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Learn to be a K9 Conservationist:
Use the links below to jump to each section and learn more!Breaking into the conservation detection dog field can be tough — we’ve been there.
At K9 Conservationists, we’re passionate about using our experience to open doors for the next generation of handlers. We're here to help you make connections, build skills, and find your unique path as a K9 Conservationist.
Join our community of students today and take the first step toward making a difference!
Online Conservation Detection Dog Handler Course
K9 Conservationists offers an online course for all levels with TEN amazing guest instructors. It is accessible for self-study year-round and is also offered live, featuring virtual weekly meetings, at various times throughout the year.
Our Conservation Dog Handler Course is perfect for the absolute novice or to fill in gaps for experienced practitioners in adjacent fields.
This course covers everything from dog selection to odor dynamics to search strategy to field safety. With lifetime access, you can revisit modules or homework as often as you need.
Based on a college course model
With preassigned literature from a variety of experts, video homework for hands-on dog training and fieldwork, invigorating discussion, and an optional final exam.
Course Content
There are 18 sections of course material, which comes out to 162 lessons and 30 hours of video content.
Qualifies for CEUs
25 IAABC, 30 CCPDT, 25 KPA
Generous scholarships are available
Apply for financial aid here
This online course is a primer on what you need to know to prepare for this challenging field. This course is best paired with in-person mentorship for dog and field skills.
| You’ll Learn: | Topics Include: |
|---|---|
| Learning Theory and Dog Behavior | How canine cognition and behavior relate to detection dog success |
| Training and Troubleshooting | How to select, train, and problem-solve with your detection dog — from early foundations to operational searches |
| Sample Collection and Storage | Best practices for collecting, handling, and storing target samples to set your dog up for success |
| Field Skills and Search Strategies | Assessing terrain, vegetation, and odor movement for effective search planning |
| Field Safety and Risk Management | Conducting searches safely, assessing field risks, and advocating for your dog’s welfare during operations |
| Welfare, Ethics, and Husbandry | Why dog welfare is critical — and how ethical practices improve program success |
| Career Development | How to find detection dog jobs and assist with study and project design |
Patreon: Mentorship, Community, and Resources
Ready to connect with other aspiring handlers, get personal guidance, and dive deeper into the world of conservation detection dogs?
Our Patreon learning community is best suited for those who like live interaction, are self-motivated, and have specific questions or goals with their dog(s).
Patreon is structured as a monthly payment to K9 Conservationists. Based on your level of support, you receive different perks:
Submit questions to Kayla for the podcast based on upcoming topics and guests
Join an exclusive Facebook group and WhatsApp group to share questions, successes, photos, videos, and connect with students around the world
Attend intermittent "goodies" like webinars, Zoom get-togethers, etc.
Everything in “Doggie Detector” plus...
Join Live Coaching Calls as an observer
Join our monthly book club calls over Zoom where we all read a book related to conservation detection
Everything in “Scentsational Scientist” plus...
Submit video to monthly coaching calls of you and your dog working together for kind, honest, constructive feedback
Receive exclusive merchandise such as mugs and stickers once you've been in the club for a set period of time
Everything in “Nosey Naturalist” plus...
1-on-1 mentoring call (60 min) each month to discuss training goals, ecology questions, or whatever else you need to succeed in the field
On-Demand Webinars
Detection Dog Puppy Webinar
Are you raising a detection puppy prospect and feeling a bit lost? Or are you considering getting a puppy for scentwork? Either way, this webinar is made for you.
Odor Imprinting Webinar
What's the point of a search dog who doesn't know what they're looking for? We will cover introducing target odor to your search dog.
Alerts and Changes of Behavior Webinar
What Our Students Are Saying:
"The learning time spent here in Kenya by K9C was awesome. We learnt much about search strategies, different field scenarios depending on wind, terrain, vegetation and how to handle them, we worked on extinction of indications on negatives and above all the conservation detection course which was eye opening especially having brought together many handlers from different parts of the world. K9C also donated plenty of books that are beneficial to us and any new team member."
— Edwin Kimutai, Action for Cheetahs in Kenya
“Joining the K9 Conservationists community has accelerated the success of my dog team. The community provides near instantaneous support for questions, wins and losses in the field. I especially appreciate the diversity of experiences and international representation in the group. Kayla is a force for good in the dog-conservation nexus and her personal support is a rock for me.”
— Shoshona Rapley, Australia
"The K9 Conservationists group is a welcoming and intelligent group of dog scent training enthusiasts and professionals. With their podcast, and resources in the Patreon and student group, I learned the foundations for scentwork, including odor sourcing, strengthening alerts, and building enthusiasm for longer searches, as well as troubleshooting unwanted behaviors. I am proud to say that we have just begun our 2nd season of conservation detection dog work! I didn't know if it was possible, but we made it happen with the significant support of the K9 Conservationists team."
— Emma Lustig, USA
— Emma Lustig, USA
In-Person Training: Retreats, Seminars & Hands-On Learning
While our online course and Patreon community offer a strong foundation, there's nothing quite like learning in person.
We host occasional training retreats and live seminars to help aspiring handlers gain real-world experience.
Training Retreats
Our multi-day retreats are immersive, hands-on experiences designed to build your skills in a supportive, collaborative environment. Past retreats have included:
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Skill Rotations: Practice search strategies, odor recognition and generalization, and field safety skills with guidance from experienced instructors.
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Community Learning: Connect with fellow students and trainers during shared meals and group discussions.
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Real-World Scenarios: Train in diverse environments to prepare for field conditions.
Live Seminars & Private Coaching
In addition to retreats, we offer live seminars and private coaching sessions tailored to your needs. These sessions can cover topics like canine partner screening, advanced training techniques, and field readiness.
Please reach out if you are interested in partnering with us for seminars or hiring us for private coaching.
