Police K9 Radio

Shawn Gregory discusses why ATK9 is the one conference you do not want to miss.

Leaving the military or law enforcement can be one of the biggest transitions of a person's life. After years of serving others, many veterans and first responders find themselves asking the same question: What's next? In this episode of Police K9 Radio, we sit down with four people who have lived that transition. ● Aaron Taylor – Founder and Owner of Ridgeside K9 ● Jay Nix – Owner of Ridgeside K9 Central Florida ● Eric Stanbro – Executive Board Member of Ridgeside K9 and founder of Ridgeside K9 Ohio ● Rich Hartman – Owner of Ridgeside K9 NorCal and Police K9 Radio Co-Host Together, we discuss the journey from military and law enforcement careers into professional dog training and business ownership. We share the challenges of leaving careers built on service, finding a new purpose, and creating successful businesses while continuing to serve our communities through dogs. Aaron Taylor explains his vision for Ridgeside K9 and why he has made it his mission to provide veterans and law enforcement professionals with a path to entrepreneurship. Instead of simply offering jobs, Aaron believes in helping people build businesses they can truly own while continuing to make a positive impact on families, communities, and working dogs. Whether you're nearing retirement, considering a career change, or simply interested in the business side of professional dog training, this conversation offers valuable insight into what's possible after service. Thank you to our sponsors Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com Black Jacks Leather - BlackJacksleather.com 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 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, 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]

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.