SEEKING CRB DETECTION DOG TEAM CANDIDATES
CDH is seeking dog team candidates on Kaua‘i for our new Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) volunteer detection dog program. We conducted a proof-of-concept project in 2024, and we are now ready to start an operational program to contribute to the effort to control this highly invasive species on the island of Kaua‘i. (Read more about CRB here.)
Please find more details below, including volunteer dog team benefits, dog criteria, dog handler criteria, program details, and application process.
VOLUNTEER DOG TEAM BENEFITS
- Being an integral part of helping to protect Kaua‘i's coconut trees, native Pritchardia (loulu palms), hala, and other hosts
- Learning valuable detection dog handling skills that will enhance your résumé and will enable you to participate in future conservation dog projects
- Gives dogs a stimulating job, increasing dog happiness and exercise
- More bonding between dog and owner/handler
- Recognition on social media
- Recognition by community members
DOG CRITERIA
High level of interest in food or toy - The dog must be willing to work for their food and/or toy in all environments regardless of environmental distractions and weather conditions (we will assess this in person if your questionnaire and initial application qualify you and your dog for the program)
Environmentally confident - Must be comfortable with strangers in close proximity, climbing on/over/around clutter, walking through thick vegetation and mud, going up and down slopes, hearing loud noises in the area such as weed wackers and garbage trucks, etc.
Unfazed by other animals - Must not be overly excited or aggressive towards rodents, cats, chickens, other birds, and farm animals (goats, pigs, horses, cows); and barking dogs (in nearby properties).
Undistracted by critter smells - Must not be overly distracted by animal scents such as cat pee, cat poop, dog pee, pig trails, etc.
Physically fit and agile - The dog will be required to work for up to 2 hours per session (with breaks). Some properties will require the dog team to go up and down slopes, so the dog should be physically fit. There is no age restriction, however 1-4 years of age is ideal so that the dog is mature but will have a long working life.
Able to work effectively off leash - The dog should be able to work off leash without running off and getting overly distracted. While most of the work will be done on leash, there will be vegetation and mulch piles that will be easier to survey with the dog off leash. Ideally the dog doesn’t range too far from the dog handler.
Size - There’s no limitation on dog size however very small dogs with short legs (e.g. dachshund, chihuahua) may have a hard time navigating the vegetation and mulch piles and covering a large amount of area efficiently. So dogs will ideally be 20+ lbs and have regular or long leg length.
Breed - There’s no limitation on dog breed however brachycephalic (short snout) dogs are not ideal for this work, as they may overheat with the detailed sniffing that will be required in warm and humid environments.
DOG HANDLER CRITERIA
Flexible schedule - Dog handler must have a flexible schedule and have some availability on weekdays and weekends, since group training sessions and field surveys may be on weekdays or weekends. If you have a 9-5 Mon-Fri work schedule, this position will not be suitable for you.
Living Location - Dog handler lives on Kauaʻi, and plans to live on Kaua‘i for the near future (next 3 years or more).
Physically fit and agile - Physically fit enough to spend up to 2 hours working their dog during training sessions and on field surveys. The training sessions and field surveys will require walking on uneven ground, and some survey locations may involve jumping over streams or going up and down semi-steep slopes. So the dog handler should be fit and have healthy joints.
Program commitment - In addition to being committed to helping the community and the environment, the dog handler must commit to completing the training process (4-6 months) and then conducting volunteer surveys for a minimum of one year after that. More details are listed under PROGRAM DETAILS.
KAUAʻI SURVEY ENVIRONMENT
- County facilities - refuse stations
- Parks and recreational areas
- Private businesses - plant nurseries, green waste/mulch/compost sites, golf courses
- Residential properties
PROGRAM DETAILS & CRITERIA
Initial 6-month Training Program
- Group training sessions - 3 hours twice a month for 4-6 months
- Zoom sessions - 1.5-2 hours twice a month for 6 months
- Assist KISC (Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee) with surveys to learn about survey locations, collection methods and more - 3 hours once a month for the first 3 months
- Training on own time - 20 minutes per session at least 3x a week
Certification Test - Dog and handler team will participate in a series of certification tests (odor recognition test, blind searches) and assessments to demonstrate their proficiency prior to conducting field surveys.
Field Surveys and Continued Training
- Group training sessions - 2 hours once a month for 6 months following certification
- Zoom sessions - 1.5 hours once a month for 6 months following certification
- Field surveys - 3 hours, minimum of twice a month. Must commit to at least 1 year of field surveys after certification, as we are investing our time into training you and your dog. (Surveys will be conducted with guidance from KISC and in coordination with private property owners.)
Training Locations / Survey Locations - The dog team must be willing to drive to the Wailua/Līhu‘e area for twice-a-month group training sessions. Eventual field surveys may be anywhere on the island, and the dog team must be willing to drive to those locations. Gasoline fees for surveys will be reimbursed.
APPLICATION FEE & PROCESS
Program Fee - There is no fee for the training program. However dog teams that are accepted into the program will pay a $200 deposit which will be fully refunded upon completing the 6-month training program and passing the certification tests. The purpose of the deposit is to ensure the dog team’s commitment to completing the training program.
Application Process - If you think you and your dog fit the criteria for this program and you are interested in applying for a position, please download the questionnaire below, fill it out, and email it to CDH at info@conservationdogshawaii.org with email subject “CRB Kauai Dog Team Application.”
NOTE: If you and your dog fit all the criteria for the CRB program except for schedule and availability, we may be able to match you with another program. Please fill out the questionnaire above and email it to us and let us know that you are interested in future programs.
