K9 Conservationists

Patreon Q&A with Caisa Persson Werme

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with our patreon Caisa Persson Werme to answer questions about training and alerts. Science High...

Using Dogs for Pest Eradication with Melissa Houghton

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Melissa Houghton about using dogs for pest eradication on a remote world heritage island. Sc...

Post Guatemala Fieldwork Discussions with PhD student Ellen Dymit

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back with Ellen Dymit to talk about their experience with the fieldwork in Guatemala. Science Highlig...

Pre Guatemala Fieldwork Discussions with PhD student Ellen Dymit

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Ellen Dymit before their fieldwork in Guatemala. Science Highlight: None Links Mentioned in ...

Baw Baw Frogs with Chris Hartnett

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Chris Hartnett to talk about Baw Baw frogs. Science Highlight: Obedience training effects on...

Dogs Finding GPS Trackers with Sho Rapley

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Sho Rapley about dogs finding GPS trackers. Science Highlight: Diving in Nose First: The Inf...

Field Work Preparation

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks about field work preparation for the upcoming project. You can support the K9 Conservationists Pod...

Data Dogs Can't Detect with Toni Proescholdt

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks to Toni Proescholdt from Utah State about the data that dogs can’t detect. Science Highlight: C...

Updates from the Field and Patreon Q&A

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla provides an update on what K9 Conservationists has been up to and answers some Patreon questions. Scienc...

Antiracism and Detection Dogs with Kassidi Jones

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Kassidi Jones to talk about antiracism and detection dogs. Science Highlight: Handler belief...

Are We Trainers? with Kim Brophy and Mike Shikashio

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Kim Brophy and Mike Shikashio to answer an important question: what is a dog trainer? Scienc...

Building and Growing Companies with Andrew Ishimaru

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Andrew Ishimaru from RyTech about building and growing companies. Science Highlight: When th...

Early Career Conservationist Tips with Gael Sanchez

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Gael Sanchez about joining the field of ecology and conservation. Science Highlight: Curtail...

First Season in the Field with Emma Lustig

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Emma Lustig about her first season as a conservation detection dog handler. Science Highligh...

Expertise, Accessibility, and Gatekeeping with Cate Roscoe

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Cate Roscoe about Expertise, Accessibility, and Gatekeeping. What does DEI stand for? Can we...

Demonstration Dogs with Tayllor Pittman

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with our long time patron Tayllor Pittman about selecting and preparing dogs to be demonstration ...

Sourcing Shelter Dogs with Katie Brennan (Part 2 of 2)

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back with Katie Brennan for part two about sourcing shelter dogs for work. Links Mentioned in the Epi...

Sourcing Shelter Dogs with Katie Brennan (Part 1 of 2)

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Katie Brennan from Search Dog Foundation about sourcing shelter dogs for work.  How do ...

Patreon Questions with Meg Barnes

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back with our patron Meg Barnes to answer some of her questions! Science Highlight: None Links Mentio...

Certifications with Robin Greubel

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Robin Greubel from K9Sensus about certifying detection dogs. Science Highlight: None A cer...

Training Expert Dogs to Hand-Off to Amateurs with Miranda Turenne

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Miranda Turenne from Pacific Assistance Dogs Society about Assistance Dogs. Science Highligh...

Getting Published 101

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Charles van Rees, our conservation correspondent, about getting research published. Scie...

Preventing Wildlife Chasing with Alisa Healy

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Alisa Healy from Dog Forward Training about wildlife chasing. Science Highlight: Training me...

Invasive Species with Dr. Charles van Rees

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Charles van Rees, our Conservation Correspondent, about invasive species. Science Highli...

Mid Season Musings

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks candidly about some mid-season musings.  Links Mentioned in the Episode: None You can support...

Predation Substitute with Simone Mueller

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Simone Mueller about Predation Substitute Training. Science Highlight: Performance of Pugs, ...

Breeding Functional Working Dogs with Dr. Jessica Heckman

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Jessica Heckman from Dog Zombie about Breeding Functional Dogs. Science Highlight: Advan...

Airports to Moors: Invasive Species Mitigation with Grant Blackley

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Grant Blackley from Orkney Native Wildlife Project about transitioning from airport screenin...

What are Getxent Tubes? Gregory Herin

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Gregory Herin from Getxent to discuss Getxent tubes.  Science Highlight: Noninvasive Id...

Thinking Bigger with Meg Parker

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Meg Parker from the Center for Large Landscape Conservation to discuss thinking bigger in th...

Top 2 Questions Part 2: How Did You Select Your Conservation Detection Dog?

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla hosts multiple guests as they answer one of the top questions conservation dog handlers get: how did you...

Roundtable: How Did You Get into the World of Conservation Detection?

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla hosts multiple guests as they answer one of the top questions conservation dog handlers get: how do you ...

Growing as Consultants for Scat Dog Teams: A Co-Founder Conversation

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we sit down with Heather Nootbaar and Rachel Hamre, cofounders of K9 Conservationists. We dive into the work we did in Kenya, especia...

Combining a Love of Dogs with Conservation with Co-Founder Heather Nootbaar

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla interviews co-founder Heather. They discuss how Heather got into the world of conservation detection dog...

Get to Know K9 Conservationists Co-Founder Rachel Hamre

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla interviews co-founder Rachel Hamre. They discuss how Rachel first got into dog training, her many jobs a...

Detection Puppy Raising Questions with Meg Barnes from Detection for Good

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla answers some questions from Patron Meg! We discuss when and how to introduce alerts, target odors, and a...

Safe Animal Interactions with Skylos Ecology Team

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with the Skylos Ecology Team, Tracey Lyten and Fiona Jackson, to discuss how to work safely...

Growing as a Handler with Edwin Kimutai from Action for Cheetahs in Kenya

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Edwin, a conservation dog handler at Actions for Cheetahs in Kenya. Kayla spent 6 weeks with...

Learning and Laughing with Naomi Kung'u from Action for Cheetahs in Kenya

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Naomi, one of the conservation dog handlers at Actions for Cheetahs in Kenya that she ...

Leveraging Terrier Instincts with Miriam Ritchie

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Miriam Ritchie from the New Zealand Department of Conservation about leveraging your dog’s...

Collaboration, Invasive Plants, and Insects with Arden from New York New Jersey Trail Conference

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Arden from the New York New Jersey Trail Conference about her work helping build coalitions ...

Clean Training for High Drive Dogs with Sarah Owings

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Sarah Owings from Cyber Dog Online Training about clean mechanics for training and working w...

Intelligent Disobedience and Cue Hierarchies with Tony Harvey

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Tony Harvey about intelligent disobedience. Review Highlight: JPinCB says “Kayla’s authe...

Poop is Brown Gold with Misa Winters & Tara Wilson

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Misa Winters and Tara Wilson about laboratory analysis of scat after field collection. Scien...

Kenya & K9 Conservationists Update

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla provides an update on what she has been doing in Kenya, announces the new K9 Conservationist course, and...

Breeding Detection Dogs Part 2 with Kate Graham

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back for part two with Kate Graham from Katalyst Kennels about breeding detection dogs. Science Highl...

Breeding Detection Dogs Part 1 with Kate Graham

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Kate Graham from Katalyst Kennels about breeding detection dogs. Science Highlight: Effects ...

A Possible Solution for the Bat and Wind Farm Crisis with Jo Lock

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Jo Lock of Nose No Limit and Conservation Dogs Collective regarding her paper about using an...

Action for Cheetahs in Kenya - BONUS Episode

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Mary Wykstra from Carnivores, Livelihoods and Landscapes, about the work they are doin...

Unusual Sniffer Dogs and Blood Tracking with Lindsay Ware

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Lindsay Ware of Science Dogs of New England about breed selection for unique uses, big game ...

Conservation Canines: How Dogs work for the Environment

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Isabelle Groc about her book Conservation Canines: How Dogs Work for the Environment. Scienc...

Panel Discussion with Ken Ramirez, Kim Brophy, Laura Holder, Dr. Erim Gomez, Ursa Acree, and Dr. Charles van Rees

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla hosts a panel of conservationists, dog behavior consultants and trainers, and ecologists. Our panel gues...

Training an "All Clear" for Detection Dogs with Paul Bunker of Chiron K9

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Paul Bunker about all clear procedures. Science Highlight: An assessment of the effects of h...

James Davis on Field Safety, Mentorship, and Dealing with Charismatic Invasive Species

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with James Davis about his work with Padfoot Science Highlight: Detecting Small and Cryptic Anima...

Do Our Working Dogs Owe Us Work?

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In 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....

Conservation Dogs of Hawaii with Kyoko Johnson and Dr. Charles van Rees

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla and Charles speak with Kyoko Johnson about her work at Conservation Dogs Hawaii. What are some threats t...

Difficult Dogs and Conservation with Rogue Detection Teams

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks to Jennifer Hartman and Heath Smith from Rogue Detection Teams about working with behaviorally “...

Errors, Mistakes, and Failure in Conservation Dog Training

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks about mistakes, failure, and errors. This week’s science highlight: You Are Not My Handler! Impa...

What to Know Before Hiring a Conservation Detection Dog Team, Part 2

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla is back for part two with Kyoko Johnson from Conservation Dog Hawaii and Jennifer Hartman from Rogue Det...

BONUS: Called to the Wild: Kayla and Barley on National Geographic and Disney+

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In October 2020, Kayla and Barley flew to Maine to compete in a dog human survival challenge now published on National Geographic and Disney+. The sho...

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

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks with Kyoko Johnson from Conservation Dog Hawaii and Jennifer Hartman from Rogue Detection Teams ab...

Fringe Alerts with Stacy Barnett

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks to Stacy Barnett about fringe alerts in detection dogs. What is fringing? When a dog alerts to o...

Bats and Wind Farms with Dr. Merlin Tuttle

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks to Dr. Merlin Tuttle about bats and wind farms. Episode suggestion: Come to conversations ready to...

Amphibians and Charismatic MiniFauna with Dr. Erim Gomez

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks to Dr. Erim Gomez. They nerd out about amphibians, diversity, and academia! Episode suggestion: Tr...

"Making It" as a Conservation Detection Dog Handler

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks about her experience and advice on how to “make it” as a K9 Conservationists handler. Call to ...

Give Bats a Break with Nate Marshall

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla and Charles speak with Nate Marshall. They talk about bats, wind farms, and why you should care about th...

Introducing Our New Conservation Correspondent: Dr. Charles van Rees

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In 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 a...

Selecting and Raising a Conservation Detection Dog Puppy with Laura Holder

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla talks to Laura Holder of Conservation Dogs Collective. They chat all about puppies!  Episode sugges...

How to be a K9 Conservationist

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla discusses the ins and outs of becoming a K9 Conservationist! Episode suggestion:  It’s okay to no...

Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists with Jeff Rennicke

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Jeff Rennickle. They talk about inspiring others to care about the land and Jeff’s experie...

Communications, Travel, and Conservation with Brooke Mitchell-Norman

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Brooke Mitchell-Norman. They talk about tourism, communication, education, and how all of th...

The Great Big Data Nerdfest with Dr. Charles van Rees (Part 2)

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In 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 ...

Data Nerdfest with Dr. Charles van Rees (Part 1)

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In 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 ...

When Your Dogs are Your Coworkers - And Work is Hard

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla and Marissa Martino get personal discussing the woes of conservation work when handling your emotions wh...

Selecting a Conservation Detection Dog

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt talks about considerations when choosing a conservation detection dog, sourcing a dog, and screeni...

Off-Leash Etiquette and Ethics

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt talks about off-leash etiquette in order to keep your dogs, yourself, others, and the environment ...

Too Much "Structure" Compromises Your Working Dog's Welfare

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla discusses the structure and welfare of a conservation detection dog! This episode is heavily inspired by...

Working with a Teenage Detection Dog

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In 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 ...

Signal Detection Theory with Dr. Simon Gadbois

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt speaks with Dr. Simon Gadbois to talk about signal detection theory and his conservation work! Dis...

Lengthy Searches with Dr. Nathan Hall

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Hall to talk about lengthy searches for conservation dogs! Discussed in ...

Introducing the Conservation Dogs Collective

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt speaks with Laura Holder to introduce Laura’s Conservation Dogs Collective! Discussed in this Po...

Ethology and Working Dogs with Kim Brophey

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today 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 wi...

Hierarchy of Behavior Change for Working Dogs with Dr. Susan Friedman

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today 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 - ensu...

Using Dogs to Count Critically Endangered African Rabbits with Esther Matthew

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today I have the joy of talking to Esther Matthew about training conservation dogs for a critically endangered South African lagomorph: the riverine r...

Muzzling for Wildlife Safety with Michael Shikashio

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla and Michael Shikashio from The Bitey End of the Dog discuss muzzling. They cover why conservation detect...

Sourcing Odor with Stacy Barnett

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla and Stacy Barnett discuss sourcing. They cover what sourcing is and all you need to know about sourcing ...

Consent in Training

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For the final episode of Canine Conversations before we transition fully to K9 Conservationists, we're talking about consent with Erin Jones. We cover...

Introducing: K9 Conservationists

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello and welcome to the K9 Conservationists Podcast! We've got a new name! As our loyal listeners know, we recently lost my beloved cohost Ursa. Afte...

61. Goodbyes and Hot Takes

11 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ursa is leaving the podcast for new and exciting endeavors. But before she goes, we're tackling a Patreon question and another round of HOT TAKES!&nbs...

Shaping vs. Cueing with Hannah Brannigan

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking to Hannah Branigan about cueing versus shaping in your training sessions. Now this might sound a bit nerdy - and it probably wil...

Ep. 60: Life Updates and Hot Takes Part 3

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kayla and Ursa provide updates on their life and play another quick round of hot takes. They take turns pulling a topic from a hat, then they have 3 ...

Ep. 59: Conservation Training with Ken Ramirez

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Discussed in this episode: Creating plans for non-trainer dog handlers Working with clients vs working with conservation problems Elephant migratio...

Ep. 58: Hot Takes Part 2

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kayla and Ursa return for another Hot Takes. They take turns pulling a topic from a hat, then they have 3 minutes to give their thoughts on it - then ...

Ep. 57: Hot Takes Part 1

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kayla and Ursa try out a new format they're calling Hot Takes. They take turns pulling a topic from a hat, then they have 3 minutes to give their thou...

Ep. 56: Preparing for a Puppy

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kayla speaks to Rebecca Hintz of Wintegrity K9 in Vacaville CA about deciding where to get a puppy. For the purpose of this episode, we are only ...

Ep. 55: Meeting Everyone's Needs with Marissa Martino

05 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Kayla hopped on the line with Marissa, our former co-host. On the show, we discussed how to provide your dog with the necessary ...

Ep. 53: Case Study on Madge

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ursa and Kayla chat about Madge, Kayla's uber-fearful foster dog from earlier this spring. They also get a great update from Madge's new family!

Ep. 52: Dominance with Kim Brophey

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kayla sits down with Kim Brophy to discuss dominance in dogs and dog training from an ethological lens.

Ep. 51: Tips for Surviving the Holidays with Your Dog

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kayla and Ursa discuss management strategies and training solutions to help make holiday gatherings less stressful for you, your dog, and your friends...

Ep. 50: Behavioral Euthanasia Part 2

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kayla and Ursa revisit the difficult topic of behavioral euthanasia.