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Logo designed by Arik Engstrom

A training event for
Conservation Detection Dog Handlers

Topics will include:

  • Turtle diversity,

  • Ecology,

  • Anatomy,

  • Threats,

  • Field procedures, 

  • Imprinting,

  • Permits

  • and Canine Surveys

 

All participants will receive a

field equipment starter kit containing

  • Spring scales,

  • Triangular file,

  • Calipers,

  • Polarized glasses,

  • Waterproof paper,

  • Data sheets,

  • Flagging tape,

  • Stickers,

  • Maps, and more  

Join us for three intense days of work to prepare to survey 

terrestrial and aquatic turtles

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General Schedule

Day one will be almost entirely in the classroom 

  • Many lectures and worksheets

  • Imprint dogs on scent samples

  • Practice measuring and marking a model turtle

  • Indoor searches with distractions

  • Introduction to live turtles and scent collection

  • Optional dinner with your instructors at a local restaurant

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Day two will be half inside and half outdoors

  • Some lectures and worksheets

  • Practice measuring and marking real turtles (when available)

  • Outdoor searches building up to an acre ​

  • Indoor searches for dogs who need more practice

  • Optional dinner with your instructors at a local restaurant

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Day three will be almost entirely outside

  • Short lecture (if needed)

  • Dividing into search groups (ideally one auditor per dog team)

  • Searching forested plots with feedback

  • Real data collection

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Optional extra days for those willing to volunteer

  • Searching forested plots, potentially with feedback

  • Real data collection

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Eligibility

This event is intended for conservation dog handlers and biologist who are planning to survey turtles in the next two years

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Requirements for two-legged participants

  • Participants must have either a scientific collection permit from their state wildlife department OR the recommendation of a conservation organization such as a

    • Land trust

    • Conservation Commission

    • Town planner or planning board

    • Government biologist

    • Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Nature center with its own population of turtles

    • Environmental consultancy 

    • University research lab

    • Citizen science program

  • Participants are expected to have basic navigation skills with a map and compass 

  • Participants must pass a background check

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Requirements for four-legged participants

  • Dogs must already be imprinted on an odor and able to comfortably search a forested acre

  • Dogs must currently be vaccinated for Rabies (titers accepted)

  • As we will be working with live animals, dogs must have a strong "leave it" or low prey drive

 

Female dogs in heat WILL be allowed

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Due to the high volume of turtles being poached from the Unites States
participants are required to pass a background check  

Dates and Locations

May 2026
Specific days TBA

Cost information and registration link coming soon

Our inaugural event!

Randolph County, North Carolina

The exact location will be sent to participants 

Featuring professional herpetologists

Dr. Kris Hoffmann of Bark and Code

Dr Betsy Roznik of the North Carolina Zoo

and detection dog trainer

Hedy Star of North Country Canine

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The Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) will be our survey species

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tentative
December 2026 

Florida

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