It’s no secret that canines’ talented sniffers can be used for many purposes. While most of our dogs are content to use their noses to find trash to get into or the food you dropped on the floor, some intelligent and thoroughly trained pups can hold down careers due to their noses. From truffle hunting to the brave work of bomb-sniffing dogs, canines’ incredible noses can help people in many ways. And now, they’re able to help other animals. With the help of their trainers, some incredible pups are putting their paws forward for conservation.
The Nose Knows – How To Help Bees
Dogs can be trained to recognize many unique scents. One of those scents is that of a honeybee nest or hive. The Conservation Dog Collective is the first such organization to specifically train pups to work for conservationists. Safely locating a honeybee’s nest with minimal disturbance is crucial to reserving a habitat to protect the bees. Several well-trained pups, like Bronty the yellow Lab, are able to sniff out honeybee nests, often within minutes. This saves time and resources for human researchers. Additionally, these dogs can take on even more complex jobs – other dogs working with CDC can sniff out Eastern box turtles or deceased bats.
Making a Difference to Conservation at Home
While you may not have the time or resources to train your pup to sniff out endangered species, there are still actions you can take at home to help your pup be environmentally conscious. When walking beaches or protected areas, be cautious of the native species that make their homes there. When making purchases for your dog, choose the most eco-friendly option. Today, there’s a variety of toys, accessories, and treats that make a lesser impact on the environment. Looking for somewhere simple to start? Invest in biodegradable doggie pickup bags – in the landfill, it makes a difference.
