof vest, Leo was struck in an unprotected area and fought for his life at UF Veterinary Hospital before passing days later. Justin shares how their training prepared them for that moment and how Leo's bravery saved lives. Handler-K9 Bond: Justin opens up about the unique loyalty and trust built over thousands of hours of training, from Leo's FDLE K9 certification in February 2021 to their daily partnership. He reflects on Leo's role not just as a working dog but as family. Training Takeaways: Insights on preparing for high-risk encounters, including tactical decision-making, canine control under extreme stress, and the importance of scenario-based training to handle violent situations. Emotional Resilience: Justin discusses the emotional toll of losing a K9 partner and how handlers can process grief while continuing their work. Key Moments:  Justin's recounting of the chaotic February 17 shootout and Leo's fearless response. - Practical tips for handlers on maintaining situational awareness and K9 readiness. - A tribute to Leo's courage, with reflections on his impact both on-duty and at home with Justin's family. This episode is a must for handlers and trainers seeking to understand the real-world stakes of K9 work. Justin's raw perspective offers actionable insights into training, teamwork, and the emotional realities of the job, honoring Leo's sacrifice while equipping you to better prepare for the potential realities of being a K9 handler. Thank you to our sponsors: Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com Black Jacks Leather - BlackJacksleather.com Sauna Box - Saunabox/k9.com Key word "K9" for discount Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email: Trainers@Dtack9.com

    1h 5m

  8. 07/13/2025

    From Police Work to Entrepreneurship: Aaron Taylor's Journey with Ridgeside K9

    In this episode of Police K9 Radio, we sit down with Aaron Taylor, a nationally recognized leader in the dog training world and the founder of Ridgeside K9 LLC. Aaron is a prior Infantry Marine Sergeant with a 100% combat-disabled rating. Leveraging the Yellow Ribbon Program, he attended The George Washington University, earning degrees in both the Science of Policing and Psychology. Following his military service, Aaron spent 16 years with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, retiring in 2018 while assigned full-time to K9 on a full-time SWAT team. Over the course of his career, he served 14 years in special operations and investigations, including time in Narcotics, SWAT, and K9. Aaron is also recognized as a certified expert in the 4th district, having testified in both state and federal court. He has been featured on national platforms such as The Dr. Phil Show and on numerous podcasts, where he encourages, mentors, and helps finance law enforcement and military veterans as they transition into entrepreneurship. After stepping away from policing due to growing conflict with administration and declining community support, Aaron leaned into his lifelong passion for dog training. What began as a small venture quickly grew into Ridgeside K9 LLC—now one of the nation's most recognized and fastest-growing dog training companies. In this episode, Aaron opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of leaving law enforcement, building a business from scratch, and what it takes to create a mission-driven company. He emphasizes the importance of mastering your role in law enforcement while also developing skills outside the badge—so you're ready for the next chapter when it comes. We also talk about Aaron's mission to employ and empower former military and police professionals, giving them not only jobs, but purpose and opportunity. His journey is a blueprint for others in the K9 and law enforcement communities who are ready to build something of their own.  Topics Covered: Why Aaron left law enforcement after 16 years Founding Ridgeside K9 and scaling a dog training business Navigating burnout and lack of administrative support Creating a mission-driven company that supports police and veterans Advice for officers: build skills beyond the badge Follow Aaron Taylor & Ridgeside K9: Instagram: @ridgesidek9_llc Thank you to our sponsors: Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com Black Jacks Leather - BlackJacksleather.com Sauna Box - Saunabox/k9.com Key word "K9" for discount Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email: Trainers@Dtack9.com

    1h 55m
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4.8
out of 5
174 Ratings

About

Police K9 Radio is hosted by Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman. Gregg has 22 years of law enforcement experience, 15 of which were as a K9 handler. Gregg is also the owner of D-Tac K9 and is the trainer for 21 law enforcement agencies. Rich has 15 years of K9 handling experience and is a trainer for D-Tac K9. Together they will be interviewing some of the top trainers and experts in the police K9 community and will be sharing their insight and experiences with you.

Information

  • Creator
    Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Police K9 Radio

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