Turtle Detection Boot Camp

Logo designed by Arik Engstrom

A training event for
Conservation Detection Dog Handlers

Join us for three intense days of work to prepare

to survey terrestrial and aquatic turtles

Topics will include:

Turtle diversity,
Ecology,
Anatomy,
Threats,
Field procedures,
Imprinting,
Permits,
Statistical models,
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

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

This workshop does NOT cover the ecology of

Marine Species

Tentative 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

Day two will be half inside and half outdoors

Many lectures and worksheets
Habitat walk and scent movement discussion
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

Day three will be almost entirely outside

Some lectures (if needed)
Dividing into search groups (ideally one auditor per dog team)
Searching forested plots with feedback
Real data collection

Optional extra days for those willing to volunteer

Searching forested plots, potentially with feedback
Real data collection

Eligibility

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

Requirements for two-legged participants

Participants must have the recommendation of a conservation organization such as a
- State wildlife agency
- Land trust
- Conservation Commission
- Town planner or planning board
- Wildlife Sanctuary with its own population of turtles
- Nature center with its own population of turtles
- Environmental consultancy
- University research lab
- Citizen science program
Participants must pass a background check
We expect participants will have basic navigation skills with a map, compass, and / or electronic device

Requirements for four-legged participants

Dogs must already be imprinted on an odor and able to comfortably search outside with distractions
Dogs must currently be vaccinated for Rabies (titers accepted)
Dogs must be able to work on a long-line or off leash
Dogs must have a strong "leave it" or low prey drive
- As we will be working with live animals, we reserve the right to dismiss dogs that we feel are unsafe.
- We will work with handlers to introduce their dogs to the turtles, and expect that some dogs may need time to adjust to alerting without touching.
- Dogs that continuously pick up, bite, or snap at a live animal and / or those whose arousal cannot be controlled may be dismissed.

****Female dogs in heat WILL be allowed****

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

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

We are considering hosting future workshops if we have enough interest

A training event for Conservation Detection Dog Handlers