Science Saturday: Scent and Sensibility: Could Scented Toys Decrease Problematic Puppy Chewing?
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), ResearchWhether you have a teething puppy with a rampant chewing problem or are just plain overwhelmed with the amount of dog toy options out there, the recent publication by Sonowal ... Read More
Science Saturday: Wildlife detection dogs effectively survey a terrestrial amphibian, but differ among individuals, weather and habitat
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), ResearchLike many endangered amphibians, the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) is particularly difficult to detect in terrestrial environments. Koch et al. (2025) compared the efficacy of using artificial cover boards (which ... Read More
How Can Detection Dogs Pair with Other Methods?
Basics, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)Conservation detection dogs are one of the most effective methods of non-invasive wildlife monitoring there is. In a 2021 review of 1,220 publications featuring wildlife detection dogs, dogs were found ... Read More
Science Saturday: The effect of arousal during and post-training on memory consolidation in detection dogs
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), ResearchNew research finds that “everyone learns differently” applies to detection dogs too. Because the process of memory consolidation, the brain’s way of stabilizing learned information, is slow and influenced by ... Read More
Science Saturday: Evaluating the effectiveness of participatory science dog teams to detect devitalized Spotted Lanternfly egg masses
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), ResearchIn a recently published proof-of-concept study, it was found that community scientists (trained volunteer dog handlers) and their canine companions (with previous experience in sport scent detection competition), were capable ... Read More
Science Saturday: Leaving Land: The Toxic Trade-offs of a Coastal Wolf Pack’s Shifting Diet
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), ResearchA new study by Dr. Gretchen Roffler and colleagues reveals a surprising consequence of adaptation: coastal Alaskan wolves that shifted their diet from deer to sea otters now carry some ... Read More
Phytophthora and Pigeons with Ryan Tate
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Ryan Tate about Phytophthora and pigeons. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Evaluating scent detection dogs as a tool to detect pathogenic ... Read More
In the Weeds: Sticky Sage with Sarah Jackson
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Sarah Jackson from New York-New Jersey Trail Conference about sticky sage. Links Mentioned in the Episode: None Science Highlight: Impact of ... Read More
Gundogs and Conservation with Jo Laurens
Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Jo Laurens from The Force Free Gun Dogs about gundogs. Links Mentioned in the Episode: None Science Highlight: Switching to marine ... Read More
Large Search Area Strategy with Lauren Wendt
Podcast Show Notes, Search StrategyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Lauren Wendt from Momentum K9 about large search area strategy. Links Mentioned in the Episode: None Science Highlight: Comparison of mechanical ... Read More
Part Two: When Your Dog’s Body Can’t Keep Up with their Brain with Tiff Shao and Sage Gustavson
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back for part two with Sage Gustafson and Tiff Shao about the challenging topic of life with high-energy, high-drive, and/or high-arousal dogs ... Read More
Part One: When Your Dog’s Body Can’t Keep Up with their Brain with Tiff Shao and Sage Gustavson
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks with Sage Gustafson and Tiff Shao about the challenging topic of life with high-energy, high-drive, and/or high-arousal dogs who are injured or ... Read More
Spatial Ecology (and Sharks) with Brett Sweezy
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks with Brett Sweezy about spatial ecology and sharks. Links Mentioned in the Episode: None Science Highlight: Efficiency and Bias in Strip and Line ... Read More
Breaking into the Field of Conservation Detection Dogs
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks about breaking into the field of conservation detection dogs. Links Mentioned in the Episode: N/A Science Highlight: None You can support the K9 ... Read More
CWD Dogs with Brenna Aizen
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Brenna Aizen from the Penn Vet Wildlife Futures Program about dogs sniffing out chronic wasting disease. Links Mentioned in the Episode: ... Read More
Getting into Grad School with Dr. Charles van Rees
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show Notes, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back with Dr. Charles van Rees to talk about getting into grad school. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Science Highlight: Trail vs. ... Read More
Cheetah Conservation Fund Dogs with Tim Hofmann
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Tim Hofmann, the Scat Dog Handler, Research Manager and Research Coordinator at Cheetah Conservation Fund about his PhD research using detection ... Read More
Hot Takes with Paul Bunker & Meg Barnes
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Paul Bunker and Meg Barnes about hot takes in the conservation dog training community. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Science Highlight: ... Read More
Plants & Puppies with Kat Serafina
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Kat Serafina about plants and puppies. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Science Highlight: An approach to identify bias in scent detection ... Read More
Detection Dogs and Non-Invasive Wildlife Monitoring
Basics, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Field Safety and EthicsAs our understanding of wildlife ethics advances, non-invasive methods of monitoring are becoming increasingly sought after. As part of this trend, conservation detection dogs are emerging as one of the ... Read More
We Can’t Do It All, We Can’t Do It Alone
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)We’ve been quiet for the past few months. Part of that is due to the natural lull in our fieldwork in the winter. But things have also been pretty crazy ... Read More
Detecting Tea-tree Fingers Fungus with Dr. Nick Rutter and Shari Barmos
Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks to Zoos Victoria Wildlife Detection Dog Officer Dr Nick Rutter and Human Surveyor Shari Barmos about Detection Dog Daisy searching for the ... Read More
Sensitivity and Specificity Gone Wrong with Courtney Brown
Discrimination, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Courtney Brown from Einstein K9 about search and rescue, handler scent discrimination, and sensitivity and specificity. Links Mentioned in the Episode: ... Read More
Genetic Gobledeygook: HOW Do We Learn From Scat? with Ellen Dymit
Podcast Show Notes, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Ellen Dymit from Oregon State University about Metabarcoding, SNPs, and microsatellites. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Science Highlight: Training of Ecological ... Read Mo...
The Conservation Cost of the War on Drugs with Nicholas Magliocca
Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Nicholas Magliocca about jaguars, Central American conservation, and the drug war. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Making the Hidden Visible: Accelerated ... Read More
Boarding “Extra” Dogs with Kerry Ryan
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Kerry Ryan from Dog Adventures Northwest about dog boarding. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Science Highlight: Evaluating and integrating spatial capture–recapture ... Read...
Niffler Has Heartworm
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Safety“Do you have time for the veterinarian to call you at noon today to discuss Niffler’s pre-dental bloodwork?” My heart sank. “Sure, is everything ok?” I tried to keep my ... Read More
Platypus Detection Dogs with Naomi Hodges and Dr. Jessica Thomas
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Naomi Hodges and Dr. Jessica Thomas about Detection Dog Kip searching for Platypus burrows within Coranderrk Creek at Healesville Sanctuary Links ... Read More
Succulent Anti-Poaching Detection Dogs with Esther Matthews
Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back with Esther Matthews to talk about succulent anti-poaching detection dogs. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Where to find Esther: Website | ... Read More
Ocelots, Thorns, and Javelinas with Lauren Wendt of Momentum K9
Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive SpeciesK9 Conservationists was THRILLED to have the amazing Lauren Wendt of Momentum K9 temporarily join our team to help out in Texas on ocelot surveys. This episode covers many of ... Read More
Ocelots in Texas with Dr. Lisanne Petracca and James Helferich
Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with James Helferich and Dr. Lisanne Petracca about the ocelot project in Texas. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Where to find Dr. ... Read More
Conservation, Capitalism & Burnout with Caden Cristopher
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Caden Cristopher about conservation, canine welfare, capitalism, and how we’re getting by. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: Where ... Read More
K9 Field First Aid with Kendra Carter
Podcast Show Notes, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Kendra Carter about K9 field first aid. Links Mentioned in the Episode: NOLS Where to find Kendra: Website | Facebook You ... Read More
Preparing for Wolf Scat Surveys in Alaska with Dr. Charles van Rees
Podcast Show Notes, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Charles van Rees about preparing for her research in Alaska with Barley. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: ... Read More
How Does Heat Affect Detection Dogs?
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), SafetyWhen considering using conservation detection dogs for an upcoming project, you may be curious how the dogs work in higher temperatures. Can dogs work safely in the heat? Does the ... Read More
Como Perros Puedan Apoyar a Conservación
Podcast Show Notes, Spanish episodesEn nuestro cuarto episodio en español, Kayla y Daniel hablan sobre ejemplos de investigaciones cuales utilizan perros detectores de conservación. Gracias a Daniel y Camilo para su ayuda en estos ... Read More
Como Aprender Entrenar y Trabajar con Conservacionistas Caninos?
Podcast Show Notes, Spanish episodesEn nuestro tercero episodio del microserie español, Daniel y Kayla hablan de como uno se puede aprender trabajar con perros detectores de conservación. Hablan sobre el educación formal, los cursos ... Read More
Como Elegir un Perro para Entrenar para Conservación
Podcast Show Notes, Spanish episodesEn el segundo episodio de nuestro microserie español, Kayla y Daniel hablan de cómo elegir la raza y el individuo correcto para tu trabajo y para tu familia. Hablan de ... Read More
Que Son Perros Detectores de Conservación?
Podcast Show Notes, Spanish episodesHola y bienvenidos a nuestro micro-serie en español. Hoy Kayla y Daniel hablarán sobre los básicos de perros detectores de conservación. Hablan de como elegir un perro, que tipo de ... Read More
Welcome to the Conservation Dog Alliance!
Podcast Show NotesHOLY SMOKES y’all! A group of ~10 conservation detection dog pros have been quietly laboring for TWO YEARS to make the Conservation Dog Alliance a reality. In this episode, hear ... Read More
Wolf, Not Marten (Milk, Not Water) with Sarah Stremming
Discrimination, Podcast Show NotesKayla sits down with Sarah Stremming to discuss how she has been handling Barley’s tendency to generalize to other species while working on her wolf scat detection project in Alaska. ... Read More
Detection Dogs Help Rediscover Golden Moles with Esther Matthew and Samantha Mynhardt
Podcast Show Notes, Research, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Esther Matthew and Samantha Mynhardt about dogs detecting golden moles. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: re:wild Where to find ... Read More
Play, Pivoting, and Positivity with Crystal Wing
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Crystal Wing from Training Director for Evolution Working Dog Club and the K9 Detection Collaborative about play, pivoting, and positivity. Science ... Read More
Sitka Spruce Syrup, Endless Rain, and a Dash of Blood
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), AlaskaFriday, May 10 When I lived in Panama as a high schooler, I reveled in the hammering of rain along tin roofs, rumbling like an approaching train until the deafening ... Read More
Using Dogs to Reduce Wildlife Conflict with Nils Pedersen of Wind River Bear Institute
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Nils Pederson from Wind River Bear Institute about wildlife canines used for bear deterrence. Science Highlight: Effectiveness of scat-detection dogs in ... Read More
Barley’s Canyon
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)Barley is snoring softly with his tongue poking out the front of his mouth. His warmth fills the nook behind my knees the way a river pours into a canyon. ... Read More
Olfactory Bliss
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)From last time: We chatter as we clean up, ferrying gear back and forth and heating water to clean dishes. We are basking in the early morning sunlight, repeatedly remarking ... Read More
Curlew Nest Detection Dogs through Solid Science with Caroline Finlay of Conservation Detection Dogs of Northern Ireland
BasicsIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Caroline Finlay about curlew nest detection dogs. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: Conservation detection dogs sniff out rare ... Read More...
Alaskan Limbo at the Muskeg
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)Barley’s paws are splayed out, his claws gripping the planks of the dock. He does not trust these sturdy planks, but he follows me reluctantly past gillnetters and boats piled ... Read More
There Are Two Types of People on the Ferry to Ketchikan
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)We have been traveling for 56 hours. I am tired and stinky and buzzing with a nervous energy. Below the ferry deck in our laughably overloaded Ford Maverick, Barley is ... Read More
Continuing Education Extravaganza with Natasha Underwood
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Natasha Underwood from NHU Ecology and Detection Dogs about continuing education. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: Dog Handling ... Read More
Don’t Get Bit: Keeping Yourself Safe Around Working Dogs with Ursa Acree
Podcast Show Notes, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Ursa Acree about keeping yourself safe around working dogs. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: Aggressive Dog Muzzle Up ... Read More
Arousal in Working Dogs Part Two with Liza Rader
Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back with Liza Rader from Focus Dogs for part two about arousal in working dogs. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the ... Read More
Arousal in Working Dogs with Liza Rader
Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Liza Rader from Focus Dogs about arousal in working dogs. Science Highlight: How do seasonal changes in adult wolf defecation patterns ... Read More
How to Make PVC Scent Snorkels at Home for Detection Dogs
Basics, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)Many trainers use line-ups consisting of PVC scent snorkels to help train detection dogs to detect a new scent or ignore off-target odors. These PVC scent snorkels are stable, identical, ... Read More
Long-Term Working Dog Success with Lucia Lazarowski
Dog Selection, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Lucia Lazarowski about long-term working dog success. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: Behavioral Characteristics Associated with Detection Dog ... Rea...
Jessie’s Legacy with Esther Matthews & Marisa Steynberg
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Esther Matthews and Marisa Steynberg about Jessie’s legacy and their book about her. Science Highlight: Scent detection dogs as a novel ... Read More
Search and Rescue Horses with Sharon Pomeroy
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Sharon Pomeroy about search and rescue horses. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: Airscentinghorse.com Where to find Sarah: Website ... Read More...
Safe Fieldwork While Black with Alex Troutman
Field Safety and Ethics, Podcast Show Notes, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Alex Troutman about safe fieldwork while Black. Science Highlight: Remaining safe conducting Field work While Black (FWB), and Tips for PIs, ... Read More
2023 Year-End with Rachel & Heather
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with co-founders Heather and Rachel for a year-end wrap up. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: None You can support ... Read More
Tick Borne Illnesses with Dr. Brian Herrin
Podcast Show Notes, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Brian Herrin from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine about tick borne illnesses. Science Highlight: Predominant risk factors for ... Read More
Foxtail Safety with Dr. Joe Spoo
Invasive Species, Podcast Show Notes, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Joe Spoo about foxtails and working dogs. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: Meanseeds.com Where to find Dr. ... Read More
Human-Wildlife Conflict with Gabi Fleury
Field Safety and Ethics, Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Gabi Fleury about human-wildlife conflict, being LGBTQIA+ and Black in STEM, and so much more. Science Highlight: Comparing narcotics detection canine ... Read More
Podcast Schedule Changes
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla provides an update on the podcast’s schedule. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: You can support the K9 Conservationists Podcast by ... Read More
Heat Injuries in Dogs with Emily Hall & Anne Carter
Field Safety and Ethics, Podcast Show Notes, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Emily Hall and Ann Carter about heat injuries in dogs. Science Highlight: The effect of urine sample temperature on the efficacy ... Read More
Search & Rescue Needs in Indigenous Communities with Shelby Homer
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Shelby Homer about search and rescue needs in indigenous communities. Science Highlight: Canine (Canis familiaris) scent detection of invasive brown bullhead ... Read More
Multiple Alerts to Discriminate Between Targets with Jens Frank
Alerts and Changes of Behavior, Detection Training, Discrimination, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Jens Frank from the Scandinavian Working Dog Institute about teaching dogs multiple alerts to discriminate between targets. Science Highlight: Relationships between ... Read M...
Dangermond Preserve Wrap Up
Podcast Show Notes, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Elizabeth Hiroyasu, Hillary Young, and Grace Lewin about their Dangermond Preserve work. Science Highlight: None this week Links Mentioned in the ... Read More
Snake Bites with Nick Brandehoff
Field Safety and Ethics, Podcast Show Notes, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Nick Brandehoff about snake bites. Science Highlight: None this week Links Mentioned in the Episode: Denver Venom Conference Where to find ... Read More
Snake Avoidance with Ken Ramirez
Field Safety and Ethics, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, SafetyFor this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Ken Ramirez about snake avoidance Science Highlight: Field quantifications of probability of detection and search patterns to form protocols for the ... Read More
Heat Safety & Working Dogs with Dr. Janice Baker
Field Safety and Ethics, Podcast Show Notes, SafetyFor this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Janice Baker from the Veterinary Tactical Group about heat events and working dogs. Science Highlight: Rethinking Heat Injury in the ... Read More
Field Safety Prep with Pine Irwin
Field Safety and Ethics, Podcast Show Notes, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Pine Irwin about field safety prep. Science Highlight: None this week Classes to Consider: Wilderness First Responder, WFR Trap Release Workshop ... Read More
Urban Ecology and Making the NSF More Inclusive with Cesar Estien
Podcast Show NotesFor this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Cesar Estien about urban ecology. Science Highlight: None this week Links Mentioned in the Episode: None Where to find Cesar: Website | Twitter You ... Read More...
Safari Science & Fieldwork Experience with Dr. Stotra Chakrabarti
Field Safety and Ethics, Podcast Show Notes, ResearchFor this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Stotra Chakrabarti about safari science and his experience working in the field. Science Highlight: Faecal sampling using detection dogs to study ... Read More
Odor Discrimination Wrapup and Personal Updates
Discrimination, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, ResearchFor this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla wraps up our discrimination series with a Q&A and provides some updates. Science Highlight: None this week Questions asked: From Megan: From Janna ... Read More
How Much Money Do Conservation Detection Dog Trainers Make?
Basics, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)Working as a conservation detection dog trainer/handler is an incredible lifestyle for the right person. It’s not for everyone – the hours are long, the fieldwork is physically demanding, and ... Read More
Medical Alert Service Dogs with Rayanne Craven
Podcast Show NotesFor this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Rayanne Craven about medical alert service dogs. Science Highlight: None this week Links Mentioned in the Episode: None Where you can ... Read More
Canine Sports Medicine with Dr. Leslie Eide
Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingFor this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Leslie Eide from The Total Canine about canine sports medicine. Science Highlight: None this week Links Mentioned in the Episode: ... Read More
Progressing Your Detection Training Like a PRO with Lily Strassberg
Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingFor this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Lily Strassberg about organizing training based on target behavior. Science Highlight: A Review of the Types of Training Aids Used for Canine ... Read More
Safety and Inclusion for Queer Ecologists with Jamie Coon and Nathan Alexander
Podcast Show NotesFor this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Jamie Coon and Nathan Alexander about a paper they published about safety and inclusion for queer ecologists. Science Highlight: None this ... Read More
Odor Discrimination Part 6: Generalization with Paul Bunker from Chiron K9
Detection Training, Discrimination, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, Search StrategyFor our final episode of our odor discrimination series, Kayla talks with Paul Bunker from Chiron K9 about generalization and discrimination. Science Highlight: None this week Links Mentioned in the ... Read More
Odor Discrimination Part 5: When Odor Discrimination Has Gone Wrong – A Case Study
Detection Training, Discrimination, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingFor our fifth episode of our odor discrimination series, Kayla talks about the odor discrimination work K9 Conservationists did with Action for Cheetahs in Kenya. Science Highlight: None this week ... Read More
Odor Discrimination Part 4: Moss Discrimination with Caroline Finlay
Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, Search StrategyFor our fourth episode of our odor discrimination series, Kayla speaks with Caroline Finlay from Conservation Detection Dogs Northern Ireland about moss discrimination. Science Highlight: Relative abundance of endangered San Joaquin ... ...
Odor Discrimination Part 3: Mud Snails with Conservation Dogs Collective and Auburn University
Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingFor our third episode of our odor discrimination series, Kayla speaks with Laura, Morgan, and Jo from Conservation Dogs Collective and Emily from Auburn University about a fascinating project undertaken ... Read More
Odor Discrimination Part 2: Training an “All Clear” for Detection Dogs with Paul Bunker
Basics, Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, Search StrategyIn the second episode of the odor discrimination mini series, we revisit an older episode of K9 Conservationists where Kayla speaks with Paul Bunker of Chiron K9 about all clear procedures. ... Read More
Odor Discrimination Part 1: Signal Detection Theory with Simon Gadbois
Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, Search StrategyIn the first episode of the odor discrimination mini series, we revisit an older episode of K9 Conservationists where Kayla Fratt speaks with Dr. Simon Gadbois to talk about signal ... Read More
Canine Olfaction and Detection Science Conference with Lauren DeGreef
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Lauren DeGreef about the upcoming Canine Olfaction and Detection Science Conference. Science Highlight: None this week! Where to find Lauren: Facebook | LinkedIn Links ... Read M...
Dogs Detecting Insects Carrying Diseases with Rachel Curtis-Robles and Devin Christopher
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Rachel Curtis-Robles and Devin Christopher about dogs detecting insects carrying diseases. Science Highlight: Dogs can sense weak thermal radiation Where to find ... Read More...
Imposter Syndrome with Jay Gurden
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Jay Gurden about imposter syndrome! Science Highlight: You Are Not My Handler! Impact of Changing Handlers on Dogs’ Behaviours and Detection Performance ... Read More...
Wood Turtles with Kristine Hoffman and Julia Sirois
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Kristine Hoffman and Julia Sirois from St Lawrence University about their work with wood turtles, building on our conversation with Scott ... Read More
Wood Turtles with Scott Buchanan
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Scott Buchanan on his work with wood turtles. Science Highlight: A Glimpse into the Use of Dogs to Address Global Poaching, Overharvesting, ... Read More
Patreon Q&A with Caisa Persson Werme
Basics, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with our patreon Caisa Persson Werme to answer questions about training and alerts. Science Highlight: Back to the basics with conservation detection dogs: ... Read More
Using Dogs for Pest Eradication with Melissa Houghton
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Melissa Houghton about using dogs for pest eradication on a remote world heritage island. Science Highlight: Methodology and challenges of a complex ... Read More
Post-Guatemala Fieldwork Discussions with PhD student Ellen Dymit
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back with Ellen Dymit to talk about their experience with the fieldwork in Guatemala. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: ... Read More
Pre-Guatemala Fieldwork Discussions with PhD student Ellen Dymit
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Ellen Dymit before their fieldwork in Guatemala. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: Barley’s First Find Where to find ... Read More
Using Dogs to Survey for Baw Baw Frogs with Chris Hartnett
Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Chris Hartnett to talk about Baw Baw frogs. Science Highlight: Obedience training effects on search dog performance Links Mentioned in the Episode: ... Read More
Finding Lost GPS Trackers Using Dogs with Sho Rapley
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Sho Rapley about dogs finding GPS trackers. Science Highlight: Diving in Nose First: The Influence of Unfamiliar Search Scale and Environmental Context ... Read More
Field Work Preparation
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks about field work preparation for the upcoming project. You can support the K9 Conservationists Podcast by joining our Patreon at patreon.com/k9conservationists. K9 Conservationists ... ...
Data Dogs Can’t Detect with Toni Proescholdt
Detection Training, Hiring Dog Teams, Podcast Show Notes, Search StrategyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks to Toni Proescholdt from Utah State about the data that dogs can’t detect. Science Highlight: Can volunteers train their pet dogs to detect ... Read More
Updates from the Field and Patreon Q & A
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla provides an update on what K9 Conservationists has been up to and answers some Patreon questions. Science Highlight: Detection distance and environmental factors in ... Read More
Antiracism and Detection Dogs with Kassidi Jones
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Kassidi Jones to talk about antiracism and detection dogs. Science Highlight: Handler beliefs affect scent detection dog outcomes Links Mentioned in the ... Read More
What’s a Dog Trainer, Anyway? With Mike Shikashio and Kim Brophy
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Kim Brophy and Mike Shikashio to answer an important question: what is a dog trainer? Science Highlight: Relationship between aggressive and avoidance ... Read More
Building and Growing Companies with Andrew Ishimaru
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Andrew Ishimaru from RyTech about building and growing companies. Science Highlight: When the nose knows: ontogenetic changes in detection dogs’ (Canis familiaris) ... Read More...
Early Career Conservationist Tips with Gael Sanchez
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Gael Sanchez about joining the field of ecology and conservation. Science Highlight: Curtailment as a successful method for reducing bat mortality at ... Read More
First Season in the Field with Emma Lustig
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Emma Lustig about her first season as a conservation detection dog handler. Science Highlight: Effect of odorant pre-exposure on domestic dogs’ sensitivity ... Read More
Expertise, Accessibility, and Gatekeeping with Cate Roscoe
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Cate Roscoe about Expertise, Accessibility, and Gatekeeping. What does DEI stand for? Can we define each term? Links Mentioned in the ... Read More
Demonstration Dogs with Tayllor Pittman
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with our long time patron Tayllor Pittman about selecting and preparing dogs to be demonstration dogs. Science Highlight: Detection Distance and Environmental Factors ... Read More
Screening Shelter Dogs and Career Changes with Katie Brennan from Search Dog Foundation (Part 2)
Dog Selection, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back with Katie Brennan for part two about sourcing shelter dogs for work. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Where to find Katie: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Recruitment ... Read More...
Screening Shelter Dogs and Career Changes with Katie Brennan from Search Dog Foundation (Part 1)
Dog Selection, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Katie Brennan from Search Dog Foundation about sourcing shelter dogs for work. How do shelters know to reach out? ie, what ... Read More
Patreon Questions with Meg Barnes
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back with our patron Meg Barnes to answer some of her questions! Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: Where to ... Read More
Certifications with Robin Greubel
Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Robin Greubel from K9Sensus about certifying detection dogs. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in the Episode: Where to find Robin: Website ... Read More
Training Expert Dogs to Hand-Off to Amateurs with Miranda Turenne
Dog Selection, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Miranda Turenne from Pacific Assistance Dogs Society about Assistance Dogs. Science Highlight: Canine Olfaction: Scent, Sign, and Situation How do you prep ... Read More
Getting Published 101
Podcast Show Notes, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Charles van Rees, our conservation correspondent, about getting research published. Science Highlight: None How is getting published in academia the ... Read More
Wildlife Chasing with Alisa Healy
Field Safety and Ethics, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Alisa Healy from Dog Forward Training about wildlife chasing. Science Highlight: Training methodology for canine scent detection of a critically endangered ... Read More
Invasive Species with Dr. Charles van Rees
Invasive Species, Podcast Show Notes, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Charles van Rees, our Conservation Correspondent, about invasive species. Science Highlight: None What makes a species invasive? Generalists Fast-reproducing Behavioral ... Re...
Stimulus Control with Sarah Owings
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Sarah Owings about Stimulus Control. Science Highlight: “Reactivity to Stimuli” Is a Temperamental Factor Contributing to Canine Aggression What is stimulus ... Read More
Mid-Season Musings
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks candidly about some mid-season musings. Links Mentioned in the Episode: None You can support the K9 Conservationists Podcast by joining our Patreon ... Read More
Predation Substitute Training with Simone Mueller
Detection Training, Field Safety and Ethics, Info for Early-Career Handlers, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Simone Mueller about Predation Substitute Training. Science Highlight: Performance of Pugs, German Shepherds, and Greyhounds (Canis lupus familiaris) on an odor-discrimination ......
Breeding Functional Working Dogs with Dr. Jessica Hekman
Basics, Dog Selection, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Jessica Hekman from Dog Zombie about Breeding Functional Dogs. Science Highlight: Advancing Genetic Selection and Behavioral Genomics of Working Dogs ... Read More
Airports to Moors: Invasive Species Mitigation with Grant Blackley
Detection Training, Info for Early-Career Handlers, Invasive Species, Podcast Show Notes, Search StrategyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Grant Blackley from Orkney Native Wildlife Project about transitioning from airport screening detection dogs to working with conservation detection dogs. Science ... Read More
Making a Detection Dog Team: Assessing Volunteer Teams in Various Working Conditions
Detection Training, Hiring Dog Teams, ResearchThank you to Madison, who volunteered to write this article. As the world of conservation detection dogs grows, finding or creating more dog and handler teams becomes necessary. Let’s face ... Read More
What are Getxent Tubes? With Gregory Herin
Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Gregory Herin from Getxent to discuss Getxent tubes. Science Highlight: Noninvasive Identification of Herpetofauna: Pairing Conservation Dogs and Genetic Analysis Links ... Read...
Thinking Bigger with Dr. Megan Parker
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Meg Parker from the Center for Large Landscape Conservation to discuss thinking bigger in the world of conservation detection dogs. Science ... Read More
Roundtable: How Did You Select Your Conservation Detection Dog?
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla hosts multiple guests as they answer one of the top questions conservation dog handlers get: how did you select your conservation detection dog? ... Read More
Science Highlight: Nontarget Species Behavior and Scat
Discrimination, ResearchThis week’s science highlight concerns something many K9 Conservationists are very familiar with: scat! The study, “How Behavior of Nontarget Species Affects Perceived Accuracy of Scat Detection Dog Surveys” was ... Read More
Roundtable: How Did You Get into the World of Conservation Detection?
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla hosts multiple guests as they answer one of the top questions conservation dog handlers get: how do you get into the world of ... Read More
Growing as Consultants for Scat Dog Teams: A Co-Founder Conversation
Basics, Detection Training, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode, we sit down with Heather Nootbaar and Rachel Hamre, cofounders of K9 Conservationists. We dive into the work we did in Kenya, especially what Heather and Rachel ... Read More
Combining a Love of Dogs with Conservation with Co-Founder Heather Nootbaar
Basics, Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla interviews co-founder Heather. They discuss how Heather got into the world of conservation detection dogs, her experience before K9 Conservationists, and how she ... Read More
Get to Know K9 Conservationists Co-Founder Rachel Hamre
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla interviews co-founder Rachel Hamre. They discuss how Rachel first got into dog training, her many jobs as a field tech, how she and ... Read More
Remember, Your Training Will Pay Off
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Wind EnergyNot All Days are Good Days I wake up nervous, having barely slept. Today is our first day at the wind farm since October 2021. I’m partially excited to handle ... Read More
Detection Puppy Raising Questions with Meg Barnes from Detection for Good
Alerts and Changes of Behavior, Detection Training, Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla answers some questions from Patron Meg! We discuss when and how to introduce alerts, target odors, and a variety of life skills. We ... Read More
Action for Cheetahs with Mary Wykstra
BasicsIn this bonus episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Mary Wykstra from Carnivores, Livelihoods and Landscapes, about the work they are doing with Actions for Cheetahs in Kenya. Transcription ... Read More
Safe Animal Interactions with Skylos Ecology
Field Safety and Ethics, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with the Skylos Ecology Team, Tracey Lyten and Fiona Jackson, to discuss how to work safely around wildlife and livestock. What are ... Read More
Canine Ergonomics 1 & 2 (Patreon Book Club Notes)
Book Club Notes, ResearchAs part of our monthly Patreon Benefits, we have a book club. For the next few months (summer to fall 2022), we’re reading Canine Ergonomics by William Helton. These rough ... Read More
Laughing and Learning with Naomi Kung’u from Action for Cheetahs in Kenya
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesKayla sits down with Naomi, one of the conservation dog handlers at Actions for Cheetahs in Kenya that she spent 6 weeks with before Heather and Rachel arrived in Kenya. ... Read More
Leveraging Terrier Instincts with Miriam Ritchie
Dog Selection, Invasive Species, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Miriam Ritchie from the New Zealand Department of Conservation about leveraging your dog’s instincts to conduct a job. Science Highlight: Impact of ... Read More
Hide Placements for Training Success with SAR Handler Ann McGloon
Detection Training, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Ann McGloon from Seeking Scent about precision tracking and using hide placement to get the most learning application for your dogs. ... Read More
Collaboration, Invasive Plants, and Insects with Arden from New York New Jersey Trail Conference
Basics, Invasive Species, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Arden from the New York New Jersey Trail Conference about her work helping build coalitions and use detection dogs to mitigate ... Read More
Clean Training for High Drive Dogs with Sarah Owings
Detection Training, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Sarah Owings from Cyber Dog Online Training about clean mechanics for training and working with high drive dogs. Science Highlight: Detecting ... Read More
Poop is Brown Gold: Genetic Analysis with Tara Wilson and Misa Winters
Podcast Show Notes, Research, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Misa Winters and Tara Wilson about laboratory analysis of scat after field collection. Science Highlight: Duration of urination does not change ... Read More
Intelligent Disobedience and Cue Hierarchies with Tony Harvey
Detection Training, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Tony Harvey about intelligent disobedience. Review Highlight: JPinCB says “Kayla’s authentic, enthusiastic interest in all of her guests and topics, paired ... Read More
Things to Consider When Starting a Conservation Detection Dog Program
Basics, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Hiring Dog TeamsIf you’ve used conservation detection dogs in the past or are considering them for future projects, you may wonder whether it’s better to just get a dog yourself versus hiring ... Read More
Breeding Detection Dogs with Kate Graham, Part 2
Dog Selection, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back for part two with Kate Graham from Katalyst Kennels about breeding detection dogs. Science Highlight: Effects of maternal investment, temperament, and ... Read More
Why Do Conservation Detection Dogs Make False Alerts?
Alerts and Changes of Behavior, Basics, Detection Training, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)In January 2022, the K9 Conservationists Team was hired to come to Kenya to help with a struggling conservation detection dog program. Action for Cheetahs in Kenya has two experienced ... Read More
Kenya and K9 Conservationists Update
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla provides an update on what she has been doing in Kenya, announces the new K9 Conservationist course, and answers some questions from patrons. ... Read More
Breeding Detection Dogs with Kate Graham, Part 1
Dog Selection, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Kate Graham from Katalyst Kennels about breeding detection dogs. Science Highlight: Effects of maternal investment, temperament, and cognition on guide dog ... Read More
How to Keep Bats Away from Wind Turbines with Jo Lock
Podcast Show Notes, Research, Wind EnergyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Jo Lock of Nose No Limit and Conservation Dogs Collective regarding her paper about using antecedent arrangement to help reduce bat ... Read More
How Can Conservation Detection Dogs be Paired with Other Survey Methods?
Hiring Dog TeamsConservation detection dogs are a very powerful tool for finding hard-to-find samples. Pairing conservation detection dogs with other survey methods can strengthen the impact of your research and gather additional ... Read More
Unusual Sniffer Dogs and Blood Tracking with Lindsay Ware
Detection Training, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Lindsay Ware of Science Dogs of New England about breed selection for unique uses, big game tracking, and more! Science Highlight: ... Read More
How Wide Should Conservation Dog Search Transects Be?
Research, Search StrategyWhen searching an area for scat, invasive plants, or other data points, many researchers and conservation detection dog teams employ a transect search. In order to determine the appropriate spacing ... Read More
Conservation Canines: How Dogs work for the Environment
Basics, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Isabelle Groc about her book Conservation Canines: How Dogs Work for the Environment. Science Highlight: Performance of detection dogs and visual ... Read More
Panel Discussion with Ken Ramirez, Kim Brophy, Laura Holder, Dr. Erim Gomez, Ursa Acree, and Dr. Charles van Rees
Field Safety and Ethics, Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla hosts a panel of conservationists, dog behavior consultants and trainers, and ecologists. Our panel guests this episode are Dr. Charles van Rees, Ken ... Read More
Training an “All Clear” for Detection Dogs with Paul Bunker of Chiron K9
Alerts and Changes of Behavior, Detection Training, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Paul Bunker about all clear procedures. Science Highlight: An assessment of the effects of habitat structure on the scat finding performance ... Read More
James Davis on Field Safety, Mentorship, and Dealing with Charismatic Invasive Species
Detection Training, Info for Early-Career Handlers, Invasive Species, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with James Davis about his work with Padfoot and the Conservation K9 Podcast. Science Highlight: Detecting Small and Cryptic Animals By Combining ... Read More
Do Our Working Dogs Owe Us Work?
Field Safety and Ethics, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Sarah Stremming and Erin Jones regarding what we owe our working dogs, and what they owe us. Science Highlight: Buzzing with ... Read More
Conservation Dogs of Hawaii with Kyoko Johnson and Dr. Charles van Rees
Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla and Charles speak with Kyoko Johnson about her work at Conservation Dogs Hawaii. Weekly suggestion: Remember to take the plunge. Apply for that ... Read More
Difficult Dogs Part 2, Shelter Stress, and More with Ursa Acree
Dog Selection, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back with a bonus part two episode about difficult dogs in conservation work. She is joined by Ursa Acree, previous co-host on ... Read More
Errors, Mistakes, and Failure in Conservation Dog Training
Detection Training, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks about mistakes, failure, and errors. This week’s science highlight: You Are Not My Handler! Impact of Changing Handlers on Dogs’ Behaviours and Detection ... Read More
What to Know Before Hiring a Conservation Detection Dog Team, Part 2
Hiring Dog Teams, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back for part two with Kyoko Johnson from Conservation Dog Hawaii and Jennifer Hartman from Rogue Detection Teams to continue their talk ... Read More
What to Know Before Hiring a Conservation Detection Dog Team, Part 1
Hiring Dog Teams, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks with Kyoko Johnson from Conservation Dog Hawaii and Jennifer Hartman from Rogue Detection Teams about things to know before hiring a conservation ... Read More
Fringe Alerts with Stacy Barnett
Alerts and Changes of Behavior, Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks to Stacy Barnett about fringe alerts in detection dogs. Episode suggestion: Get up and go for a little walk! What is fringing? ... Read More
Quick Questions About National Geographic’s Called to the Wild
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)Where Was Called to the Wild Filmed? Filming took place in the northwoods of Maine. How Were Contestants Selected? Contestants had to compile video applications to send to casting producers. ... Read More
Bats and Wind Farms with Dr. Merlin Tuttle
Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive Species, Wind EnergyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks to Dr. Merlin Tuttle about bats and wind farms. Episode suggestion: Come to conversations ready to learn and ready to be curious. ... Read More
Barley and Kayla Were Called to the Wild
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)My breath clouded around my face in the cold air as I paused outside the Missoula airport. I paused to put my mask on and readjusted my backpack before leading ... Read More
Books to Read for Conservation Detection Dog Handlers
Info for Early-Career HandlersGetting into the field of conservation detection dog work can be incredibly difficult. There simply aren’t many jobs, and the jobs that do exist are highly competitive. We have discussed ... Read More
Amphibians and Charismatic MiniFauna with Dr. Erim Gomez
Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks to Dr. Erim Gomez. They nerd out about amphibians, diversity, and academia. Episode suggestion: Try something new, even if it’s small! Call ... Read More
“Making It” as a Conservation Detection Dog Handler
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks about her experience and advice on how to “make it” as a K9 Conservationists handler. Let’s be honest: the past year or ... Read More
Give Bats a Break with Nate Marshall
Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive Species, Wind EnergyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla and Charles speak with Nathaniel. They talk about bats, wind farms, and why you should care about the conservation of bats! Episode suggestion: ... Read More
Introducing Conservation Correspondent Dr. Charles van Rees
Invasive Species, Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive SpeciesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla introduces Dr. Charles van Rees. Charles has been on the show before, but will now make a more regular appearance as K9 Conservationists ... Read More
Selecting and Raising a Conservation Dog Puppy with Laura Holder
Dog Selection, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks to Laura Holder of Conservation Dogs Collective. They chat all about puppies! Episode suggestion: Stay curious by being more “dog”! For 90 ... Read More
How to be a K9 Conservationist
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla discusses the ins and outs of becoming a K9 Conservationist! Episode suggestion: It’s okay to not finish a book if you aren’t liking ... Read More
Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists with Jeff Rennicke
Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Jeff Rennickle. They talk about inspiring others to care about the land and Jeff’s experiences with photographing the world and teaching ... Read More
Communications, Travel, and Conservation with Brooke Mitchell-Norman
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Brooke Mitchell-Norman. They talk about tourism, communication, education, and how all of that relates to conservation! Episode suggestion: Don’t sacrifice what ... Read More
The Great Big Data Nerdfest with Dr. Charles van Rees (Pt. 2)
Podcast Show Notes, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Charles Van Rees about data. They discuss the ins and outs of working with data and how to turn data ... Read More
The Great Big Data Nerdfest with Dr. Charles van Rees (Pt. 1)
Podcast Show Notes, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Charles Van Rees about data. They discuss the ins and outs of working with data and how to turn data ... Read More
When Your Dogs are Your Coworkers – And Work is Hard
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla and Marissa Martino get personal discussing the woes of conservation work when handling your emotions while working! They discuss ways to balance how ... Read More
Selecting a Conservation Detection Dog
Dog Selection, Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt talks about considerations when choosing a conservation detection dog, sourcing a dog, and screening a dog. Episode suggestion: “Don’t sacrifice clarity at ... Read More
Off-Leash Etiquette and Ethics
Field Safety and Ethics, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt talks about off-leash etiquette in order to keep your dogs, yourself, others, and the environment safe. Discussed in this Podcast: Off leash ... Read More
Too Much “Structure” Compromises Your Working Dog’s Welfare
Field Safety and Ethics, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla discusses the structure and welfare of a conservation detection dog! This episode is heavily inspired by Sarah Stremming’s Cog Dog Radio Podcast Episode ... Read More
Working with a Teenage Detection Dog
Detection Training, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla discusses what it is like working with a teenage dog and gives tips and tricks to get your young dog in the world ... Read More
A Day in the Life of a Conservation Detection Dog Handler
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Info for Early-Career Handlers, Podcast Show NotesIn this episode, we discuss a day in the life of a conservation detection dog handler on a variety of projects that Kayla has worked on. We cover the daily ... Read More
Midseason Musings: 2021 Summer Update
Basics, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Wind EnergyWe are halfway through our season of finding dead bats on wind farms. This work will help biologists understand trends in how the turbines affect bats, particularly during migration. I ... Read More
Signal Detection Theory with Dr. Simon Gadbois
Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt speaks with Dr. Simon Gadbois to talk about signal detection theory and his conservation work. Discussed in this Podcast: Dr. Gadbois and ... Read More
Introducing the Conservation Dogs Collective
Podcast Show NotesIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt speaks with Laura Holder to introduce Laura’s Conservation Dogs Collective. Discussed in this Podcast: How did you get into conservation detection dog ... Read More
Lengthy Searches with Dr. Nathan Hall
Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, ResearchIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Hall to talk about lengthy searches for conservation dogs. Discussed in this Podcast: How does a dog’s sensitivity ... Read More
Ethology and Working Dogs with Kim Brophey
Dog Selection, Info for Early-Career Handlers, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingToday I have the joy of talking to Kim Brophey about ethology. If you listen to dog podcasts the way I do, you’re probably already a bit obsessed with Kim. ... Read More
Hierarchy of Behavior Change for Working Dogs with Dr. Susan Friedman
Podcast Show Notes, Progressive TrainingToday I have the joy of talking to Dr. Susan Friedman about the hierarchy of behavior change for dog training. This is so central to what we do – ensuring ... Read More
Using Dogs to Count Critically Endangered African Rabbits with Esther Matthew
Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Sensitive SpeciesToday I have the joy of talking to Esther Matthew about training conservation dogs for a critically endangered lagomorph. Read Esther’s full bio at the bottom of the show notes ... Read More
Muzzling for Wildlife Safety with Michael Shikashio
Field Safety and Ethics, Non-Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, SafetyIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla and Michael Shikashio from The Bitey End of the Dog discuss muzzling. They cover why conservation detection dogs might need muzzles and the ... Read More
Our Nearly-Homeless Detection Dog Teams Need Your Help!
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts)One of the hardest parts about being a conservation detection doh handler is the travel. It’s not unusual for me to spend months on the road, living out of hotels ... Read More
Sourcing Odor with Stacy Barnett
Detection Training, Podcast Show Notes, Progressive Training, Sourcing OdorIn this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla and Stacy Barnett discuss sourcing. They cover what sourcing is and all you need to know about sourcing and nose-work. What is sourcing? ... Read More
6 Ways to be a K9 Conservationist for Earth Day
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Info for Early-Career HandlersHere at K9 Conservationists, we’re not just obsessed with training conservation detection dogs. We’re passionate about all the ways that dog lovers (and their dogs) can help protect the planet. ... Read More
Introducing the K9 Conservationists Podcast
Podcast Show Notes0:00 Hello and welcome to the K9 Conservationists Podcast! We’ve got a new name. As our loyal listeners know, we’ve recently lost my beloved co-host Ursa. She’s not dead! She’s ... Read More
What’s It Like to Be a Conservation Detection Dog Handler?
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Info for Early-Career HandlersTo many outdoorsy dog lovers, being a conservation detection dog handler sounds like an absolute dream job. In many ways, it absolutely is. But what is the job actually like? ... Read More
How I Became a Conservation Detection Dog Handler
Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Info for Early-Career HandlersI love talking about my job. I truly think I have one of the coolest jobs in the world. When I’m talking to people about the work I do, I ... Read More
Can Any Breed be a Conservation Detection Dog?
Dog Selection, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Info for Early-Career HandlersNot every dog can cut it as a conservation detection dog. As we discussed in our article “Could My Dog Be a K9 Conservationist,” generally trainers look for dogs that ... Read More
What Is a Conservation Detection Dog?
Basics, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Hiring Dog Teams, Info for Early-Career HandlersConservation detection dogs are dogs that are specially trained to sniff out odors related to conservation. They work similarly to bomb, drug, or search and rescue dogs—but instead of searching ... Read More
Could My Dog be a K9 Conservationist?
Basics, Dog Selection, Field Notes (K9C Blog Posts), Info for Early-Career HandlersIf you’ve recently learned what conservation detection dogs are, you may be wondering if your beloved Fluffy has what it takes to help protect the planet. Can Any Dog Be ... Read More