The Police K9 Training Podcast with Jeff Meyer

Host Jeff Meyer sits down with Steve Colburn to explore two practical, field‑proven approaches for improving police K9 teams: a structured treadmill conditioning program and regular double‑blind training days. Expect an in‑depth look at why conditioning matters, how to implement treadmill work safely and effectively, and how double‑blind exercises both test and teach handlers and dogs.   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 Steve, email him at steve.colburn@cityofloveland.org    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 host Jeff Meyer welcomes veteran trainer Howard Young back to preview his "Effective Engagement" station at the Colorado K9 Conference and share practical, street-tested canine training advice. Howard describes how he transitions dogs from controlled training into real-world police work using exercises that expose dogs to unusual stimuli without over-relying on bite suits.   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/       

Join host Jeff Meyer and guest Eric Stanbro as they preview the Colorado K9 Conference in Colorado Springs (June) and dive into practical, street‑tested K9 training.  Eric explains his updated "e‑collar without conflict" approach: using the tone as a negative marker, long‑tone recalls versus short‑tone leaves, and the new "tone precursor" (tone → move → release) and "tone sandwich" (tone, stim, tone) techniques to reduce handler redirects and keep dogs focused. He also reviews the "power of twos" (correct the first response, pay the second) to eliminate lingering and cheap shots during bite work.   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/       

In this episode Jeff Meyer welcomes Mike Nesbeth to preview his keynote at the upcoming Colorado K9 Conference. He discusses his long-time passion project breeding and raising Malinois (one to two litters a year), the advantages of raising dogs locally (complete life-history, tailored police-dog preparation), and why North American production differs from large European kennels. Key training philosophies covered: prioritize horsepower before brakes, avoid making puppies "sticky" to handlers, and build innate curiosity and hunt value early. Mike outlines progressive training stages and ages: early loose food-luring and weight gain, marker/clicker work and shaping targeted behaviors around 8–12 weeks, building duration for hunting and tracking through many reps, and introducing leash/e‑collar pressure later (commonly around one year) applied to pre-shaped, away-from-handler behaviors. He explains why detection and patrol skill development overlap (hide-and-seek and building-search games early) and stresses that detection success often hinges on commitment and hunt duration rather than just early obedience.     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/       

Join Jeff Meyer and Jay Crafter for a deep dive into tracking. Topics covered include: Jay’s path into tracking and conservation; procuring and selecting dogs; handler selection and development; planning realistic training that fits limited resources; real-world operational challenges (armed poaching patrols, dangerous field conditions, language and cultural differences}.   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/                 

In this episode Jeff Meyer interviews Gord McGinnis, a veteran K9 trainer from Metro Vancouver, about decades of police canine experience and a pivotal real-world incident that prompted a scientific study on explosive-detection generalization.    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/                 

In this episode host Jeff Meyer sits down with Mike Kmiecik of Sheepdog Guardian for a wide-ranging interview that pulls back the curtain on canine case law research, jurisdiction-specific training, and running a national K9 education business. Mike shares his path from 28 years in law enforcement — nearly 20 years as a working K9 handler — to inheriting and expanding Terry Fleck’s legal research platform and turning it into a practical resource for handlers and attorneys. The episode weaves in personal perspective: Mike’s early interest in policing, his long career as a handler, the difficulty of balancing family life with the demands of K9 work, and the decision to retire from patrol to pursue training full time.    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/                 

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/               

Join host Jeff Meyer and legal expert Mike Kmiecik on the Police K9 Training Podcast for a focused legal update on Florida v. Harris. This episode breaks down the Supreme Court’s landmark decision, what it actually says about drug-detection dogs, and how handlers and agencies should interpret and apply the ruling on the street and in court. The discussion covers the Court’s view on field performance (its limits and relevance), the possibility of residual or undetectable odors, and the important caveat that any certification-based presumption is "subject to conflicting evidence."     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/               

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 Part 2 episode of the Police K9 Training Podcast, host Jeff Meyer continues his conversation with Cameron Ford to finish the list of seven essential skills for detection dog handlers. The discussion covers points three through seven: consistency and fairness in training, adaptability and creativity when simulating real-world scenarios, handler self-awareness and discipline, diligent record keeping and reflection, and maintaining emotional balance under pressure. Cameron and Jeff share real-world examples and practical strategies: how to mirror operational protocols in training to avoid learned violations of expectation; creative training venues and setups (Home Depot, stadiums, crowds, coolers) to replicate challenges like wind, contamination, and distractions; the importance of rituals, tactile signals, and reading your dog to avoid handler-induced cues; and the value of variable reward schedules to prevent false alerts. They also stress the need for documentation, video review, peer critique, and a growth mindset that embraces accountability.     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/                                   

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/                     

Join Jeff Meyer and guest Art Lopez, director of the Utah POST K9 Program, as they dig into real-world issues facing police K9 teams.  The conversation focuses on administrative and operational challenges: rushing deployments, “chasing the bite,” and changing tactics simply because a dog is present.    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/                               

In Part 3 of the Simplifying Your Detector Dog series, host Jeff Meyer wraps up the short course by explaining how to move a dog from well-imprinted odors to reliable real-world performance. This episode covers imprint verification, expanding search environments, and managing the dog’s physical limits during intensive early training. 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/                         

In this first episode of a short series Jeff Meyer explains a simplified approach to detector dog training using markers. He covers charging the mark, teaching dogs to think with successive approximations, and prioritizing strong searching behavior over rote final responses. Jeff also discusses moving training into real-world environments, minimizing overcomplication, and setting handlers up for success as they begin training with a clear, consistent communication tool. 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/                     

In this episode of the Police K9 Training Podcast, host Jeff Meyer delves into one of the most frequent challenges faced by narcotics dog handlers: why do trained dogs perform well in controlled settings but often struggle during real-world vehicle searches? Jeff offers insights into recognizing and addressing common issues such as handler dependency, inconsistent rewarding practices, and training environment discrepancies. Discover actionable tips to enhance your K9's independent searching abilities and adapt your training strategies to mirror real-life scenarios, ensuring your team is prepared for the street.   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/                     

Join Jeff Meyer as he dives deep into the intricacies of managing an effective police K9 unit. Featuring insights from Ron Cloward, listeners will explore crucial aspects of K9 supervision, handler selection, and the critical role supervisors play in both training and real-world deployment. This discussion is a valuable resource for anyone involved in or interested in police canine operations. 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/                     

In this episode, Jeff is joined by three renowned tracking experts, Steve Colburn, Royce Ilse, and Jay Crafter, who share their vast experience in both urban and rural tracking. They delve into innovative tracking techniques, the importance of scent discrimination, and the distinction between traditional methods and more advanced tracking strategies. 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/