Best Scentwork Podcasts (2025)

1
The Origin Story of Cameron Ford: K9 Training, Scent Detection & the Making of a Modern Handler 1:10:36

Play Pause

16d ago1:10:36

1:10:36

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 th…

1
#129 Punished by Reward with Michael Ellis 1:11:01

29d ago1:11:01

1:11:01

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 behi…

1
#128 Dr. Melanie Uhde | Puppies & A Clown Riding A Bicycle 1:51:42

1M ago1:51:42

1:51:42

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 dow…

1
#127 What Makes a Great Detection Dog Team? A Deep Dive with Melinda Ruopp 2:00:14

2M ago2:00:14

2:00:14

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, sh…

1
#126 "It's The Bomb" with Jeff Meyer 1:16:57

2M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford sits down with veteran detection dog trainer and educator Jeff Meyer for a thought-provoking conversation about building clarity in K9 training. Jeff shares insights from years in the field, including: Why “finding the hide” isn’t the goal — and how that mindset leads to confusion The power …

1
#125 A Conversation About Variable Reinforcement with Cameron and Natalie 52:16

3M ago52:16

52:16

In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, Cameron Ford has a conversation about variable reinforcement with Natalie Morris — a detection dog trainer, evaluator, and educator who brings unmatched passion and clarity to the K9 community. Together, they explore: The realities of training K9 teams for operational readiness How science and fieldwork shoul…

1
#124 Canine Supervision and Leadership with Chief Eric Smith 1:22:00

3M ago1:22:00

1:22:00

In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford sits down with Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith for an honest and wide-ranging discussion on leadership, training, and the evolving role of K9 units in modern law enforcement. Chief Smith reflects on: His personal journey from patrol officer to Chief of Police How his hands-on experience with…

1
Power of Effective Treat Delivery with Emma Parsons 1:09:57

3M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

Scent Work is a unique dog sport as handlers are encouraged and expected to reward their dogs upon finding a hide or finishing a search. However, does it matter HOW we reward the dog, especially when using treats? "I gave my dog is a cookie, isn't that enough?" NO! In this episode, we speak with Emma Parsons, the author of The New Click to Calm; So…

1
Spotlight: Epitome of Enthusiasm - Dr. John Strassner 47:04

3M ago47:04

47:04

In this Spotlight Series episode, we have the opportunity to speak with Dr. John Strassner, an Expert AKC Scent Work Judge and former AKC Field Representative. We delve into John's admirable enthusiasm for the sport of Scent Work, his desire to give back, grow and continually learn all while having a fantastic time with his own personal dogs. John'…

1
#123 Lessons from the Texas Flood Deployment: Tim Houweling on K9 Disaster Response 1:43:09

4M ago1:43:09

1:43:09

In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, Cameron Ford welcomes back Tim Houweling to share lessons learned from his recent Texas flood deployment — a 21-day operation that tested handlers, dogs, and entire teams across 120 miles of devastation. Tim walks us through: 🐕‍🦺 The realities of long deployments in extreme heat and humidity 💡 Lessons on cond…

1
Break It Down...What Does That Mean?! 24:35

4M ago24:35

24:35

You are taking a Scent Work class, attending a working or webinar, reading a blog or listening to a podcast and you hear the phrase, "break it down". What does this even mean?! How can go about "breaking it down" when training or practicing Scent Work with your dog? We delve into the meaning behind this phrase, discuss the various factors we can pl…

1
#122 Almog: Building Smarter Training Through Data & Technology 1:08:03

4M ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Check Dog Base Out: https://www.dogbase.co/ In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford sits down with Almog, founder of DogBase.co, a groundbreaking platform bringing data and analytics into the world of dog training. They dive into how trainers can leverage technology to track performance, identify training gaps, and ultimately buil…

1
#121 She Trains Strong - Ilse Duineveld 1:05:13

5M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

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 focused Th…

1
#120 Learning To Adapt with Jerry Bradshaw 1:23:16

5M ago1:23:16

1:23:16

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 …

1
Imposter Syndrome: Discussion with Teah Anders and Silke Wittig 57:57

5M ago57:57

57:57

Have you ever felt as though you were being smothered by a blanket of doubt when it comes to Scent Work? Are you second guessing every little thing you do, paralyzed with fear of making a mistake? Perhaps you are making excuses not to trial, go to class or even practice or train. As an instructor, do you feel your confidence absolutely shattered, c…

1
Before and After the Trial 35:44

6M ago35:44

35:44

There exists a world of opportunities in the days immediately before and after a given trial. What we choose to do with our dogs during these days can have an immense impact on our performance on trial day or how we rebound afterwards. In this episode, we discuss some of the things to consider when deciding what to do before and after trial. This i…

1
#119 Zach Skow on Redemption, Recovery & the Pawsitive Change Movement 59:09

6M ago59:09

59:09

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 cre…

1
Embracing Consequences 30:29

6M ago30:29

30:29

Consequences are all bad things, right? Not necessarily. When training, consequences are merely results, not inherently good or bad. By embracing the concept of consequences, we can make more informed decisions of what we will train, when and how. We discuss ways we can do just that in this podcast episode. Additionally, Dianna mentions Judith Guth…

1
#118 Marine Corps Dog Handler Reveals the Untold Truths of Combat Detection Work 59:58

6M ago59:58

59:58

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-leas…

1
Wearing All the Hats 31:34

6M ago31:34

31:34

Each of us have certain "hats" we wear pertaining to Scent Work. Dog owner. Handler. Competitor. Instructor. Trial official. Trial host. Volunteer. Each "hat" brings with it unique experiences, viewpoints and biases. We can broaden our experiences, push passed blind spots and deficiencies by attempting to experience as many viewpoints as possible. …

1
#117 Living The Dream with Deni McNulty & K9 Tanner 1:18:07

7M ago1:18:07

1:18:07

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 Hami…

1
That's BAD! ... Or Is It? 45:49

7M ago45:49

45:49

Training Scent Work offers us a multitude of choices. What training approach, school of thought or tools will we use? Each of us has our own preferences. However, this sometimes leads us to label the options we discarded, or chose to pass by, as "BAD". In this wide-ranging episode, we dive into why this happens and how it can be an issue. Instead, …

1
#116 Revolutionizing Detection Dog Training with Science and Technology: Insights from Dr. Lauren DeGreeff and Dr. Lindsay Waldrop 1:10:23

7M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

Upcoming Seminars: https://www.fordk9.com/events/ Stratos K9 Application: https://stratosk9.com/work-for-us/ Unlock the secrets of detection dog training and discover innovative techniques revolutionizing the field! Join us as we welcome Dr. Lauren DeGreeff and Dr. Lindsay Waldrop, whose groundbreaking research into the sniffing prowess of dogs off…

1
Honest Advocacy and Trialing 37:51

7M ago37:51

37:51

Choosing to trial with our dogs requires that we ask some questions. Would trialing be the best thing for us, our dogs and our team, right now, at this point in time? The answers will differ from team-to-team, but the act of the purposefully practicing honest advocacy is something everyone participating in Scent Work should do. This approach allows…

1
#115 K9s Talking Scent Podcast 2 Michaels a Ford with a Forrest 1:20:53

9M ago1:20:53

1:20:53

In this episode, Cameron Ford, Michael Ellis, Michael Nezbeth and Forrest Micke discuss the complexities of dog training, particularly focusing on skills transition for police dogs. They explore the importance of mental flexibility, managing arousal levels, and the role of handlers in facilitating effective training. The conversation emphasizes the…

1
Dog's Perspective 25:37

10M ago25:37

25:37

When tackling your searches, are you keeping your dog's perspective in mind? Meaning, how they are perceiving the space or environment? Doing so can be harder than it sounds, since we as people are oftentimes desensitized to the normal happenings of a human world. Yet these may be the very things which make a search exponentially more challenging f…

1
Getting Off the Hamster Wheel 34:37

10M ago34:37

34:37

Do you feel as though you are running at top speed on a hamster wheel and unable to get off? There are many of us in the sniffing community that may feel this way! Handlers who are doing all of the things all of the time, running themselves, and their dogs, ragged. Trial hosts, who after spending months working tirelessly to prep for an event, find…

1
#114 Detection Dog Standards and the Red Kong 1:11:43

10M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

In this episode, Cameron Ford and Dr. Paola Tiedemann discuss the role of OSAC and NIST in establishing standards for canine detection in forensic science. They explore the publication process, the importance of standardization, and the voluntary nature of these standards. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of these documents and the s…

1
Strategic Trialing 17:40

10M ago17:40

17:40

When it comes to trialing in Scent Work within the United States, there many competition organizations to choose from. This variety grants us an incredible opportunity: to be strategic. This is true for new and seasoned competitors alike. We can more fully realize the potential of mindfully leveraging our choices, deciding which organization we com…

1
Are We Asking the Right Questions? 30:02

11M ago30:02

30:02

Why are we doing Scent Work in the first place? What drew us to this activity? We are all so incredibly busy, stretched ridiculously thin, constantly rushing from one thing to next. Why then are we still squeezing searching into our already jam-packed calendars? Is it really all about the titles or ribbons? Or is it something else? Could it be the …

1
Scent Work is Hard! 28:14

11M ago28:14

28:14

There are many moving pieces when it comes to the activity of Scent Work. A common misconception is that Scent Work is easy: train dog to find thing, hide thing in area, dog finds thing, give dog cookie. Yet, to accomplish even this watered down version of Scent Work requires concentrated work and focus. Otherwise our searches will be messy, lacklu…

1
#113 The Invisible Bomb with Todd Wilber 1:45:03

11M ago1:45:03

1:45:03

In this episode of K9's Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford engages with Todd Wilber from Precision Explosives to discuss the intricacies of explosives, odor prints, and their applications in training detection dogs. The conversation delves into the science behind odor absorption, the importance of surface area in training aids, and the safety consid…

Scentwork Podcasts

1
K9s Talking Scents

Cameron Ford

1
All About Scent Work Podcast

Scent Work University

1
The Origin Story of Cameron Ford: K9 Training, Scent Detection & the Making of a Modern Handler 1:10:36

1
#129 Punished by Reward with Michael Ellis 1:11:01

1
#128 Dr. Melanie Uhde | Puppies & A Clown Riding A Bicycle 1:51:42

1
#127 What Makes a Great Detection Dog Team? A Deep Dive with Melinda Ruopp 2:00:14

1
#126 "It's The Bomb" with Jeff Meyer 1:16:57

1
#125 A Conversation About Variable Reinforcement with Cameron and Natalie 52:16

1
#124 Canine Supervision and Leadership with Chief Eric Smith 1:22:00

1
Power of Effective Treat Delivery with Emma Parsons 1:09:57

1
Spotlight: Epitome of Enthusiasm - Dr. John Strassner 47:04

1
#123 Lessons from the Texas Flood Deployment: Tim Houweling on K9 Disaster Response 1:43:09

1
Break It Down...What Does That Mean?! 24:35

1
#122 Almog: Building Smarter Training Through Data & Technology 1:08:03

1
#121 She Trains Strong - Ilse Duineveld 1:05:13

1
#120 Learning To Adapt with Jerry Bradshaw 1:23:16

1
Imposter Syndrome: Discussion with Teah Anders and Silke Wittig 57:57

1
Before and After the Trial 35:44

1
#119 Zach Skow on Redemption, Recovery & the Pawsitive Change Movement 59:09

1
Embracing Consequences 30:29

1
#118 Marine Corps Dog Handler Reveals the Untold Truths of Combat Detection Work 59:58

1
Wearing All the Hats 31:34

1
#117 Living The Dream with Deni McNulty & K9 Tanner 1:18:07

1
That's BAD! ... Or Is It? 45:49

1
#116 Revolutionizing Detection Dog Training with Science and Technology: Insights from Dr. Lauren DeGreeff and Dr. Lindsay Waldrop 1:10:23

1
Honest Advocacy and Trialing 37:51

1
#115 K9s Talking Scent Podcast 2 Michaels a Ford with a Forrest 1:20:53

1
Dog's Perspective 25:37

1
Getting Off the Hamster Wheel 34:37

1
#114 Detection Dog Standards and the Red Kong 1:11:43

1
Strategic Trialing 17:40

1
Are We Asking the Right Questions? 30:02

1
Scent Work is Hard! 28:14

1
#113 The Invisible Bomb with Todd Wilber 1:45:03