LIVE FROM THE AMERICAN TACTICAL K9 ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, ON THE RANGE PODCAST BRINGS EXCLUSIVE K9 TRAINING INSIGHTS, INTERVIEWS, AND FIREARMS INDUSTRY COVERAGE STRAIGHT FROM THE EVENT
ON THE RANGE PODCAST EPISODES FROM THE AMERICAN TACTICAL K9 ASSOCIATION 2025 CONFERENCE
On The Range Podcast guest Mike Pennington (Storm Dog Tactical) on K9 Operations & the American Tactical K9 Association Annual Training Conference In this On The Range Podcast episode, Rick Hogg sits down with Mike Pennington—lead instructor at Storm Dog Tactical—to dig into the skills that keep police K9 teams effective and safe. Mike breaks down the building blocks of patrol/apprehension, decoy development, and detection (narcotics/explosives), explaining how leash management, environmental exposure, and scenario design drive reliable performance. The conversation hits one-handed pistol work for K9 handlers, weapon-light use around dogs, vehicle deployments, and documentation habits that translate directly to the street and the courtroom. You’ll hear how to structure training that blends marksmanship, decision-making, and canine control—from dry fire to stress-shoot blocks—so teams can perform on demand under fatigue and time pressure. Mike also previews the American Tactical K9 Association Annual Training Conference, outlining the hands-on tracks attendees can expect: advanced decoy labs, detection problem-solving, tracking/trailing, low-light operations, K9 TEMS/TECC medical, report writing/case law refreshers, and integrated scenario days that pair handlers with role players and instructors. If you’re searching police K9 training conference, Storm Dog Tactical, K9 decoy course, K9 detection workshop, K9 handler firearms training, or American Tactical K9 Association event, this episode delivers a clear roadmap to maximize your conference ROI—what classes to prioritize, how to prep your kit, and how to bring lessons home to your unit’s weekly training plan.
Ed Canon of InVeris Training Solutions - On The Range Podcast. Join hosts Mark Kelley and Rick Hogg on the On The Range Podcast as they dive deep into the future of firearms training with special guest Ed Canon of InVeris Training Solutions. In this must-listen episode, discover how the innovative F.A.T.S. AR—the cutting-edge virtual training simulator—is transforming law enforcement training, military simulations, and shooting sports with hyper-realistic augmented reality (AR) technology. From immersive virtual reality scenarios and weapon handling drills to cost-effective firearms simulation tools, Ed shares insider tips on enhancing marksmanship skills, reducing ammo costs, and boosting safety in tactical training programs. Whether you're a shooter, instructor, or enthusiast searching for the best virtual training aids, this episode unpacks InVeris's game-changing solutions and why F.A.T.S. AR is the gold standard in realistic firearms training. Tune in for expert insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and actionable advice to level up your gun training game. Don't miss it—subscribe to On The Range Podcast for more episodes on shooting techniques, gear reviews, and industry innovators!Keywords: firearms training, virtual training simulator, F.A.T.S. AR, InVeris, augmented reality shooting, law enforcement simulation, military training tools, marksmanship drills
ON THE RANGE PODCAST EPISODES FROM THE AMERICAN TACTICAL K9 ASSOCIATION 2024 CONFERENCE
On The Range Podcast guest Geoffrey Stout of SureFire on Weapon Lights, Low-Light Tactics, and SureFire Suppressors In this On The Range Podcast episode, Rick Hogg sits down with Geoffrey Stout from SureFire to go deep on what actually matters in a weapon light and a suppressor for pistol and carbine work. They break down candela vs. lumens in plain language, why throw and hotspot shape drive positive identification (PID), and how body/reflector design affects splash, back-scatter, and target discrimination in and around vehicles and structures. You’ll get practical guidance on switching and ergonomics (tailcaps, momentary vs. constant, remote/tape switches), mount placement (12, 1:30, 3 o’clock), and cable management that survives hard use, plus training tips for integrating light activation into the draw or presentation and building low-light stress shoots that pair accountability targets with time standards. The conversation also covers SureFire suppressors and how they interact with your carbine setup: choosing models for hard-use duty cycles, understanding back-pressure and gas management, confirming point-of-impact (POI) shift, and pairing a can with your WML, muzzle device, and red dot/LPVO for balanced handling. Rick and Geoffrey outline best practices for mounting (QD vs. direct thread), heat and maintenance considerations, and simple live-fire checks to ensure your suppressed gun stays reliable across ammo types. Expect field-tested drills to validate zero, holds, and recoil impulse with the can on/off, and a notebook framework for logging groups, times, and POI differences so you can perform on demand day or night.
On The Range Podcast hosts C&G Holsters owner Chris Burns to unpack Kydex holster design, concealment vs. duty requirements, AIWB best practices, light/optic compatibility, and how to build a safe, fast, and reliable EDC carry system. In this On The Range Podcast episode, Rick Hogg sits down with Chris Burns, owner of C&G Holsters, for a deep dive into concealed carry holsters, duty holsters, and everyday carry (EDC) setups that actually work under pressure. Chris breaks down the engineering behind Kydex holster retention, trigger-guard coverage, optic-ready and light-bearing fitment, and how claw/wing, wedge, and belt interface choices impact appendix carry (AIWB) concealment and comfort. From selecting the right belt attachments and ride height to tuning retention so you can draw fast and reholster safely, this conversation gives shooters a practical blueprint for building a safe, consistent, and accountable carry system—whether you’re a responsibly armed citizen, off-duty LE, or a uniformed professional. You’ll also hear how holster design, testing, and QC translate to training performance on the range: cleaner grips from the holster, improved dot acquisition, reduced muzzle fishing on reholster, and fewer gear-induced failures during stress shoots. Rick and Chris share no-fluff, field-tested tips for pairing C&G Holsters with common red dot pistols, weapon lights, and duty-rated belts, plus simple diagnostic checks to confirm your gear is safe before dry fire and live fire. If you’re searching best AIWB holster, Kydex holster for red dot and light, duty holster retention, EDC holster setup, or concealed carry podcast, this episode delivers the design insights and training standards to Train Hard. Stay Safe. Perform On Demand.
In this On The Range Podcast episode, Rick Hogg sits down with Ben Sonstrom, owner and lead instructor at Storm Training & Consulting, to unpack the origins and mission of the Tactical Rescue Challenge (TRC)—a scenario-driven competition that fuses marksmanship, tactics, and TCCC/TECC medical skills under time pressure. Ben explains how the TRC was built to be both training and competition, forcing teams to problem-solve in dynamic environments with live fire, force-on-force, casualty care, and functional fitness—precisely the blend that forges confident, accountable operators. Listeners will learn who the challenge is for (LE special operations, SWAT, MIL units, TEMS/RTF-integrated teams), what gear and prep are expected, and why a measured, standards-based approach to tactical rescue training pays dividends back at the agency or unit. If you’re searching for Storm Training & Consulting, Tactical Rescue Challenge info, LE/MIL scenario-based training, or TECC/TCCC-integrated competitions, this conversation delivers the what, why, and how, from the cadre that runs it.
ON THE RANGE PODCAST EPISODES FROM THE AMERICAN TACTICAL K9 ASSOCIATION 2023 CONFERENCE
On The Range Podcast guest Sheriff Kenny Freeman (Jennings County, IN) on Training, ATK9 Conference, Community Policing, and Performance on Demand In this On The Range Podcast conversation, Rick Hogg sits down with Sheriff Kenny Freeman (Jennings County, Indiana) to unpack what effective, modern policing looks like in a largely rural county—and how data-driven firearms training translates to better outcomes on the street. Sheriff Freeman shares his department’s approach to accountability targets, shot-timer standards, low-light work with weapon lights, and stress-shoot blocks that pair decision-making with marksmanship under fatigue. The discussion covers red-dot pistol adoption, POA/POI confirmation for patrol carbines, and how field-relevant drills (malfunction clears, strong/support-hand only, movement) improve confidence while reducing training injuries and gear-induced errors. Beyond the range, Sheriff Freeman talks community policing, recruitment and retention, and building a culture where policy, training, and leadership align. Listeners will hear practical strategies for maximizing limited budgets—leveraging dry-fire structure, training notebooks, and realistic qual refreshers—along with tips for integrating medical (TQ/IFAK) reps, communication, and after-action reviews into every block. If you’re searching sheriff’s office training best practices, rural law enforcement firearms program, red dot pistol for duty use, or community policing podcast, this episode delivers a clear, no-fluff blueprint to Train Hard. Stay Safe. Perform On Demand.
On The Range Podcast guest Justin Melnick (SEAL Team) on K9 Handling, One-Handed Shooting, and Lessons from a War HOGG Tactical Course. In this On The Range Podcast episode, Justin Melnick—SEAL Team actor and veteran police K9 handler—dives into real-world working-dog operations, set safety, and the training that keeps handlers effective under pressure. Fresh off a War HOGG Tactical course, Justin details how Rick Hogg’s accountability-driven curriculum tightened his fundamentals: clean presentations, sight management (dot/irons), and data logging with a timer and The Firearms Training Notebook. He breaks down K9-specific one-handed shooting—running the gun while managing a leash, collar, or dog; drawing and reholstering around a working K9; strong-hand only and support-hand only strings; one-handed speed reloads; and clearing common malfunctions using belt, holster, or slide-rack points without muzzling the dog. The conversation also hits WML activation and light discipline one-handed, retention considerations in tight spaces, and how to stage mags and medical to stay efficient without compromising canine control. Rick, Mark and Justin connect class lessons to the street and the set: scaling drills from dry fire to live fire, building stress-shoot blocks that pair leash control with time standards, and using high-contrast accountability targets to confirm POA/POI at working distances. Expect practical guidance on duty belt/plate carrier setup for handlers, leash routing that won’t foul the draw, and carbine considerations (sling management, shoulder transitions, and suppressed work around dogs). If you’re searching Justin Melnick K9 training, War HOGG Tactical course review, one-handed pistol for K9 handlers, stress shoot drills, low-light WML techniques, or firearms training podcast, this episode delivers a no-fluff blueprint to Train Hard. Stay Safe. Perform On Demand.
In this episode of On The Range Podcast, Rick and Mark sit down with Nic Fontaine, founder of Kilo III and former Special Operations Forces K9 handler. Nic pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a dog on the two-way range—from selection and training to deployment, mindset, and building an unbreakable bond with a working dog. He shares lessons learned from years downrange and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, training, and life after the military. Nic also breaks down the “why” behind Kilo III, how he’s building a brand around performance, resilience, and honoring the working dog community. Whether you’re a K9 handler, shooter, trainer, or just someone who appreciates high-level performance under stress, this conversation is packed with real-world takeaways on mindset, preparation, and staying ready when it counts. Tune in for stories from the SOF world, actionable training tips, and a look at what’s next for Kilo III and the K9 community.
The American Tactical K9 Association, provides training, educational programming, and assistance to the military and law enforcement communities in police/ military K9 procedures, operations, and tactics.
The educational programs and training offered are specifically designed to enhance the performance and professional status of law enforcement and military personnel by providing a credible and proven training resource as well as a forum for the development of tactics and information exchange between the professional law enforcement and military community.
The ATK9 conference is for K9 handlers who want to train and gain skillsets that will help them perform their duties and make them more professional handlers. If you want to sit around and listen to lectures, this isn't the conference for you! Expect to work hard and learn from trainers, handlers, and instructors who have extensive real-world experience operating at the most elite levels.