Tom Onyshko is a 20-year LAPD veteran and handler in Metropolitan Division's elite K9 Platoon, where he runs both a patrol apprehension dog and a firearm detection dog. With only 5 firearm detection spots serving all of Los Angeles, Tom shares real-world insights from one of the busiest K9 programs in the country.

What We Cover:

Why LAPD runs single-purpose dogs (patrol, narcotics, explosives, firearms - all separate)

Getting into Metro Division: the physical tests, firearm quals, and multi-year tryout process

Operating in South Central LA: 30 search warrants in one month, 6 warrants in one day

Firearm detection deployment: area searches, vehicle searches, evidence recovery

Training philosophy: why LAPD doesn't track, e-collar use, and area search methodology

Working with LAPD's SIS (Special Investigation Section) - confirmed real and elite

Real callout stories: multi-story building searches, murder suspect apprehensions

Tom's background includes 5 years in LAPD's South Bureau gang unit serving high-risk warrants with homicide detectives and FBI before joining Metro Division. He discusses the differences between law enforcement and military K9 work, handler selection criteria, and what makes Metropolitan Division's training standards unique.

Essential listening for law enforcement K9 handlers, firearm detection teams, and anyone interested in how elite metro agencies deploy detection dogs operationally.

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🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSON

Level up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem:

🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURES

Odor 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, CA

Detection Handler School

Detection Dog Training Class

Odor Pays Workshops

👉 Sign up at: https://FordK9.com

🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMS

Premier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for:

• Large-scale events

• Conferences & expos

• Concerts & festivals

• Corporate security & dignitary operations

Our dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training.

👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com

📩 For event inquiries: [email protected]

🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALS

Stratos K9

Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9

Ford K9

Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detection

Facebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Fire Marshal Jared Harms (Spokane, WA) reveals why ignitable liquid detection dogs train on only ONE odor—50% evaporated gasoline—and why it works better than multi-odor programs. Learn how dogs find evidence that's been BURNED, why food reward is essential in fire scenes, and why certification requires passing tests at actual fire scenes. Essential wisdom for detection dog handlers across all disciplines.

This episode challenges conventional detection dog training assumptions while providing practical insights applicable to explosives, narcotics, and other detection fields.

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🧠 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

Stratos K9 Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detection

Facebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, Cameron Ford and Jason Dill discuss the intricacies of breeding and training military working dogs, focusing on the DOD Military Working Dog breeding program at Lackland Air Force Base. They explore Jason's military background, the challenges of breeding dual-purpose dogs, and the importance of genetics in producing effective working dogs. The conversation also touches on the evolution of the military working dog program and the training methodologies used to prepare young dogs for detection work. In this conversation, Jason and Cameron delve into the intricacies of dog training, particularly focusing on detection dogs. They discuss the importance of odor recognition over object reliance, the challenges of managing puppy training and breeding, and the transition from box training to real-world applications. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of introducing multiple odors early in training, innovative training methods, and the balance between independence and guidance in training. They also touch on the evolving standards in detection dog training and the future implications of technology in enhancing handler expertise.________________________________________🧠 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: [email protected]🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

Brent Verner shares his journey from being one of the first eight Army Ranger Combat Assault Dog handlers to working with Naval Special Warfare, bringing decades of operational experience from Iraq and Afghanistan. Brent discusses his first dog Rudy—a "landshark" who licked trees in training but became a combat-proven asset—and the evolution from contract handlers to Ranger-qualified K9 operators.

The conversation explores critical lessons learned in combat: why early training didn't translate to operational success, how dogs perform differently under real-world pressure, and the importance of calculated training with specific benchmarks versus "checkbox" mentality. Brent emphasizes that special operations training is deliberately structured with measurable tasks, while many law enforcement programs settle for general training that doesn't build fluency.

Key Topics:

• Combat Assault Dog program origins and selection
• Real combat deployments: what worked, what didn't
• Dogs getting injured and handler decision-making
• Transitioning from military to law enforcement mindset
• Why "busy" agencies (like LAPD) create better handlers faster
• The danger of checkbox training vs. calculated objectives
• First aid and tactical care for working dogs
• Finding credible mentors who've "no-shit done it"

Essential for law enforcement K9 handlers, security operators, and military working dog communities looking to elevate training standards beyond basic competency.

Brent Verner Background: Former U.S. Army Ranger, one of first eight Combat Assault Dog handlers, transitioned to Naval Special Warfare, multiple combat deployments (Iraq/Afghanistan), now trains law enforcement and security K9 teams in Pennsylvania.

Brian Menace from the UK reveals how his team pioneered knife detection dogs—a capability that sounds impossible but is backed by solid science. Working with Dr. Tatum and researchers, they discovered that edged weapons create a unique chemical signature when in contact with human skin, distinctly different from keys, coins, or other metal objects.

The training evolved from "Wild West" experimentation to scientific methodology: dogs are imprinted on the specific chemical reaction between humans and sharpened metal, then taught to discriminate against non-target items through massive exposure to various metals. Like AI, more data inputs create better pattern recognition—dogs learn to find razor blades, tactical knives, and kitchen knives while ignoring silverware and tools.

Key Topics:

The chemical science behind knife detection

Why knives smell different than spoons or keys

Training methodology: imprinting and discrimination

Operational deployment at UK events and schools

Addressing false positives (screwdrivers, hammers)

Why scientific validation matters for credibility

Educating decision-makers on new capabilities

Collaboration with Texas Tech research

Critical for event security, venue operators, and anyone facing knife crime threats. Brian emphasizes this isn't science fiction—it's validated science requiring patient education and demonstration.

Brian Menace Background: UK-based detection dog trainer, pioneer in knife detection discipline, works with scientific researchers including Dr. Tatum and Texas Tech to validate and refine methodology.

https://knifedetectiondogs.co.uk/________________________________________🧠 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: [email protected]🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

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: [email protected]🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

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 gaps
• The "chaos factor" science can't measure
• Action-on-find procedures for security vs. law enforcement
• How to read your dog in low-odor scenarios
• Why double-blind testing is essential
• Discrimination vs. generalization training

Essential 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: [email protected]🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

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: [email protected]🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection

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 do
• The 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 failed
• The "second dog" problem that wastes time and creates false confirmations
• Why handler training matters MORE than dog training
• Breaking down barriers: why former military/LE background shouldn't be a requirement
• How 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

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.