What to Know Before Hiring a Conservation Dog Team with Conservation Dogs of Hawaii and Rogue Detection Teams

In 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 detection dog team.

What are some things scientists should consider before hiring a conservation detection dog team?

• Lower density finds are easier for dogs
• Dogs are often used near the end of a project vs the beginning or brought in to target a more specific area
• It is important they have their question ready and prepared in order to figure out if dogs will be useful to the project or not
• Conservation detection teams are understaffed, so sometimes it’s best to consider other options that are more feasible

Pros of detection dogs?

• They can be used in tandem with other methods, which can be very successful
• Detection dogs are non-invasive
• They are not biased
• Dogs can narrow down species easier

How to know if the dog will be able to successfully collect data?

• It’s not possible to guarantee that it will work
• Known target types in which dogs have been successfully used in other projects
• Go with an experienced team to ensure best accuracy if it is something new

What is the importance of training samples beforehand?

• Reliable training samples is important for the dog to be able to detect for your project
• It is important to have a sample from the location you are working in
• Variety in samples is important (sexes, different individuals, etc.)
• The fresher the sample the better, but sometimes it's not possible
• It is important to note samples will always differ from live odors when on the job

Why is it important to let teams know about past difficulties with projects?

• Some previous difficulties may not be relevant to a dog’s work, but it is good to know to ensure that the teams are able to help with the project

Why are realistic timelines so important for researchers to understand?

• It takes time to train a dog on a new odor
• Projects may have various limitations
• There are travel considerations - vaccines, etc.

Why do some scientists think detection dogs dont work?

• Study design may limit teams
• Expecting the method to perform the same way other methods do
• Patience is needed as it takes time to get the dogs ready on a scent
• Limited funding for teams

What are the risks of the dogs being invasive?

• The standards the dogs have when working are high
• Dogs could not do their job if they were a risk for chasing wildlife

What are some preventative measures to take for both the dogs health and the wildlife’s health?

• Vaccinations
• Ensuring your dogs have everything they need - fresh water, proper food, etc.
• Daily checks to ensure they are healthy
• Be prepared to stop work if they are sick or injured