Police K9 Radio

Dr. Melanie Uhde is a Trainer, Educator, Speaker and Author. Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman interview Dr. Melanie about the science behind our working dogs. What You'll Learn: • The psychology behind canine learning and decision-making under pressure • How to reinforce reliability in high-stress environments • Techniques to reduce reactivity and enhance control • Balancing drive, discipline, and handler rapport • Conditioning K9s for real-world operational scenarios • The mental health and resilience of working dogs Key Takeaways: • A confident dog starts with a calm, prepared handler • Training must be adaptable, purpose-driven, and evidence-based • Behavioral issues in working dogs often trace back to overlooked foundational gaps • Long-term performance depends on both physical conditioning and psychological well-being 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 Dr. Melanie: Instagram: @caninedecoded Connect with Us: Instagram:  @policek9radio663  Email: Trainers@Dtack9.com Support the Show: Found this episode valuable? Like, comment, and share it with your fellow K9 handlers. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode designed for law enforcement professionals.

YOUTUBE LINK to view Video of Deployment https://youtu.be/71_j-f38Rxs "Suspect's car is on fire!" Sgt. Matt Allert and Deputy Shane Day (Riverside Sheriff's K9) debrief a deployment in which the use of a canine brings a dangerous situation to a safe conclusion. Episode Summary In this episode of Police K9 Radio, we break down a powerful real-world deployment where a police K9's decision-making and training directly saved the life of a suspect. This incident flips the script on the usual apprehension narrative and puts the focus on preservation of life — a responsibility every handler carries. If you're a working handler, supervisor, or trainer, this episode is a must-listen. We dissect the incident step-by-step, focusing on tactical choices, canine control, and the split-second decisions that made the difference between life and death. What You'll Learn • Real-World Deployment Analysis: How a K9 team's restraint, control, and training helped preserve life during a volatile encounter. • Handler Judgement Under Pressure: Making the right call when lives are on the line — including the suspect's. • Training That Transfers to the Street: Why your obedience, out, and recall reps matter more than ever. • Tactical Integration: How the K9 handler worked seamlessly with patrol and command to manage the scene. • Ethics and Expectations: The evolving role of police K9s in a time where every bite, video, and decision is scrutinized. Why It Matters This episode challenges conventional thinking and highlights the life-saving potential of police dogs beyond apprehension. It's a wake-up call for those still chasing bites and ignoring discipline, control, and scenario-based training. Perfect For: • K9 Handlers looking to elevate their decision-making • Trainers building real-world reliability • Supervisors evaluating deployment tactics • Agencies striving for balanced K9 programs Trusted Sponsors Support the companies that support our working dogs: • Inukshuk Professional Dog Food – Fuel for performance. InukshukPro.com • Ray Allen Manufacturing – Gear that works as hard as your dog. RayAllen.com • Black Jack Leather – Hand-crafted tools for serious K9 teams. BlackJacksLeather.com • Sauna Box – Recovery tools for handlers who go hard. Use code “K9” for 10% off. SaunaBox.com ⸻ Follow us for more no-nonsense, boots-on-the-ground K9 talk: • Instagram: @PoliceK9Radio • Facebook: Police K9 Radio • Contact Us: Trainers@DtacK9.com 

Lt Nate Lange and K-9 Handler Jason Miller from the Elk Grove Police Department discuss the future of law Enforcement and the impact on canine deployments with a state of the art drone program. You can reach Gregg and Rich at Trainers@Dtack9.com Thank you to our sponsors! INUKSHUK PREMIUM DOG FOOD - Inukshukpro.com  RAY ALLEN MFG. - Rayallen.com BLACK JACKS LEATHER - BlackJacksLeather.com SAUNA BOX - SAUNABOX/K9.com. Use Key word "K9" for a discount!

Bruce Praet is the co-founder of Lexipol and a partner in Ferguson, Praet and Sherman, a law firm with over 30 years of specializing in defending police civil matters such as shootings, dog bites and pursuits. Prior to becoming an attorney Bruce was a K-9 Handler and SWAT team member for the Orange Police Department. You can reach Gregg and Rich at Trainers@Dtack9.com T hank you to our sponsors! These are companies that we believe in and use their products. INUKSHUK PREMIUM DOG FOOD. Inukshukpro.com RAY ALLEN MFG. Rayallen.com BLACK JACKS LEATHER. BlackJacksLeather.com SAUNA BOX. Saunabox.com (Use Keyword "k9" to save ten percent)

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman interview Sgt. Matthew Allert and Deputy Shane Day of Riverside County Sheriff's Office about making changes within the Riverside County Sheriff's K-9 unit. Thank you to our sponsors! These are companies that we believe in and use their products. I NUKSHUK PREMIUM DOG FOOD. Inukshukpro.com RAY ALLEN MFG. Rayallen.com BLACK JACKS LEATHER. BlackJacksLeather.com

Youtube Link - https://youtu.be/NpFzgXejeW4 Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman sit down with Gary Hicks the man behind "Worthless Handler". If you are a handler chances are you have purchased his gear. Gary discusses his journey and purpose behind the brand. Thank you to our sponsors! These are companies that we believe in and use their products. INUKSHUK PREMIUM DOG FOOD. Inukshukpro.com  RAY ALLEN MFG. Rayallen.com BLACK JACKS LEATHER. BlackJacksLeather.com

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman break down considerations every handler should weigh before deploying their canine partner into a car to apprehend a suspect or clear a vehicle. This episode is sponsored by: Ray Allen Manufacturing - RAYALLEN.com Black Jacks leather - BLACKJACKLEATHER.com Inukshuk dog food for the working dog - INUKSHUKPRO.com

YOUTUBE LINK  https://youtu.be/g31k59IXhMY Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman break down the legal, tactical and training considerations of deploying your canine from your patrol car.  This episode is sponsored by: Ray Allen Manufacturing - RAYALLEN.com Black Jacks leather - BLACKJACKSLEATHER.com Inukshuk dog food for the working dog - INUKSHUKPRO.com

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman discuss the age old debate...... In home living or in Kennel living for police dogs. This episode is designed for the families of police dogs and steps that should be taken IF handlers decide to try to bring the police dog into the home. Looking for a K9 Supervisor Course? The next class is in Elk Grove, CA and it's April 28, 29 and 30th. TACTICALK9USA.com for details. Need a great high performance food for your working dog? INUKSHUKPRO.com - We feed and recommend this great dog food. Need gear? Look no further than Rayallen,com. Ray Allen Manufacturing provides great gear for police and working dogs. It is a one stop shop!

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman sit down with Todd Wilbur (Precision Explosives) and discuss everything you need to know about training aids and the differences between pseudos and soaks, court room implications and why using TADDS and scent tubes could up your detection game.  Need a great working dog food? We use and recommend: Inukshuk for all our working dogs INUKSHUKPRO.COM Need great working dog equipment? We use and recommend: Ray Allen Manufacturing RAYALLEN.COM

Youtube Link https://youtu.be/i18I7ajFoOY Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman discuss if and when you need a verbal release. This episode builds off of the last episode with Mike Kmeciek. They discuss the legal issues, and get into the training blocks for teaching a reliable verbal release  Want to buy great working dog equipment from great people. Look no further. We recommend RAY ALLEN for you one stop shopping. Check them out at RAYALLEN.COM Need a high performance dog food? We recommend and use INUKSHUK working dog food. Check them out INUKSHUKPRO.com

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman speak with "Legal Beagle", Mike Kmiecik regarding Rosenbaum V. San Jose and Rock v. Miller. Both recent 9th circuit cases. They discuss the implications for patrol handlers and what changes handlers need to make in the future. Links discussed on podcast: 9th Circuit Discussions (LINKS BELOW)- Rosenbaum V. City of San Jose     • 22-16863 Zachary Rosenbaum v. City of...   Rock V. Miller     • 23-16009 Dillon Rock v. Mike Miller   Need great gear for your working dog? We use and recommend RAY ALLEN MFG. RAYALLEN.COM Need a high performance dog food for your working dog? We feed and recommend INUKSHUK. INUKSHUKPRO.COM / CHEWY.COM K9 K9 SUPERVISION COURSE coming to Elk Grove CA 4/28/25  "K9 Supervison 365"  Registration Info at TacticalK9USA.com

This episode can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/vly9sEe7TEI Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman interview Cameron Ford (Ford K9) The guys discuss: - Biggest mistake handlers make - Biggest mistake trainers make - Best training aid - Fentanyl - Latest industry trends - The evolution of the detection industry Cameron Ford - FORDK9.com Ray Allen Manufacturing - Looking for great working dog training equipment? One stop shop at RAYALLEN.com INUKSHUK - Looking for a performance food for your working dog? INUKSHUKPRO.com Police K9 Supervisor's Course Coming to Elk Grove CA - April 28 -30 Instructors: Gregg Tawney and Bill Lewis More info at: tacticalK9USA.com DtacK9.com

YOUTUBE LINK -  https://youtu.be/P_qFWfpMgbI Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman talk with K-9 Handler, Jason Miller. This is a must watch for supervisors and the informal leaders within any K-9 unit. The guys discuss specific steps to be a good K-9 Supervisor as well as the important role of the senior handler within any unit.  INUKSHUKPRO.com - Need a high performance food for a working dog?  This is it! (No Dolphin) RAYALLEN.com - For all your police K-9 needs. Great equipment from great people.

Interview with Lt. Mike Walsh (Riverside County Sheriff Office). Gregg and Rich talk with Mike about implementing K9s into hostage rescue missions. Mike discusses when and why they have used K9s during these high risk situations. This is a great episode for anyone currently deploying their dogs with a tactical team. You can reach out to Gregg and Rich at trainers@dtack9.com Looking for a high performance food? INUKSHUKPRO.com Need great K9 gear? The guys recommend RAYALLEN.com Looking for a great harness. Check out MODERNICON.US Use Keyword "Radio"

YouTube Link.  https://youtu.be/v1bpJsyLkkA Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman review a recent deployment in which the police dog did not engage. The guys discuss why this happens in todays law enforcement world, and what steps to take if this happens to you. Our sponsors have been hand selected by the hosts. Gregg and Rich have almost fifty years of law enforcement experience and combined thirty years experience handling police dogs. They are both active in the law enforcement and pet training community and are responsible for maintenance training thirty agencies hundreds of dogs per year. Need great dog gear? RAYALLEN.com - Ray Allen Manufacturing has everything you need for handlers. Its a one stop shop for agencies and those needing canine gear INUKSHUKPRO.com - A truly great food for the working dog. We feed it.....you should too. MODERN ICON Harnesses are some of the best in the industry. Check them out at ModernIcon.us Use Key word "Radio" and get an additional ten percent off!

Recorded July 12, 2024 Youtube  https://youtu.be/d8w6BPMniXg Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman discuss how to keep your dog safe from dying of heat stroke with SIMPLE solutions. Heat Injury is PREVENTABLE. This is a must watch for handlers and anyone that owns a dog. RayAllen.com for heat alarms and fans Waggle available on Amazon Inukshukpro.com for a food designed for working dogs Modern Icon for a great harness (Use "Radio" to get a 10 percent discount) INUKSHUKPRO.com for a dog food designed for the working dog. 

YOUTUBE link - https://youtu.be/suaDEzYub88?si=wXCWZaBo23bki3KU Gregg and Rich speak with Jerry about the importance of capping and how to implement it into your training regimen.  This is a must watch for handlers and trainers! Looking for great equipment? Go to RAYALLEN.COM. It is a one stop shop for handlers and administrators. Need a great food for your working dog? Go to INUKSHUKPRO.COM for the best food in the industry!  

The guys talk with Matt at the Hold the Line Conference about the latest industry trends, and what separates Ray Allen from their competition. If you want great K9 equipment from an ethical company then check out Ray Allen at RAYALLEN.COM If you need great dog food for the working dog then check out INUKSHUKPRO.COM

The guys catch up with "the Mikes" at the Hold the Line Conference. They discuss industry trends and the use of markers in police dog training today. Need Equipment? RAYALLEN.com has got you covered! Need a high performance food? INUKSHUKPRO.com is the food we feed and recommend.

The guys sit down with Jim at the Hold the Line K9 Conference. You can contact Jim at NCK9.US Jim is owner of NC K9 in North Carolina. Need a great food for your working dog? INUKSHUK is a great food for hard working dogs. Feed them the best......they deserve it. I NUKSHUKPRO.COM Need training equipment for your working dog. The guys use and recommend RAYALLEN.COM for all your equipment needs.

Day 1 at Hold the Line K9 Conference with Joe Lutkowski  HTLK9.com Need a great food for working dogs. The guys feed INUKSHUK. The food made specifically for the working dog. INUKSHUKPRO.COM Need equipment? Go to the number one working dog equipment company. The one stop shop! RAYALLEN.com

YOUTUBE Link : https://youtu.be/bGvjMRSzNsU Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman debrief a recent LAPD K9 deployment. The guys break it down and discuss legal and tactical concerns. INUKSHUKPRO.com - A dog food designed for your working dog RAYALLEN.com - Need good dog gear? Look no further. Check out Ray Allen for all your working dog needs!

Lots of topics to argue about! Are they myths? The guys discuss the top myths in canine training and deployments, and determine if they are valid. RAYALLEN.com for all your equipment needs. They have excellent top quality equipment and one of the best harnesses in the industry.  INUKSHUKPRO.com for a high quality food designed for working dogs!

Videos can be seen on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/EsLkskjMcZg Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman interview Eric Stanbro (Owner of Vaness K9 and Ridgeside K9 Ohio, and Co-Host of Working Dog Radio). Eric shares years of experience and discusses the importance of using the e-collar tone, how to reduce conflict with your dog, and the importance of being a fair leader. You can contact Eric at @Vanessk9 @working_dog_radio @RidgesideK9_ohio Need a great food? We use and recommend INUKSHUK at INUKSHUKPRO.com  

This podcast is a must for those handlers getting a new dog. Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman share what they recommend to thier handlers when getting a new police dog.  Need a great food? We feed and recommend INUKSHUK! INUKSHUKPRO.com

To see associated videos with podcast go to YOUTUBE LINK - https://youtu.be/65RkzgCEVU4 Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman discuss things handlers can do to avoid a dog fight and what to do if one occurs. Plus a decision making scenario to run at your next training! What do the majority of our police k9 handler feed? Want to feed a high performance food? Try INUKSHUKPRO.COM   

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman talk to Brady Smith of "Dust Off K9" about the three biggest medical concerns of working dogs and what handlers need to know to make sure their dogs make it home safe and healthy. Need great dog food for the working dog.....check out INUKSHUK at INUKSHUKPRO.com Brady Smith can be found at DUSTOFFK9.COM and you can reach him at DUSTOFFK9@gmail.com Shout out to the guys at @Greenwood_so_k9

To watch training videos click on link below! Youtube LInk. https://youtu.be/wxAcKTc6870 Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman discuss the proper use of markers, and toys in the training progression for police dogs. This podcast discusses how to integrate a toy into training obedience and bite work from the start to the finish and maintenance training of a police dog. Looking for a great food for working dogs? Feed what we feed! INUKSHUKPRO.COM      

The job of K-9 Handler is the toughest job in law enforcement. Handlers are required to make good decisions under extremely stressful conditions. Shaun O'Ogorman (Strong Life Project) discusses how to train your mind and prepare yourself for the stress every handler endures during critical events and the prolonged effects of stress over a career. INUKSHUK DOG FOOD - Great Food for the working dog. It is what we feed and have fed for two years. We see the difference. So will you. INUKSHUKPRO.com  HITS K9 CONFERENCE. The largest conference in the country. Over 35 instructors! Don't miss this one. August 15-18 2023 in Scottsdale AZ HITSK.NET SHAUN O'GORMAN - The Strong Life Project INSTAGRAM @thestronglifeproject  THESTRONGLIFEPROJECT.com

Watch on YOUTUBE at  https://youtu.be/O6jmjOfr9Fk Dr. Lauryn DeGreeff and Dr. Michele Maughan discuss the science behind canines detecting Fentanyl, training aids, training aid devices and detection pitfalls. The HITS K9 conference is coming August 15th in Scottsdale AZ! The largest and most diverse K9 training event in the United States. Their goal is to have 1000 handlers, supervisors, and administrators from around the world. For more info go to HITSK9.NET Inukshuk dog food for the working dog. We highly recommend Inukshuk for police dogs. We feed it and recommend it to all of our agencies. We have found that dogs with sensitive stomachs thrive on Inukshuk. Your dog works hard.....they deserve the best. INUKSHUKPRO.com

Watch on YOUTUBE at https://youtu.be/trfdQsFHeUA Bob Eden discusses nationwide statistics and the reasons behind the numbers. Bob is owner of KATS (K9 Activity Tracking System) and shares statistics from 2017 to present as they relate to race, deployments and apprehensions of over 2000 teams nationwide. For a great dog food for the working dog check out: INUKSUKPRO.com Don't miss a great K9 Conference with over thirty instructors.  Register at: HITSK9.net Check out this website for a great training and deployment tracking system: KATS (K9 Activity Tracking System) KATSONLINE.net

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman interview legal expert Mike Kmiecik from "SHEEP DOG GUARDIAN" in regards to a new Idaho ruling that states police dogs can not touch a car prior to locating odor. HITS K9 CONFERENCE COMING AUGUST 15-18 2023 (HITSK9.NET) INUKSHUK DOG FOOD (INUKSHUKPRO.COM)  MIKE KMIECIK (SHEEPDOGGUARDIAN.COM)

Briefing Training with videos and visual aids go to: https://youtu.be/l3VFBCAqHjA Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman conduct a twenty minute briefing training for patrol officers. This training can be played in briefing or officers can take this information and build their own breifing training.  HITS K9 Conference in Scottsdale AZ is coming up on August 15, 2023 thru August 18, 2023. Dont miss it!!  Go to HITSK9.NET to register.  35 INSTRUCTORS 60 CLASSES 97 VENDOR BOOTHS 1,200 ATTENDEES $25,000 IN FREE PRIZES  

*Watch on YOUTUBE and see tracking videos at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5_VUOMvP4k What is Canada known for? Tracking!!!! Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman interview Jamie Chartland and Amy Wilkinson. They discuss rasing puppies and the tracking programs in Canada.  Amy's Instagram is @AIMCANINE  

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/g8KFNLRQhSA Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman discuss the new bill proposed to ban police dogs for arrest and crowd control. The guys discuss why this is a terrible idea for the public, police, AND suspects and ways the LEO community can prevent this bill from passing.  LINKS MENTIONED IN PODCAST:  LEGINFO.LEGISLATURE.CA.GOV @CONCORDPDK9

VIEW EPISODE AND RELEASE TECHNIQUES ON YOUTUBE AT https://youtu.be/EoBjXf0jvgA What every K9 Handler needs to know! Collar set up and contingent releases PLUS an interview with Tom Brown (Origin K9).  Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman discuss the best way to arrange your collars and SIX different methods to have your canine rlease the bite that every handler should know. Tom Brown from Origin K9 discusses what sets his equipment apart from the rest.  Be sure to check out the "Strong Life Project: podcast.  Tom;s contact info @origin.k9.  www.origink9.com  Steve Sprouse.  Arminleggan.com Gregg Tawney @dtack9 Rich Hartman @ridgesidenorcalk9

YOUTUBE LINK ****Training Videos at the end of the podcast**** https://youtu.be/RI0q6XjE1l0 This is a must for any handler that wants to reduce conflict with their dog. Aaron discusses how to use the e-collar and the tone feature to correct unwanted behaviors. We have added bonus footage at the end of the episode showing handlers how to start the tone recall and tone avoidance exercises.  

YOUTUBE LINK https://youtu.be/DGJ3odififY Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman speak with Special Agent Chris Magallon about the dangers of raiding marijuana grows in Northern California and the K9 training around these deployments. The guys also discuss two specific deployments that lead to K9 Ice being stabbed and injured.  Contact Chris at Chris.Magallon@usada.gov  

YOUTUBE LINK:  https://youtu.be/5bjHS8tEW24 Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman speak to Steve Sprouse about the importance and methods of implementing the prosthetics into any police canine training program. They discuss the steps involved in bringing your training from the field to the streets.  ARMINLEGGAN.COM  

Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/uI_BxhJHFZw Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman update listeners on a dog that had problems releasing the bite and they interview Phil Ryder (Trainer/Decoy) who discusses the biggest issue he sees with Police K-9 Handlers as it relates to dog training. Check out the end of the podcast for clips of Phil decoying a few Ring Sport exercises.

Watch this episode and see the training videos on the YOUTUBE link : https://youtu.be/vgcgcX3-6tI  Gregg and Rich discuss the proper way to integrate your police dog with SWAT and cover officers PLUS and interview with Mike Kmiecik about latest legal trends that are getting handlers in trouble. 

YOUTUBE LINK https://youtu.be/jP8LIqnvu5w  Gregg and Rich discuss the current trends within the K9 Industry which could effect public perceptions and ultimately determine the future of police dogs.  Training Video The Training Tip of the Day Interview with Bill Lewis from TacticalK9USA.com Bill duscusses the current hot topic that is getting handlers in trouble. You dont want to miss this one!!        

Check out this episode on YouTube!!  YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/IcPZ1QUuuac Gregg and Rich discuss a new study on heated related illness as it relates to K9s wearing ballistic vests, a new scenario to run at training, the quote of the day and a few training tips. Also, Chris Oliver (Instagram K9furst_detection_training ) joins them on current trends within the detection world.  Also check out a couple Performance Enhancment podcasts from our K9 mates in Australia! "Origin K9 Podcast" with Thomas Brown "The Strong LIfe Project" with Shaun O'Gorman Train Hard, Be Safe!    

This podcast can be seen on Youtube under the "Shots Fired Podcast"  Link: https://youtu.be/3B7SCbR1rN8  Gregg and Rich sit down with Kyle Shoeberg (Current Police Sergeant and Co-Host of the Shots Fired Podcast) and discuss in detail one of his shootings that involved his K9 partner, Axel. Kyle credits K9 Axel with saving his life. This episode covers important training points and learning lessons.  See the video footage of the shooting at the above link on Youtube!    

In this episode Tom Brown of Origin K9 interviews Gregg about his successes and failures that spans thirty years in the K9 Industry.  In this candid interview the guys discuss Gregg's life and the progression of K9 training and his devlopement as a person, police officer, handler and trainer.  Check out Tom's social media and podcast! The Origin K9 Podcast and "Origin K9" on instagram. Great content from an authentic guy!  

Gregg and Rich are back with a new format. Shout out to Tuscon PD K9 for sharing a video on instagram involving a transition drill which spurs on a great conversation....... Questions, comments, recommendations for upcoming shows? Contact the guys at..... Gregg Tawney Trainers@DTack9.com Rich Hartman Rsk9rich@gmail.com        

Gregg and Rich go on a rant. They also discuss scenario based training and marking the "push bite". 

Sit back. Pour your favorite beverage and enjoy the conversation.......

The guys talk with Marcell (Sworn K9 Services) about the importance of chosing the right vendor, police canine selection, and the right approach to integrating your new dog into your home.     

Great interview with Armin Winkler of Rivanna K9 Services! This is a great interview for handlers and trainers. The guys discuss differences between classical and operant conditioning, the importance of capping, proper selection, and much more!