K9s Talking Scents

#140 Firearms Detection Data and KONGs with Dr. Paola Tiedemann (Part 1)

May 7, 2026·45 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Dr. Paola Tiedemann returns to break down the groundbreaking firearm detection research she conducted with Cameron over the past four years. As the newly promoted Director of the Institute for Forensic Sciences at Texas Tech University, Dr. Tiedemann reveals why training on gun oils, solvents, and bulk smokeless powder creates operational blind spots.What We Cover:Why training on diphenylamine (the "gun chemical") causes false negativesThe magazine problem: loaded vs. unloaded smell completely differentOld firearms in storage (5+ years unfired): can your dog find them?Why teaspoons of powder don't represent real ammunition odor amountsThe untargeted approach: what dogs actually detect vs. what we think they detectTraining variety is key: mixing full weapons, magazines, ammunition typesThis research challenges the widespread practice of training solely on firing residue, propellants, or cleaning solvents. Dr. Tiedemann explains why firearms that haven't been recently fired present a completely different odor picture—and why most firearm dogs aren't trained to find them.PART 2 drops next Friday covering the controversial Kong training study and what it means for detection dog handlers.Upcoming Training Opportunities:🔗 Colorado K9 Conference - Join Cameron and top trainers:https://coloradok9conference.com/🔗 Ford K9 Detection Dog Trainer Course - Comprehensive handler education:https://www.fordk9.com/detection-dog-trainer-course/________________________________________🧠 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

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