The only online program to prepare you for training, handling, and working with conservation detection dogs. You've studied hard, listened to podcasts, read books, and scrolled through social media dreaming of using conservation detection dogs to save the planet. But you've never quite been able to put it all together alone. You want to train your dog right the first time and make the biggest impact for conservation biology. The K9 Conservationists Handler Course is based on a college course model, with preassigned literature from a variety of experts, video homework for hands-on dog training and fieldwork, invigorating discussion, and an optional final exam. What you'll learn: - How learning theory, cognition, and dog behavior relates to detection dog success - How to train your detection dog, including selection, troubleshooting, and operational searches - How to read terrain, vegetation, and odor movement for search success - How to conduct field searches safely, assess risk, and advocate for your K9 partner on-site - Why welfare, ethics, and husbandry are SO important to detection dog program success - How to find jobs, assist in study design - Why sample storage and collection is so important and how to do it well What you'll get: - 18 live Zoom meetings to discuss reading and listening and go over homework videos. - Recordings of Zoom meetings to revisit later on - Lifetime access to the course - Curated pre-work including scientific papers, podcast episodes, and articles from a wide variety of subject matter experts - An optional final exam with a certificate of completion - Feedback on homework including GPS exercises, mock search setups, and short essays - Enthusiastic support, cheerleading, and accountability from your classmates and instructors

Sponsor:K9 Conservationists
Speaker(s):Kayla Fratt, IAABC CDBC; Rachel Hamre, CPDT-KA; Heather Nootbaar; Laura Holder, CPDT-KA; Kyoko Johns

Contact: Kayla Fratt
 Email: k9conservationists@gmail.com
 Web: https://k9conservationists.org/k9-handler-class/