More Than Just a K-9 Podcast: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World

In this episode of More Than Just a K-9, Dustin sits down with Paul Bunker, a world-class detection dog trainer with decades of experience in the British Army, explosive detection, landmine detection, off-leash search programs, and cutting-edge canine research. Paul breaks down why dogs are still unmatched by technology, how science is changing the future of detection work, and why the bond between handler and dog can be the difference between success and failure. From war zones to oil spills and conservation work, this episode will change the way you look at what dogs are truly capable of.

In this episode of More Than Just a Canine, I sit down with Jason Terrell of Diamond J Stock Dogs in Granbury, Texas.

Jason shares his journey from growing up in Louisiana, to shoeing horses professionally for over 24 years, to becoming one of the most respected cowdog trainers in the country. We dive into the cowboy lifestyle, the discipline of farrier work, the importance of punctuality and honesty, and the moment that completely changed his life after witnessing Hanging Tree Cowdogs work cattle on the Nevada–California line.

Jason breaks down:

• What makes a great cowdog

• How cattle become “dog broke”

• The grit and intelligence behind Hanging Tree Cowdogs

• Lessons learned from ranch life and horse shoeing

• Why patience, honesty, and work ethic still matter today

• The story behind building Diamond J Stock Dogs

• Training dogs for real ranch work across the United States and even France

This episode is packed with stories, wisdom, cowboy culture, and real-life lessons about commitment, craftsmanship, and building a reputation that lasts.

If you enjoy ranching, working dogs, cowboy culture, horses, or stories about people who built something through hard work and grit, this episode is for you.

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Jason's Info:

[email protected]

817-776-0106

In this episode, Dustin sits down with Coty Rizan, founder of Inner Circle K9, to talk about the realities of the detection dog industry. From narcotics to emerald detection, Coty shares insights on training standards, accountability in K-9 programs, and why certifications alone won’t protect handlers in court.

They also discuss mentorship, leadership, trusting the dog, and what the future of detection work may look like as technology and data continue to evolve.

This is an honest conversation about raising the standard in the K-9 world and building better detection teams.

Sergeant Alfred Brenner, retired U.S. Marine Corps K-9 handler and Purple Heart recipient, joins the show to share the unfiltered reality of war through the eyes of a handler and his dog.

From boot camp to Afghanistan, Alfred recounts building an unbreakable bond with his canine partner, Grief — a bond forged in trust, danger, and daily life-or-death decisions. He opens up about the pressure of leading from behind a leash, the trauma of losing brothers in combat, and the devastating moment that changed his life forever.

This isn’t just a story about war. It’s a story about loyalty, identity, grief, healing, and what it really means to trust something with your life.

If you’ve ever wondered what military working dogs truly do — and what it costs the handlers who walk beside them — this conversation will stay with you.

Sgt. Brenner's Website Link: https://www.survivingwithgrief.com/

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In this powerful episode of More Than Just a Canine, host Dustin Stiles sits down with Chief LJ Roscoe, a 36-year law enforcement veteran whose career spans leadership, innovation, and elite K-9 operations. Chief Roscoe shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her path, the challenges and triumphs of building mission-ready K-9 units, and the extraordinary bond between handlers and their dogs. From explosive detection and cutting-edge canine work to officer wellness, community trust, and leadership at the highest level, this conversation goes far beyond tactics — revealing the heart, resilience, and purpose behind the badge and the leash. 

Chief Roscoe's Contact info:

email: [email protected] 

If you're interested in learning more about the WRTP International K9 Memorial, please visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/K9MemorialWRTP/. The WRTP (We Ride to Provide) International K9 Memorial is a meaningful annual event held in Porterdale, Georgia, that honors fallen police dogs and working K-9s from around the globe. It’s the only memorial of its kind in the world that recognizes all fallen K-9s, regardless of the circumstances of their passing.

Contact More Than Just a K-9: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World

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Who doesn’t love dogs? Most of us have a deep affection for our canine companions—but this podcast goes far beyond simply loving dogs.

More Than Just a K-9 dives into the incredible world of working dogs: the unsung heroes who make a profound impact on our lives every day. From the astonishing abilities of scent detection dogs to the life-changing support of service animals, these four-legged warriors are more than pets—they’re partners, protectors, and devoted teammates.

Join us as we explore their extraordinary roles, hear inspiring stories straight from the handlers who share unbreakable bonds with them, and examine both the challenges and triumphs of working side by side with these amazing animals. Whether it’s a heroic rescue, a life-saving medical alert, or the everyday moments that mean everything, we’re here to spotlight the heart, skill, and dedication behind working dogs and the people who depend on them.

Follow along—and thanks for being part of the journey.

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Contact More Than Just a K-9

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In this inaugural episode, Dustin shares a gripping story from his time in the Marines, where a dog's sharp nose and training saved lives on the battlefield. He reflects on the journey that led him from a young Marine to part of a groundbreaking IED detection program, training in Alabama, California, and ultimately serving in Iraq.

Discover the behind-the-scenes training, the sacrifices, and the incredible partnership that makes these dogs more than just animals—they are lifesavers and brothers-in-arms. 

This is more than a podcast; it's a tribute to the silent heroes who serve alongside us and the unbreakable bonds that transcend words.

Subscribe now and join us on this journey into the heart of heroism, loyalty, and the extraordinary lives of our canine warriors.

Contact More Than Just a K-9

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In this inaugural episode, Dustin shares a gripping story from his time in the Marines, where a dog's sharp nose and training saved lives on the battlefield. He reflects on the journey that led him from a young Marine to part of a groundbreaking IED detection program, training in Alabama, California, and ultimately serving in Iraq.

Discover the behind-the-scenes training, the sacrifices, and the incredible partnership that makes these dogs more than just animals—they are lifesavers and brothers-in-arms. 

This is more than a podcast; it's a tribute to the silent heroes who serve alongside us and the unbreakable bonds that transcend words.

Subscribe now and join us on this journey into the heart of heroism, loyalty, and the extraordinary lives of our canine warriors.

Contact More Than Just a K-9: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World

• https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ac1KRRv8R/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• https://www.tiktok.com/@dusti.3?_t=ZT-8xKBcY3VHS9&_r=1
• https://morethanjustak9podcastrealstoriesfromtheworkingdogk9world.riverside.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-stiles-961a5727a?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a text

Discover the incredible world of working dogs with *Discover More Than Just a K-9: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World*. Join us as we explore different breeds, share gripping stories from K-9 handlers, and hear personal tales from my own experience in a new program with the U.S. Marine Corps. Uncover the loyalty, skill, and heroism behind these amazing animals.

Contact More Than Just a K-9: Real Stories from the Working Dog & K-9 World

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• https://www.tiktok.com/@dusti.3?_t=ZT-8xKBcY3VHS9&_r=1
• https://morethanjustak9podcastrealstoriesfromtheworkingdogk9world.riverside.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-stiles-961a5727a?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!