In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford sits down with Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith for an honest and wide-ranging discussion on leadership, training, and the evolving role of K9 units in modern law enforcement.

Chief Smith reflects on:

• His personal journey from patrol officer to Chief of Police
• How his hands-on experience with dogs shaped his leadership style
• The real-world value of K9s in building community trust and tactical success
• His thoughts on transparency, public perception, and the future of policing

This is a must-listen for handlers, supervisors, and anyone who wants to understand how high-level leadership decisions affect the boots on the ground — and the paws on the pavement.

🔗 Sponsored by: Dogbase.co

🎓 Learn more or become a member at: FordK9.com

Chapters

00:00 - Intro: Chief Eric Smith Joins the Show
01:15 - How Eric Got Into Law Enforcement
04:40 - Early K9 Influences & First Impressions
08:20 - Lessons From the Streets: Patrol Before K9
12:45 - Working With K9s in Real-Time Scenarios
16:30 - A Look Inside Orlando PD’s K9 Unit
20:40 - Finding the Right Handler: More Than a Test
25:05 - Why K9s Aren’t Just Tools — They’re Partners
28:20 - Training Evolutions: Old School vs New School
32:50 - Mental Health & K9 Handlers
37:40 - Leadership Lessons: From Handler to Chief
42:10 - How Chiefs Can Better Support K9 Units
46:35 - Advice for Aspiring Handlers or Leaders
51:00 - Rapid Fire Round: Favorite Dog Stories & More
55:45 - Final Thoughts: What Makes a Good K9 Team