#132 Detection Therapy Dogs with Deputy John Grey

In this groundbreaking episode, I sit down with John Grey, a law enforcement K9 handler who's doing the "impossible" - running a program with PUPPIES that are BOTH therapy dogs AND detection dogs (firearms/explosives).The traditional K9 world said this would never work:❌ "Puppies have too high a washout rate"❌ "Therapy dogs are low-drive couch potatoes"❌ "Labs can't detect anything"❌ "You can't do both - pick one"John's program is proving all of that WRONG.What We Cover:Why their puppy washout rate is LOWER than agencies buying adult dogsHow therapy work actually IMPROVES detection capabilityTraining while working (no pulling officers off the road)The massive PR and funding benefits agencies don't expectUsing rituals and signals to switch between therapy and detection modesWhy "crackhead" high-drive dogs are actually HARDER to work withHow obedience training makes detection dogs betterWorking in elementary through high schoolsAdding tracking to the mix (and the lessons learned)Why this ISN'T entrapment (they're NOT drug dogs)Real Results:✅ Lower washout rates than traditional programs✅ Enormous public support and funding✅ Dogs work effectively in both roles✅ Handlers train while maintaining regular SRO duties✅ Kids and community fully invested in the dogsJohn's agency is in Colorado, and they're working with organizations like Colorado Police K9 Association who now offer therapy dog certification. His company is Fundamentals First K9 Training and he's helping other agencies implement similar programs.This episode challenges EVERYTHING traditional K9 programs believe about drive, selection, training timelines, and what's "possible" with working dogs.Whether you're in law enforcement, education, or just love working dogs, this conversation will change how you think about K9 programs.🔗 Fundamentals First K9 Training: https://fundamentalsfirstk9training.com/🔗 Connect with John Grey: https://www.instagram.com/Fundamentalsfirstk9Timestamps in comments ⬇️About K9's Talking Scents:This podcast dives deep into the world of detection dogs, training, and the realities of working K9 operations from someone who's been in the trenches with Naval Special Warfare and now building the future of commercial detection.Subscribe for more real talk about detection dogs, training methodology, and industry insights you won't hear anywhere else.#TherapyDogs #DetectionDogs #K9Training #SchoolSafety #WorkingDogs #LawEnforcement #K9Handler #PuppyProgram #SchoolResourceOfficer________________________________________🧠 TRAIN WITH FORD K9 — ONLINE & IN PERSONLevel up your detection dog training with Ford K9’s full education ecosystem:🔥 ONLINE COURSES & LECTURESOdor Pays System, Air Movement, Cognition, Problem Solving & more👉 https://FordK9.com🔥 FORD K9 MEMBERSHIP (BEST VALUE)Members-only seminars, monthly lessons, exclusive Q&As, full video library👉 https://FordK9.com/memberships🔥 IN-PERSON CLASSES — SANTA ROSA, CADetection Handler SchoolDetection Dog Training ClassOdor Pays Workshops👉 Sign up at: https://FordK9.com🛡️ STRATOS K9 — EVENT & VENUE DETECTION TEAMSPremier Explosive Detection & Firearm Detection Dog teams for:• Large-scale events• Conferences & expos• Concerts & festivals• Corporate security & dignitary operationsOur dogs are specialists, not generalists — one mission, one discipline, no cross-training.👉 Learn more: https://StratosK9.com📩 For event inquiries: info@stratosk9.com🐕 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALSStratos K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/stratosk9LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/stratosk9Ford K9Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordk9detectionFacebook: https://facebook.com/FordK9Detection