Is your dog confused — or are you confusing your dog?In this episode of K9's Talking Scents, Cameron Ford sits down with Ilse Duineveld, a working dog trainer, researcher, and behavioral expert who’s shaking up how we think about detection training.Together, they dive into:Why "odor load" might be sabotaging your dog’s ability to stay focusedThe importance of clarity and consistency in scent workHow her research is reframing the way we approach K9 learningWhether training multiple odors at once is helping… or hurtingHow to build better focus and reduce noise in your training sessionsThe line between operational readiness and overcomplicationIlse is a blend of academic rigor and practical expertise — and this conversation is a must-listen for any handler who wants to go beyond reps and get to the why behind behavior.📍 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.CHAPTERS00:00 - Meet Ilse Duineveld: Her background in research & working dogs 02:45 - What’s “odor load” and why does it matter? 06:10 - Can you train too many odors at once? 09:55 - Odor clarity vs. odor confusion 14:32 - Ilse’s research on behavior, detection, and learning 18:47 - Building operational reliability in working dogs 22:18 - Is focus more important than reps? 26:10 - Science vs. handler instinct: where they meet 29:45 - Final thoughts and where to find Ilse’s workUpcoming Seminars: https://www.fordk9.com/events/Stratos K9 Application: https://stratosk9.com/work-for-us/
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#120 Learning To Adapt with Jerry Bradshaw
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 (Protection Sports Association)Why rigidity in traditional dog sports pushed trainers to innovateThe importance of adaptability, breed diversity, and age inclusivityMarker training vs direct reward — and why the debate might be overblownThe danger of taking online training out of contextWhy failure in training is not only inevitable, but essentialIf you’ve ever debated technique, struggled with online misinformation, or wondered how the greats think about training philosophy — this episode is for you.00:00 - Intro & Meet Jerry Bradshaw 01:05 - The Origin of PSA 08:10 - Evolving Dog Sports & Breeds 14:20 - Why PSA Skipped Detection 18:14 - Changes in Detection Work 28:39 - Science vs Experience 35:40 - Simplifying What Matters 45:07 - Detection Training Methods 55:00 - Social Media & Misinterpretation 59:12 - The Value of In-Person Learning 01:07:03 - Advice for Handlers 01:13:15 - Double Blind & Real-World Readiness 01:17:39 - Collaboration Over Division 01:21:26 - Where to Find Jerry 01:22:55 - Outro
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#119 Zach Skow on Redemption, Recovery & the Pawsitive Change Movement
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 train rescue dogs inside California prisons, giving both a second chance at life. These dogs don’t just find homes—they sometimes go on to become working K9s in security, detection, and emotional support.In this episode:Zach’s story of recovery and building Marley’s MuttsWhy working with rescue dogs heals trauma for both humans and animalsHow the Pawsitive Change program transforms inmates and reduces recidivismAddressing the stigma around bully breeds in K9 and detection workReal success stories—both canine and humanThis one goes beyond dog training. It’s about purpose, second chances, and using K9s to create real social change.Chapters:00:00 Intro & Meet Zach Skow02:45 Zach’s Journey Through Addiction & Recovery07:12 The Origin of Marley’s Mutts10:28 Launching the Pawsitive Change Prison Program15:41 How Inmates Train Rescue Dogs Behind Bars20:03 Giving Purpose to the Forgotten—Dogs and Humans25:36 Stigma Around Bully Breeds in K9 Work31:19 Real Stories of Redemption from the Program37:44 Dogs as a Catalyst for Healing and Reform41:12 Pitbulls, Detection Work & the Future of K9 Training45:10 What’s Next for Marley’s Mutts & Pawsitive Change
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#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
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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