COURSE DESCRIPTION: Scent detection dogs are increasingly being used in a variety of situations, from law enforcement to medicine. Their recent application in field programs is seen as a way to enhance conservation research success by improving the frequency or probability of finding focal organisms, including rare or cryptic species. This course uses a case-study approach featuring an ongoing field-based project as a means to introduce participants to some of the practical issues, considerations, and benefits of using tracking dogs in conservation. Taught by three instructors with complementary expertise, this course explores the intersection of field methodology, animal training, and the natural history of a target species. Participants will learn about field methods in herpetology, practical considerations of canine temperament and training, and discuss real-life study logistics in an online platform. Participants will gain a unique insight into what is involved in using scent detection dogs as well as the potential benefits of this approach.

*Following this 3-week online course, students have the option to take the additional 1-week field course (1-credit equivalent), which consists of in-person observations of research methods, training, and tracking in the field. Click here to learn more: Scent Detection Dogs in Conservation Research (Field Course).

DATES: June 7 – June 25, 2021

COST: $1200 professional / $1000 student

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS: Watch our exclusive video interview with Dr. Jack Hopkins, President of CWS, along with Dr. Matthew Chatfield, Dr. Cheryl Frederick, as well as Lindsay Ware and her scent detection dog, Chili, to learn all about this exciting new course!

PODCAST: Learn about the importance of using scent detection dogs in wildlife conservation.

CENTER FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote wildlife conservation and education worldwide through research and specialized training.