Introduction: Conservation Detection Dogs (CDDs) are trained to locate biological targets, such as endangered animals and invasive weeds, relevant to conservation efforts. In some settings, CDDs are more effective than other survey methods. Despite this, the financial costs associated with training and maintaining CDDs, alongside concerns around meeting dogs’ welfare needs, prohibit their use by smaller, volunteer-based, conservation groups. In this study, we evaluated a program in which members of the general community volunteered to train their own companion dog to detect a target scent.
Methodology: Following an initial assessment, 20 volunteers and their pet dogs were selected to participate. Dog-handler pairs, only some of whom had prior dog training experience, worked with two professional CDD trainers in a 12-week program, during which they were trained to detect myrrh in controlled laboratory conditions. Search effectiveness was evaluated in weeks 6 and 12. The dog owners were also interviewed on their motivations before and their experiences following their involvement in the program.
Main Results: Seventeen of the 20 dog-handler pairs completed the program. Handlers found spending time with their dog very rewarding, and their bond with their dog grew stronger during the program. Nearly all participants reported that they were highly motivated to participate, with their dog, in local conservation projects. During the final assessment, teams accurately located a target scent presented amongst nine unscented pots on a scent board in 96% of trials, and 88% of trials when the board contained novel distractor scents. Teams located the target in 100% of trials conducted in an empty room and 97% of trials in a room containing obstacles.
Principal conclusions and implications: Volunteer dog owners can successfully train pet dogs to locate a target scent in controlled laboratory conditions, in under 12 weeks, even when their prior dog training experience is limited. Volunteers enjoyed the program and expressed interest in continued involvement in conservation projects. This volunteer model offers a sustainable way to help address financial and welfare considerations associated with professional CDDs. It also engages new and existing volunteers in local conservation work and strengthens the human-animal bond.