K9 Conservationists

Welcome to the K9 Conservationists podcast, where we’re positively obsessed with conservation detection dogs! Join us every week as we discuss detection dogs, ecology, conservation, dog behavior, training, and much more. K9 Conservationists is hosted by Kayla Fratt, CDBC and co-founder of K9 Conservationists. Along with her two co-founders, she trains dogs to detect data. Support the work we do at patreon.com/k9conservationists.

K9 Conservationists is a science podcast hosted by Kayla Fratt, with 254 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Kayla Fratt hosts K9 Conservationists, a science show with 254 episodes published.

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  K9 Conservationists

  From Scat to SNP: Unlocking Prey Identities in Carnivore Diet with Dr. Charles van Rees

  Sep 24, 20261h 1m

  In this Research Review episode, we’re joined by Dr. Charles van Rees to dive into a groundbreaking 2026 paper from Oregon State University (published in Molecular Ecology Resources ). We break down how single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels and non-invasive scat samples (many located by detection dogs!) are allowing researchers to identify individual prey animals consumed by carnivores. Join Kayla and Dr. Charles van Rees for a crash course in genetics, filtering out mixed DNA samples, and what this means for understanding predator-prey dynamics in the field. Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Patreon: Madison David

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  K9 Conservationists

  Transitioning handlers

  Sep 10, 202612 min

  In today's mini episode Kayla Fratt discusses how she prepares her dogs to work with all kinds of different people on and off the field. Starting from dog selection and the steps she takes to insure her dogs are confident around new people. Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Patreon: Madison David

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  K9 Conservationists

  Don't Take the Maybes with Lauralea Oliver

  Aug 27, 20261h 14m

  Join us for a fantastic conversation with Lauralea Oliver of k9inSCENTive about the art of selecting rescue dogs for detection work. With over 25 years of professional experience, Lauralea brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, having selected and placed numerous working dogs with handlers and conservation projects across the country. She has mastered selecting the traits that make a shelter dog excel in the field- and, crucially, knows exactly when to walk away. The core theme of this episode is simple but vital: "Say no to the maybes" and only move forward with a dog you are absolutely sure about. Check out K9inSCENTive here https://k9inscentive.com/ Also check out "Built for the field". Use code K9POD26 for 20% off! https://k9inscentive.com/built-for-the-field-online-course/ Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Patreon: Madison David

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  K9 Conservationists

  Updates on Barley, K9C, and the podacst

  Aug 13, 202634 min

  Important updates on Barley (King B), the K9Conservationists crew, and the podcast going forward. As always, thank you all so much for you support. If you would like to make a donation to Barleys lymphoma treatment you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/barley-lymphoma?t=donor_wall#info If you want to learn more about the King Barley's legacy and other ways to support, check out this awesome website made just for celebrating Barley https://k9c-barley.my.canva.site/long-live-the-king

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  K9 Conservationists

  Sniffing out the Spotted Lanternfly as a Newbie with Melissa McCue-McGrath

  Jul 30, 20261h 8m

  Connect with Melissa McCue-McGrath! https://melissamccuemcgrath.com/ Melissa McCue-McGrath gets humped and peed on professionally more than she thought she would in this line of work. She has written two books. The first, "Considerations for the City Dog" was written for her clients in Boston who needed support for living with dogs in an urban setting, and the second, "Misadventures of the World's Okayest Dog Trainer" is for people who are curious about what it's like behind the scenes working with clients and dogs. Melissa paved the way as the first American resident certified by the British Animal Behavior and Training Council, thanks to the Professional Association of Canine Trainers, also based in the UK. She's a Victoria Stilwell Academy faculty advisor, a trainer for Grisha Stewart's dog training academy, and was part of a nationwide study to see if pet dog trainers, like Melissa, could train pet dogs - like many of your dogs at home - to find an invasive species. There were six dogs in Melissa's cohort two years ago, and this year, the year the invasive Spotted Lantern Fly is predicted to be in her home state of Maine, Melissa has a total of 22 dogs at the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk Maine who can find the invasive spotted lanternfly...in a controlled setting :)

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