Blog

In a bustling suburban area, a small dog found himself lost and alone. Having recently moved to the neighborhood, he was unfamiliar with his surroundings and had been missing for 4 or 5 days without a single sighting. Desperate to bring him home, his family reached out to me and my trusty detection dog, Nessie, for help.The Scent Puzzle Our first challenge was obtaining a clear scent article for Nessie to follow. The missing dog shared his home and bed with another canine companion, which made it tricky to isolate his unique scent. However, we were determined to give it our best effort.<figure id="figure-d53s69hj8rlyb0gco0"><img id="d53s69hj8rlyb0gco0" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/964762962/photo/labyrinth.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=9Ibb4Ie5F_pFimLb3gl66rvzsAZ-hG2tk-1lr_CioXs=" alt="labyrinth" title="labyrinth" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Nessie's Suburban Trek Once Nessie had locked onto the scent, she led us on a remarkable journey spanning 5 kilometers through the suburban streets. Her nose guided us through a church car park and past several houses where she showed heightened interest. Although we couldn't access these properties at the time, we made note of them for potential follow-up if needed.The Endurance Test As the hours passed, fatigue began to set in for both Nessie and myself. The search had taken us on a winding path through multiple suburbs, covering a significant distance. Despite the exhaustion, Nessie's determination never wavered. Her keen nose and unwavering focus indicated that the missing dog had indeed traversed this 5km area, but his exact location remained a mystery.A Community Effort With heavy hearts, we concluded our search for the day, knowing that we had done all we could. Nessie's tireless work had provided valuable information, narrowing down the search area and offering hope to the dog's family.The Power of Perseverance The following day, a miracle occurred. The little dog was found 3 kilometers away from his home, tired but otherwise unharmed. His incredible journey had come to an end, and he was finally reunited with his loving family.<figure id="figure-b0dx7jbcj8lyb0drmf"><img id="b0dx7jbcj8lyb0drmf" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1019428258/photo/yorkie-puppy-playing-fetch.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=JIl0RmE0EWqox4cdiah9WPBX7k91_mUBTeVDPsKT45A=" alt="Yorkie Puppy Playing Fetch" title="Yorkie Puppy Playing Fetch" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Little Dog " data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1019428258/photo/yorkie-puppy-playing-fetch.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=JIl0RmE0EWqox4cdiah9WPBX7k91_mUBTeVDPsKT45A=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Little Dog</figcaption></figure>This heartwarming tale serves as a reminder of the resilience of our furry friends and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Even when the odds seem stacked against us, the combination of a skilled detection dog, a dedicated search team, and a supportive community can lead to the most incredible outcomes.Lessons Learned As a detection dog handler, I am continually amazed by the tenacity and skill of these remarkable animals. They teach us the value of persistence, the importance of never giving up, and the incredible things we can achieve when we work together.To all those who find themselves in the heartbreaking position of searching for a lost pet, remember that you are not alone. With the help of professionals, the support of your community, and the unwavering love you have for your furry friend, miracles can and do happen. Keep the faith, and never stop searching until your beloved companion is back in your arms.

The Suburban Odyssey: A Tiny Dog's 5km Journey

a city street filled with lots of traffic at night

In the heart of a bustling suburb, where two heavily trafficked roads intersect, a little dog had gone missing. For four long days, her family searched tirelessly, hoping for any sign of their beloved pet. That's when they called upon the expertise of Nessie, my skilled detection dog, and me to help in the search.The Challenges of Urban Searches Conducting a search in such a busy area is never easy. The constant flow of vehicles, pedestrians, and the overwhelming sensory assault of a city can make it incredibly difficult for a dog to follow a scent trail. The odors from thousands of cars, motorbikes, and heavy trucks, combined with the scents of countless people, can disperse and interrupt the flow of the target odor, making it a daunting task for even the most experienced detection dog.Nessie's Determination Undeterred by the challenges, Nessie set to work. Starting at the last known location of the missing dog, she picked up the scent trail and followed it across the main intersection. She led us into some nearby paddocks, her nose firmly to the ground, determined to find any trace of the lost pet.<figure id="figure-585s3ejvfolyazwdjr"><img id="585s3ejvfolyazwdjr" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1543439335/photo/yellow-dead-end-sign-against-blue-sky-and-some-summer-trees.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=gtlkN3bdEyb0crcQ5pjnq3yGqoVPuhzsyV9CjhGD91I=" alt="Yellow Dead End Sign against blue sky and some summer trees" title="Yellow Dead End Sign against blue sky and some summer trees" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1543439335/photo/yellow-dead-end-sign-against-blue-sky-and-some-summer-trees.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=gtlkN3bdEyb0crcQ5pjnq3yGqoVPuhzsyV9CjhGD91I=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Unfortunately, our search was cut short by fencing that blocked our path. We were unsure of who owned the land, so we couldn't proceed further. Despite this setback, Nessie remained focused, continuously looking in the direction of the paddocks, as if to say, "She's in there!"A Call of Relief With heavy hearts, we concluded our search and began our journey home. However, just an hour or two later, I received a call that filled me with joy. The missing dog had been found safe and well at the school located right next to the paddocks we had been unable to access. Nessie had been right all along - she had successfully tracked the direction of the lost dog's travel.<figure id="figure-zf192ybkvlyazy746"><img id="zf192ybkvlyazy746" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1588943211346-0908a1fb0b01?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzNHx8ZG9nc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MjAzMjE5NDh8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="brown and white long coated small dog lying on green grass" title="brown and white long coated small dog lying on green grass" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="35%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>The Power of Persistence This heartwarming story serves as a testament to the incredible skills of detection dogs and the importance of persistence in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges posed by the urban environment and the limitations of our search, Nessie's keen nose and unwavering determination had pointed us in the right direction.It's stories like these that remind us of the invaluable role detection dogs play in reuniting lost pets with their families. Even in the most challenging of circumstances, these remarkable animals continue to amaze us with their abilities and their dedication to the task at hand.A Message of Hope To all those who have ever lost a beloved pet, never give up hope. With the help of skilled professionals, the support of your community, and the incredible power of a detection dog's nose, miracles can happen. Keep searching, keep believing, and know that there are those who will stand by your side until your furry friend is back home where they belong. &nbsp;

The Bustling Suburb: A Detection Dog's Triumph Amidst Chaos

Happy family, mother and father with children on back in a nature park for bonding and relaxing in summer. Smile, mom an dad love enjoying quality time with siblings or kids outdoors for fresh air

Winnie, a beautiful but shy dog, had just begun her new life with a loving family when she suddenly went missing. Having had a rough start in life, Winnie was understandably nervous and easily frightened. Her disappearance, less than a week after her adoption, left her new family desperate for help.<figure id="figure-6fqizsyb37lyaxzu35"><img id="6fqizsyb37lyaxzu35" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1583337130417-3346a1be7dee?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMXx8ZG9nfGVufDB8fHx8MTcyMDI2NDQ1NHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="brown short coated dog in orange hoodie" title="brown short coated dog in orange hoodie" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1583337130417-3346a1be7dee?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMXx8ZG9nfGVufDB8fHx8MTcyMDI2NDQ1NHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>That's when they reached out to Mandy, a professional dog trainer with a skilled detection dog named Nessie. They set out to search for Winnie three days after she had gone missing, knowing that time was of the essence.Understanding the Mindset of a Lost Dog As we began our search, Mandy reminded Winnie's family that a lost dog, especially one with a history like Winnie's, will often be in fight or flight mode. They may not behave as they normally would, and they might even run away from their loving owners out of fear. For a dog like Winnie, who was still adjusting to her new home and family, the likelihood of remaining elusive was even higher.Nessie's Nose Leads the Way Starting at Winnie's home, Nessie followed the scent trail through hilly terrain, along the street, and into neighboring properties. With permission from the landowners, we thoroughly searched each area. Nessie's strong indications suggested that Winnie was still nearby.We then drove to another location where Winnie had been spotted a couple of days earlier. Nessie picked up the scent trail alongside some tennis courts and back out onto the road. Although we couldn't proceed further due to safety concerns, Nessie's keen nose and the recent sightings of Winnie on camera gave her owners renewed hope that she was still in the area.A Happy Homecoming The power of a detection dog's nose, combined with the determination of Winnie's family, paid off. Within 24 hours of our search, Winnie returned home on her own, safe and sound. The relief and joy felt by her family were palpable.<figure id="figure-rn77h174onlyazkd2x"><img id="rn77h174onlyazkd2x" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1481196113/photo/young-couple-viewing-property-for-sale-talking-with-professional-real-estate-agent-outside.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=jLQgULZ5wUY03fujHcX0Vzb18quBWYHw6o9q-T_OuMk=" alt="Family walking to house" title="Family walking to house" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg selected" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="walking to house to check for dog" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1481196113/photo/young-couple-viewing-property-for-sale-talking-with-professional-real-estate-agent-outside.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=jLQgULZ5wUY03fujHcX0Vzb18quBWYHw6o9q-T_OuMk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-mce-selected="1"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">walking to house to check for dog</figcaption></figure>The Importance of Persistence and Expert Help Winnie's story serves as a reminder that even when a lost dog proves difficult to locate, persistence and the help of skilled professionals can make all the difference. By understanding the mindset of a lost pet and utilizing the incredible abilities of detection dogs, we can greatly increase the chances of a happy reunion.As a dog trainer and detection dog handler, Mandy says "I am constantly amazed by the resilience of these animals and the unwavering love they share with their families. It is an honor to play a role in bringing lost pets home and witnessing the joy that comes with a successful reunion".If your beloved pet ever goes missing, remember to act quickly, enlist the help of experts, and never give up hope. With dedication, understanding, and the power of a detection dog's nose, you too may experience the incredible moment when your furry friend returns home, safe and sound.

The Shy Adoptee: Winnie's Journey Back Home

This next story involves a dog named Odin who had gone missing along with two other dogs from their home. While the other two dogs were found within a couple of days, Odin remained elusive. His last known location was at the local reservoir, and his family was understandably distraught.Using Odin's harness as a scent article, Nessie and I began our search at the reservoir's car park. Nessie quickly picked up Odin's scent trail and led us through a park, down a track, and to the reservoir's security fence. She stopped by some water tanks, indicating that we needed to search on the other side of the fence.<figure id="figure-peg9rjdg5lyaxlw6z"><img id="peg9rjdg5lyaxlw6z" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/b94vWv50VyPV5tpBwlOPUXYhCh8fvCerACFQJ35obXGnDMkO2e04rVLADVA9aK35.jpg" alt="Personal wellness and self care" title="Personal wellness and self care" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/b94vWv50VyPV5tpBwlOPUXYhCh8fvCerACFQJ35obXGnDMkO2e04rVLADVA9aK35.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>With permission from the authorities, we entered the restricted area, and Nessie focused her search around the water tanks and a nearby wooded area. Although we didn't find Odin that day, Nessie's strong interest in these locations gave Odin's family hope that he was still alive and hiding nearby.Their determination paid off when, a couple of days later, a passing member of the public spotted Odin near the water tanks - exactly where Nessie had shown the strongest interest. Tired, hungry, and with sore paws, Odin was overjoyed to be reunited with his loving family.The Importance of Swift Action and Skilled Detection Dogs These stories highlight the importance of acting quickly when a pet goes missing and the invaluable role that detection dogs play in the search process. The sooner a search dog is deployed, the higher the chances of locating the lost pet's scent trail and ultimately bringing them home safely.As a detection dog professional, I am continually amazed by the skill, dedication, and impact that these incredible animals have on the lives of both the families they serve and the pets they help to reunite. The power of a dog's nose, coupled with their unwavering determination, is truly a force to be reckoned with in the world of missing pet investigations.

Odin's Odyssey: A Family's Unwavering Determination

<h2>The Power of Scent:&nbsp;</h2>As a professional dog trainer, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible power of a dog's sense of smell. This ability becomes even more remarkable when it comes to detection dogs, who are trained to use their noses to locate missing pets. The next few weeks I want to share with you two heartwarming stories that demonstrate the effectiveness of these skilled canines and the hope they bring to families searching for their lost companions.<h2>The Shy Maremma:</h2>A Rescue Dog's Journey Home Our first story involves a recently adopted Maremma who had slipped out of its collar and become lost. This poor dog had been rescued from a terrible situation, along with a few other dogs, and was understandably very shy and lacking in street smarts. With just a blanket that the dog had slept on for three days prior to running away, my detection dog, Nessie, set out to find the missing Maremma.<figure id="figure-9xs4c074clyawyag8"><img id="9xs4c074clyawyag8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/services/1ae5IDYXXWlzcL8TIoatO6oracaQ1sD2XXwJ2DAcoJy9butpVIHagATIAfTdHh9p.jpg" alt="Aurora Borealis seen in northern Canada, Yukon Territory, northern lights" title="Aurora Borealis seen in northern Canada, Yukon Territory, northern lights" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Nessie followed the scent trail through paddocks, old rubbish dumps, and along a dry river bed. After trekking about three kilometers through long grass, Nessie suddenly stopped on the trail. As I prepared to give her a drink, I looked in the direction she was staring and saw the lost Maremma looking right at us! Although the dog bolted when it saw us, Nessie had done her job - she found the missing pet and communicated this to me in the only way she could.

How Detection Dogs Reunite Lost Pets with Their Families

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news from Conservation Dogs! Our exceptional, award-winning Conservation Detection Dog and Search &amp; Rescue dog, Nessie (Canicula Ivy Berry AI), is confirmed pregnant with a litter sired by the remarkable DDD WestMids Herbie (Imp UK).Meet the Parents: Nessie and Herbie Nessie (Canicula Ivy Berry AI)<figure id="figure-w1xdjawc4jlyavwtop"><img id="w1xdjawc4jlyavwtop" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0Flz1jKgKpjHHR4wi7pAyCww9B7WZoJU8S0TdefXnf4ACM3q8Cw0r0dm9lOhvqZM.jpg" alt="Nessie pregnancy confirmed" title="Nessie pregnancy confirmed" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Nessie" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0Flz1jKgKpjHHR4wi7pAyCww9B7WZoJU8S0TdefXnf4ACM3q8Cw0r0dm9lOhvqZM.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 0%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Nessie</figcaption></figure>Nessie is not just any detection dog; she is an award-winning Conservation Detection Dog with an impressive track record in Search &amp; Rescue. Her skills and dedication have made her a standout in the field, and we are excited to see her legacy continue with this upcoming litter.DDD WestMids Herbie (Imp UK)<figure id="figure-r50y7egsglyavyx23"><img id="r50y7egsglyavyx23" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39ix7cqSYkbK4khqgk1DaUs0ImLLCU5HpKL9XyLfnZtAPd5D8mwf1ZHqbOwCnpEe.jpg" alt="DDD WestMids Herbie (Imp UK)" title="DDD WestMids Herbie (Imp UK)" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 20% 15%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Herbie (Imp UK)" data-positionx="20%" data-positiony="15%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39ix7cqSYkbK4khqgk1DaUs0ImLLCU5HpKL9XyLfnZtAPd5D8mwf1ZHqbOwCnpEe.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 20% 15%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Herbie (Imp UK)</figcaption></figure>Herbie is a remarkable detection dog imported from the UK. His proven performance in various fields, combined with his excellent genetic background, makes him an ideal sire for this extraordinary litter. Herbie's achievements and working abilities are truly commendable.What to Expect from This Litter This upcoming litter promises to carry on the incredible legacy and working abilities of Nessie and Herbie. These puppies will be ideal for anyone looking for a top-class working conservation dog, detection dog, or agility dog. With a strong genetic foundation and proven performance, these pups are expected to excel in various fields.Health and Genetic Testing Both Nessie and Herbie have undergone comprehensive health evaluations, including hip and elbow scoring and breed-specific genetic testing. This ensures that their puppies will have the best possible start in life, with a strong focus on health and longevity.Key Details Puppies Due: End of July 2024 Contact: conservationdogssa@gmail.com Website: <a href="http://www.conservationdog.com.au">www.conservationdog.com.au</a>Stay tuned for more updates on this incredibly exciting litter! We will be sharing more information as the due date approaches, so keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest news.Special Thanks We would like to extend our gratitude to Canicula Kennels for this exciting opportunity. Their support and dedication to breeding exceptional dogs have made this possible.