Detection Dog Surveys
Detection dogs are among the most effective tools available for wildlife surveys, because their extraordinary olfactory abilities enable them to locate a wide variety of data; they’re invaluable for gathering high-quality data on cryptic, rare, or low-density species that might otherwise go undetected. Dogs also often outperform human searchers and other traditional survey methods in speed, accuracy, and detection rate.
Dogs are versatile
Dogs can learn many different odors over their lifetime, and have been used to find a variety of wildlife targets including:
Carcasses
Scat
Invasive species
Rare plants
Environmental pollutants
Live animals
Animal dens, nests, or burrows
Diseases
Safety is a top priority
For our working dogs: Our handlers are well-accustomed to working with dogs in challenging environments. We follow strict safety protocols to reduce risk of accidents and injury, and are certified in canine first aid. We take additional precautions when warranted, such as rattlesnake aversion training for our dogs that work in areas with healthy rattlesnake populations.
For the wildlife we encounter: Detection dog teams operate as a low-impact survey method. In many applications, dogs allow us to collect critical data without capturing, handling, or directly interacting with animals, minimizing disturbance to sensitive species. Our dogs also never interact with wildlife during surveys - we specifically select dogs with naturally low prey drive, and further shape their behavior to promote neutrality towards wildlife. We take additional precautions when requested, such as utilizing a muzzle or conducting searches on a long-line.
Have questions about our dog teams?
Curious if dogs can locate a certain odor? Questions about logistics? Want to know if dogs are the right fit for your project? We have answers! We’re incredibly passionate about our dogs and the work they do. Whether it’s detection dogs or a more traditional survey method, we want to help you find the right solution for your project.
