Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman answer questions from viewers, handlers and trainers.

Gregg and Rich offer their insight on topics such as handler aggression, equipment fixation, engagement, the tone, detection issues and more!

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Zach is a seasoned K9 operations and law enforcement leader with over 18 years in public safety, and more than 15 years of dedicated experience in canine units. Recognized as a court-qualified expert in K9 deployment, use of force, animal behavior, less-lethal tactics, and policy compliance. Founder & CEO of Echelon K9, delivering training, consulting, and expert witness services to law enforcement and military clients.

Zach has managed a canine unit comprising 40 working dogs. He has a dual-purpose patrol dog cross-trained in explosive detection. Zach led recruitment, procurement, training of "green" dogs, certification refresher, advanced K9 courses (e-collar, agitator, integrated SWAT / K9).  Zach has provided internal oversight, after-action reviews, and deployment audits.

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Connect with Us:

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In this episode, Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman dive into a conversation with Dylan Jobson of Rogue Arsenal, an expert in acclimating working dogs to high-intensity auditory stimuli. Dylan brings a no-nonsense approach to preparing K9s for real-world scenarios involving flashbangs, gunfire, and other loud noises they might encounter in the field.

About Dylan Jobson and Rogue Arsenal: Dylan Jobson is the brains behind Rogue Arsenal, a company known for supplying top-tier tactical equipment and training aids to law enforcement K9 units. With Rogue Arsenal, he's helped countless handlers equip their dogs to handle the stressors of explosive sounds and unpredictable environments.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Acclimating K9s to Loud Noises: the guys discuss how to desensitize dogs to sudden loud noises like flashbangs and gunfire. Dylan shares procedures that skip the fluff and focus on what actually works in the field.

• Practical Tips for Handlers: If you're a K9 handler looking for methods to prepare your dog for loud operational environments, this episode is for you.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com

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Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email: [email protected]

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman discuss the tactical, legal and practical considerations surrounding the "positive control" release and the release from a distance.

This is a must watch for any handler, trainer and supervisor.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com

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Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email: [email protected]

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman interview Natalie Morris about all things detection including breed specifics, how much is too much obedience and problem solving outside the box.

Natalie Morris is a trainer and manager at Ford K9, where she helps oversee Fordk9's daily operations such as puppy and adult development and selection, Sport Detection classes and coaching, as well as local classes and education for the sport of Scent work.

Natalie has been training dogs and teaching owners in the Las Vegas Valley for 10 years, teaching hundreds of puppy and adult classes as well as assisting owners in behavioral modification plans and improving the bond between both ends of the leash.

In 2011 Natalie was drawn to the world of K9 olfaction and detection through the sport of K9 Scent Work, when she began training and trialing her personal dogs for the sport.

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Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com Inukshuk

Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com

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Connect with Us:

Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email:

[email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Corporal Justin Tortora of the Marion County Sheriff's Office to discuss the life, loss, and legacy of his partner, K9 Leo, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois who made the ultimate sacrifice on February 17, 2024, during a domestic call in Silver Springs, Florida.

This heartfelt conversation dives into the incident that claimed Leo's life, the unbreakable bond between handler and K9, and critical lessons for canine handlers and trainers. What You'll Learn:

The Incident: Leo was shot while protecting Justin and other deputies during a confrontation with an armed suspect, who fired at them. Despite wearing a bulletproof vest, Leo was struck in an unprotected area and fought for his life at UF Veterinary Hospital before passing days later.

Justin shares how their training prepared them for that moment and how Leo's bravery saved lives.

Handler-K9 Bond: Justin opens up about the unique loyalty and trust built over thousands of hours of training, from Leo's FDLE K9 certification in February 2021 to their daily partnership. He reflects on Leo's role not just as a working dog but as family.

Training Takeaways: Insights on preparing for high-risk encounters, including tactical decision-making, canine control under extreme stress, and the importance of scenario-based training to handle violent situations.

Emotional Resilience: Justin discusses the emotional toll of losing a K9 partner and how handlers can process grief while continuing their work.

Key Moments: Justin's recounting of the chaotic February 17 shootout and Leo's fearless response. - Practical tips for handlers on maintaining situational awareness and K9 readiness. - A tribute to Leo's courage, with reflections on his impact both on-duty and at home with Justin's family.

This episode is a must for handlers and trainers seeking to understand the real-world stakes of K9 work. Justin's raw perspective offers actionable insights into training, teamwork, and the emotional realities of the job, honoring Leo's sacrifice while equipping you to better prepare for the potential realities of being a K9 handler.

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 Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Police K9 Radio, we sit down with Aaron Taylor, a nationally recognized leader in the dog training world and the founder of Ridgeside K9 LLC. Aaron is a prior Infantry Marine Sergeant with a 100% combat-disabled rating. Leveraging the Yellow Ribbon Program, he attended The George Washington University, earning degrees in both the Science of Policing and Psychology.

Following his military service, Aaron spent 16 years with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, retiring in 2018 while assigned full-time to K9 on a full-time SWAT team. Over the course of his career, he served 14 years in special operations and investigations, including time in Narcotics, SWAT, and K9. Aaron is also recognized as a certified expert in the 4th district, having testified in both state and federal court. He has been featured on national platforms such as The Dr. Phil Show and on numerous podcasts, where he encourages, mentors, and helps finance law enforcement and military veterans as they transition into entrepreneurship. After stepping away from policing due to growing conflict with administration and declining community support, Aaron leaned into his lifelong passion for dog training.

What began as a small venture quickly grew into Ridgeside K9 LLC—now one of the nation's most recognized and fastest-growing dog training companies. In this episode, Aaron opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of leaving law enforcement, building a business from scratch, and what it takes to create a mission-driven company. He emphasizes the importance of mastering your role in law enforcement while also developing skills outside the badge—so you're ready for the next chapter when it comes. We also talk about Aaron's mission to employ and empower former military and police professionals, giving them not only jobs, but purpose and opportunity. His journey is a blueprint for others in the K9 and law enforcement communities who are ready to build something of their own.

Topics Covered: Why Aaron left law enforcement after 16 years Founding Ridgeside K9 and scaling a dog training business Navigating burnout and lack of administrative support Creating a mission-driven company that supports police and veterans Advice for officers: build skills beyond the badge

Follow Aaron Taylor & Ridgeside K9: Instagram: @ridgesidek9_llc

Thank you to our sponsors:

Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com

Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com

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Sauna Box - Saunabox/k9.com Key word "K9" for discount

Connect with Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email: [email protected]

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman speak with Sgt. Jesse Rembert about the integration of canines, robots, and drones into SWAT.

Jesse Rembert - Denver Police Department

2005-2012 Police Officer

2012-2017 Technician, Metro/SWAT

2017-2019 Sergeant Impact/Street Crimes

2019-2021 Sergeant Internal Affairs

2021-2023 Sergeant Special Operations Response Team

2023-Present Sergeant Metro SWAT & K9

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 Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email:

[email protected]

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.

Gregg Tawney and Rich Hartman speak with Sgt. Jesse Rembert about the integration of canines, robots, and drones into SWAT.

Jesse Rembert - Denver Police Department

2005-2012 Police Officer

2012-2017 Technician, Metro/SWAT

2017-2019 Sergeant Impact/Street Crimes

2019-2021 Sergeant Internal Affairs

2021-2023 Sergeant Special Operations Response Team

2023-Present Sergeant Metro SWAT & K9

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 Us: Instagram: @policek9radio663 Email:

[email protected]

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.

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: [email protected]

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.