#120 Learning To Adapt with Jerry Bradshaw

24/07/2025 1h 23min

Listen "#120 Learning To Adapt with Jerry Bradshaw"

Episode Synopsis

Few figures have had as lasting an impact on the K9 world as Jerry Bradshaw — founder of Tarheel K9, co-creator of PSA, and host of the Controlled Aggression podcast. In this special episode, Jerry sits down with K9's Talking Scents to reflect on the evolution of dog sports, detection dog methodologies, and the delicate balance between science and experience in modern training.We go deep into:The birth and rise of PSA (Protection Sports Association)Why rigidity in traditional dog sports pushed trainers to innovateThe importance of adaptability, breed diversity, and age inclusivityMarker training vs direct reward — and why the debate might be overblownThe danger of taking online training out of contextWhy failure in training is not only inevitable, but essentialIf you’ve ever debated technique, struggled with online misinformation, or wondered how the greats think about training philosophy — this episode is for you.00:00 - Intro & Meet Jerry Bradshaw  01:05 - The Origin of PSA  08:10 - Evolving Dog Sports & Breeds  14:20 - Why PSA Skipped Detection  18:14 - Changes in Detection Work  28:39 - Science vs Experience  35:40 - Simplifying What Matters  45:07 - Detection Training Methods  55:00 - Social Media & Misinterpretation  59:12 - The Value of In-Person Learning  01:07:03 - Advice for Handlers  01:13:15 - Double Blind & Real-World Readiness  01:17:39 - Collaboration Over Division  01:21:26 - Where to Find Jerry  01:22:55 - Outro  

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