About Wildlife Conservation Detection
Want to become a professional scent detection trainer? In our Wildlife Conservation Detection Certification, you will learn to train dogs to find the target odour of wildlife in the field.
When suitable high energy dogs who need an outlet for their energy are trained using our proven motivational protocols, detection becomes their dream job. This video shows Bear, a certified wildlife conservation detection dog, searching for bat and bird carcasses on a wind farm.
Dogs have been working in conservation since the 1890's. Detection dogs search large areas faster than humans and machines. McKeague's 2024 review documented canine conservation in 62 countries and 480 species including "terrestrial, avian and aquatic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, molluscs, fungi, bacteria and invasive plants". As human populations continue to encroach on natural environments and extinctions are exploding, the demand for wildlife conservation is skyrocketing. Your imagination is the limit, and we'll show you exactly how to get started.
Scent Detection Certification
Our scent detection certification program will set you up for success. You'll get answers to your questions and learn exactly what to do to train reliable detection dogs that enjoy their jobs. You'll get feedback and learn how to incorporate it to adjust your training plan, and build your confidence by repeatedly practicing success. You'll leave with a Certificate of Participation and all the skills and knowledge you need to complete your final assignment. When you're ready, tape it on your phone and submit your video for the final evaluation. Once you pass the final assignment, you'll receive your Trainer Certification. You'll graduate with all the tools you need to succeed at your first, or next, deployment.
This program isn't testing your dog for their suitability as scent detection candidate (although having a suitable dog is highly recommended and sets you up for success). The Foundation Trainer Certification will teach you how to train dogs to perform scent detection. Next, in the Wildlife Conservation Specialist Certification, you'll build upon those foundational skills. You'll learn to assess the risks of deployments, and train scent detection dogs for wildlife conservation work.
FOUNDATION Canine Scent Detection Trainer Certification - Jan. 10 & 11, 2026, Calgary
Learn how to introduce a new target odor to a variety of dogs in a scent detection lab, and motivate them to find source (the highest concentration of odor). You'll learn how to handle odor properly, and complete the imprinting process using target odour. In your final exam, your dog will pass an odor recognition test. Open to all people over 18 years of age.
SPECIALIST Wildlife Conservation Detection Dog Trainer Certification - Jan. 17 & 18, 2026, Calgary
Learn how to motivate wildlife conservation candidates to indicate by turning it into your dog's favorite game. You'll learn best practices in wildlife conservation, how to avoid common errors, and a clear system of communication, so your dog tells you precisely where scent is located in blind searches. For Foundation graduates (or equivalent experience).
ADVANCED Canine Scent Detection Trainer Certification - Dates TBD
Learn how to introduce the daisy wheel, and teach your dog to ignore food, toys, and other distractions. You'll learn how to handle searches where no scent is present, without sacrificing motivation (similar to many field deployments). In your final exam, your dog will pass a double-blind test. (For experienced teams.)
MASTER'S Certified Trainer - Dates TBD
Learn how to search effectively in field conditions, and handle challenges such as clear areas and unknown number of hides. Explore the Clever Hans Phenomenon in real world scenarios, with no motion, constant motion, and distance. Tackle complex scent puzzles by learning about real-time scent dynamics, balanced with allowing your partner to use their full capabilities.
What you'll learn in the wildlife certification course
Download course outline (PDF)HOW IT WORKS
Here's how our certification program works (every level follows the same process).
Step 1) Pre-Homework
First, you'll receive an email with your pre-homework. It will summarize what you'll learn in the course, what to bring and explain what to expect. This will help you to feel more comfortable and make the most out of your training.
You'll get some optional reading you can dive into if you want to learn more. It's up to you.
Step 2) Intensive Hands-on Workshop in Calgary
Next, you'll bring an inexperienced dog with you to attend a 2-day intensive workshop in Calgary. The demonstrations will show you exactly what to do to. You'll practice training your demo dog. And you'll learn a lot about scent detection by watching other dogs and handlers searching and training.
You'll receive feedback in debriefings after each of your training exercises. If there are any suggestions for improvement, you'll get a chance to implement the changes, and build confidence through repetition. At the end of the weekend, students who have attended the entire Workshop will receive their Certificate of Participation.
Step 3) The Final Assigment
When you get home, it's time to apply what you learned to complete your assessment with your demo dog in a final assignment.
We recommend you complete the assignment as soon as possible, since the material is freshest in your mind when you just took the course. But the timing is up to you. You will have 6 months from the completion of the hands-on workshop to submit your final assignment. You can train the demo dog you brought to the workshop (recommended) or start with a new dog.
When you're ready, submit a video of the dog you trained independently completing the assigned skills for assessment. You do not need to return to Calgary for your exam.
If you fail the first attempt, you'll receive feedback with concrete suggestions on where to improve so you can resubmit your assignment. Don't worry; we expect you to pass on your first attempt. But you can resubmit once, at no additional cost. If you don't pass, you don't need to retake the course. You can resubmit the final exam for a fee of $50, and/or ask us about remote or in person coaching. Once you successfully pass the Final Assignment, you'll receive your Scent Detection Trainer Certification.
The Fine Print
All participants must sign a waiver in order to participate.
You can stop participating at any stage, but the fees are not refundable.
Please note that this course uses a rewards-based, motivational training approach. We need your help making this to be a safe and fun learning experience for everyone! Mistreatment, harsh corrections, and verbal abuse of dogs or people are not acceptable. Infractions may result in a warning by the instructor. Repeated inappropriate behavior may result in being immediately excused from the training program and the site, entirely at the discretion of the instructor, with no refund. If you have concerns about keeping your training positive, this program might not be a good fit.
If you complete the Certificate of Participation and you're in good standing, but life events prevent you from completing the final exam, we understand. You can keep your Certificate of Participation, but can not become a Certified Trainer without passing the final assignment. Talk to us about options if you'd like to pause your course and resume at a later time.
Our certificates do not expire and we do not require continuing education reports. But for you and your dog to maintain your skills, you will need to continue maintenance training at least one day a week for the duration of your working career. We recommend training for 5-minutes before every deployment, debriefing and filling any holes you notice in your training. Ask us about private coaching if problems arise.
Questions? Email Carla at [email protected] to schedule a time to chat about the details or the fit for you and your dog.
Foundation Level - Liz' Final Assignment
This video features Liz, an agility trainer with no prior scent experience, and her demo dog Ernie (who is deaf). They completed our Foundation level training remotely. This video showed Ernie independent searching and sourcing, which met our requirements for odor recognition at the Foundation level.
Are you ready to do what you love?
If you're serious about becoming a wildlife scent detection conservationist, why not follow your dreams...
Why not give yourself access to the best training you can get your hands on?
Why not get the support, training and guidance from an expert who can show you exactly how to train detection dogs?
Why not seize the opportunity to become a professional scent detection trainer now, before it's gone?
CONTACT US
Questions about the program? Email Carla (the instructor) at [email protected].
Questions about registration? Call Ellen at the Beast Boutique, (587) 317-5404.
