The Police K9 Training Podcast with Jeff Meyer

Join host Jeff Meyer and guest Jack Schonely (retired LAPD helicopter instructor/pilot and former K9 handler) for a practical, real‑world conversation about integrating drones K9 teams. Jack brings a unique perspective from years on the ground working a dog and in the air as a tactical flight officer and pilot. The episode covers lessons learned from both roles. Topics include: the rapid rise of drones in law enforcement; how drones complement (but don’t replace) helicopters and K9 teams. To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net To Contact Jack email him at: Jack@officertactics.com To Check Out Jack's Book: Charles C Thomas Publisher Thanks to this shows sponsors: AceK9.com ______________________________________________________________________________ KATS K9 Record Keeping www.katsplatinum.com ______________________________________________________________________________ Online Class Click Here k-9services.com _____________________________________________________________________________ Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________ The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/ _____________________________________________________________________________ For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

Host Jeff Meyer talks with Matt Wilson, Creative Director and lead product designer at Ray Allen Manufacturing, in an in-depth episode about choosing and fitting K9 equipment. Key topics covered include bite suits (differences between heavy duty, kimono, police-package "marshmallow" suits and semi-competition suits), construction details that protect dogs and decoys (layering, thread break points, mobility), and a practical recommendation for departments to own both a durable pass-around suit and a thinner comp suit for advanced work. The conversation addresses bite sleeves and training purpose: hard sleeves for teaching catch technique and safety, a new soft sleeve with a bicep wedge to bridge the gap between padded suits and bare arms, and when sleeves may or may not be appropriate depending on desired drive and control. Jeff and Matt also discuss muzzle selection and fitting—features like a metal front plate with angled flares, proper nose-to-tip distance, and allowing the dog to pant and feel neutral while maintaining safety. Thanks to this shows sponsors: AceK9.com ______________________________________________________________________________ KATS K9 Record Keeping www.katsplatinum.com ______________________________________________________________________________ Online Class Click Here k-9services.com _____________________________________________________________________________ Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________ The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/ _____________________________________________________________________________ For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

In this episode of the Police K9 Training Podcast, host Jeff Meyer welcomes detection expert Cameron Ford to discuss real-world detection work and the handler skills that make teams consistently successful. Topics covered include the single most important skill: observation and reading subtle dog behaviors (micro-behaviors, head snaps, tail shifts, baseline recognition). Cameron and Jeff emphasize the value of realistic training — masking training aids, placing aids in luggage and bags, and varying presentations — so dogs generalize to operational conditions. They highlight practical drills like double-blind searches to build handler confidence and truly test team performance. Key training techniques discussed are reinforcement timing and the use of markers to improve clarity and consistency, implementing variable-interval reward schedules so dogs tolerate delayed reinforcement, and training dogs to hold indications for longer periods. They also cover how to remove handler knowledge to avoid cueing, film searches for after-action review, write immediate search notes to preserve accurate observations, and use training to identify and close gaps before they become operational failures. Listeners can expect actionable advice: how to set up realistic training aids, progressions for double-blind work, tips for timing and marker use, and ways to document and evaluate canine behavior. The episode also touches on broader industry trends (court scrutiny, video review) and why blending training and reality will make teams more reliable in the field. To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net Thanks to this shows sponsors: AceK9.com ______________________________________________________________________________ Online Class Click Here k-9services.com _____________________________________________________________________________ Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________ The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/ _____________________________________________________________________________ For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

On this episode of the Police K9 Training Podcast host Jeff Meyer welcomes attorney and regular guest Mike Kmiecik of Sheepdog Guardian for an in-depth legal breakdown of a Tenth Circuit case: Luce v. Kyle. Mike walks through the facts, the court’s reasoning, and the practical lessons K-9 teams need to avoid constitutional pitfalls. Topics include qualified immunity, arguable probable cause, unlawful entry, and excessive force claims tied to police canine deployments. Check out Mike's page for Sheepdog Guardian at www.sheepdogguardian.com To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net Thanks to this shows sponsors: AceK9.com ______________________________________________________________________________ KATS K9 Record Keeping www.katsplatinum.com ______________________________________________________________________________ Online Class Click Here k-9services.com _____________________________________________________________________________ Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________ The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/ _____________________________________________________________________________ For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

Part two of simplifying detector dog training focuses on charging the mark with a verbal marker, teaching dogs to search independently, and imprinting target odors in controlled environments. Jeff Meyer explains using small, limited search areas, off-leash searches, and making the handler intentionally "useless" so the dog learns to rely on its nose and the reward. The episode also covers introducing additional odors, encouraging a natural final response (sit or down) through self-discovery, and keeping the training balance so searching and odor remain primary. To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net Thanks to this shows sponsors: AceK9.com ______________________________________________________________________________ KATS K9 Record Keeping www.katsplatinum.com ______________________________________________________________________________ Online Class Click Here k-9services.com _____________________________________________________________________________ Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________ The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/ _____________________________________________________________________________ For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/