ScienceNatural Sciences

K9 Conservationists

Kayla Fratt

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.

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21 episodes
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English

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Thursday · 56 min
The Effects of Breakfast on Detection Dog Performance
How does breakfast affect a detection dog's performance? In this episode, Kayla takes a deep, deep, deep dive into the 2026 paper, "The breakfast effect revisited: Dogs’ scent detection performance before and after a meal." Kayla breaks down the research team's key findings, and why understanding the math behind the data matters just as much as the results themselves. Read the original paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0023969026000883 Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Patreon: Madison David
September 24 · 1 hr
From Scat to SNP: Unlocking Prey Identities in Carnivore Diet with Dr. Charles van Rees
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
September 11 · 11 min
Transitioning handlers
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
August 27 · 1 hr 14 min
Don't Take the Maybes with Lauralea Oliver
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
August 13 · 34 min
Updates on Barley, K9C, and the podcast
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
July 31 · 1 hr 8 min
Sniffing out the Spotted Lanternfly as a Newbie with Melissa McCue-McGrath
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 :)
July 2 · 59 min
John Schoen and the Tongass Roadless Rule
In this episode, Kayla Fratt sits down with legendary Alaskan wildlife ecologist Dr. John Schoen to explore the past, present, and future of the Tongass National Forest. With nearly five decades of boots-on-the-ground research, John’s groundbreaking work has reshaped our understanding of how logging practices directly impact black-tailed deer, salmon, and the broader temperate rainforest ecosystem. John dives deep into the complex history of timber politics, the vital distinction between old-growth and second-growth habitats, and why forests hold profound intrinsic value far beyond just timber and venison. We also highly recommend checking out John’s book, Tongass Odyssey, to not only go more in depth on what's discussed today- but to also see some fantastic side by side photos of old growth and new growth forests to appreciate the drastic distinction between the two.
June 11 · 39 min
Exercise Effects on Detection Dog Acuity with Liza Rothkoff
Kayla Fratt chats with Liza Rothkoff- a 3rd year PhD student at Texas Tech in the K9 olfaction lab- about her most recent paper, "A preliminary study on the impacts of exercise intensity and duration on gastrointestinal temperature and odor detection performance of dogs". They discuss dog selection, study design, results, and what Liza hopes handlers will be able to take from the study. Read the full study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159126000614 Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Patreon: Madison David
May 28 · 56 min
Livestock Guardian Dogs and Snakes with the Cheetah Conservation Fund
Today Kayla Fratt is joined by Calum O’Flaherty and Dr. Tim Hofmann from the Cheetah Conservation Fund about to discuss livestock guardian dogs, cheetahs, and a very unique approach snake avoidance training. Snake bites are a huge problem in Namibia. With CCF losing upwards of 10% of their guardian dogs each year to snake bites. CCFs newest approach in how they train their livestock guardian puppies to avoid snakes could be a huge game changer not only for their dogs, but for guardian dogs everywhere. Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Patreon: Madison David
May 14 · 1 hr 15 min
Managing Multi-Year Conservation Dog Projects with Murrelet Halterman
Today, Kayla Fratt is joined by Murrelet Halterman for an in depth discussion on managing multi-year conservation dog projects. Having recently completed three multi-year wind farm projects, Murrelet dives into the challenges of project acquisition, recruiting detection dog handlers, and the nitty-gritty side of long term project management. If you’ve ever wanted to know what goes into the logistical marathon of a multi-year study, this is the place to start! Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Patreon: Madison David
April 30 · 47 min
The Detection of Buried Targets by Canines by Paul Bunker
Join Kayla Fratt and favorite of the podcast, Paul Bunker to discuss his fantastic new workbook "The Detection of Buried Targets by Canines". Kayla and Paul delve into the challenges of buried hides and how just digging a hole and covering your target doesn't cut it. This workbook is fantastic for working K9 handlers or anyone who wants to become a more skilled and knowledgeable trainer. Paul brings over 40 years of K9 detection knowledge and experience not only to the workbook but to today's podcast. ( PS: There are some minor audio issues throughout the podcast due to internet issues during recording. We've mitigated them as much as possible. ) Purchase all Paul's workbooks here: https://chiron-k9.com/publications/ Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Patreon: Madison David
April 16 · 1 hr 2 min
Using Hounds to Tree Cougars (for Research!) in Yellowstone with Wes Binder
Today Kayla Fratt chats with Wes Binder who studies cougars (also known as mountain lions or pumas) in Yellowstone national park. Learn about this unique (but tried and true) method to find these elusive cats and then how they safely bring the cougars down from the trees to perform vital research. Hear first hand stories from the field and how Wes and the team found more than just a cougar on one of their adventures 🐻 Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Patreon: Madison David
April 2 · 46 min
A Brighter Future for Dogs and People with Caden Cristopher
Join Kayla Fratt and special guest Caden Christopher for this somewhat unorthodox episode of K9Conservationists. Today we're stepping away a bit from conservation detection dogs and imagining what a better world for our canine companions would look like if there were no borders, no financial constraints, breeding and dog placements were truly in the best interest of the dog and people, and so on. Connect with Caden here! (Fun fact: There's an additional 15 minutes of this episode over on our pateron! ) Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm interns: Evelyn Combs and Grace Koski Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Pateron coaching calls: Madison Davis
March 19 · 56 min
Picking the Right Puppy for Detection with Lauren Wendt
In this puppy-tastic episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla Fratt chats with Lauren Wendt of Momentum K9 LLC about her years selecting, raising, and preparing puppies for various lines of work. Lauren is a highly, highly accomplished trainer that just so happens to have trained upward of 9 puppies for various jobs. Lauren has basically perfected the art of puppy selection and rearing! In her new online course, Foundations First Course through our platform with K9 Conservationists, you can watch Lauren raise her brand new puppy, Archie, in real time as she tackles everything puppyhood has to throw at her as she raises a confident, independent, and strong conservation detection dog prospect. Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Sci-comm interns: Evelyn Combs and Grace Koski Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Pateron coaching calls: Madison Davis
March 5 · 53 min
When Conservation Dog Prospects Aren't The Perfect Fit: Featuring Debi Deshon
On this week's episode of K9Conservationists Kayla Fratt chats with Debi Deshon the pack leader of Mussel Dogs and Dogs with Jobs. Debi discusses the process of screening prospect dogs, training, and what happens when the dogs tells her that this job just isn't for them. Connect with Debi and her amazing work! Mussel Dogs musseldogs.infoInstagram @mussel_dogs Facebook: Mussel dogs Dogs with Jobs dogswithjobs.info Instagram: @dogswithjobsk9 Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Website: Meg du Bray Patreon: Madison Davis
February 19 · 46 min
Raising spaniels for detection with Reetta Kangaslampi and Dr. Natasha Underwood
Join Kayla Fratt, co-founder of K9Conservationists, as she chats with Reetta Kangaslampi, a PhD researcher from the University of Eastern Finland and Dr. Natasha Underwood, an ecologist, environmental consultant, and specialist conservation detection dog handler about their journeys raising cocker and springer spaniels for detection. Reetta and Natasha discuss how they went about choosing their perfect spaniel, early training, and some of the classic spaniel hurdles they run into. Reetta Kangaslampi Instagram: K9barkbeetles https://www.instagram.com/k9sbarkbeetles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Dr. Natasha Underwood Instagram: NHU Ecology and detection dogs https://www.instagram.com/nhu_ecology_and_detection_dogs/ Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Intern: Grace Koski Website: Meg du Bray Mentoring group: Madison Davis
February 5 · 1 hr 16 min
Part 2: Emma Gaalaas Mullaney- Heterodox Approach to Selecting and Raising Detection Dogs
If you haven't heard part one- we highly recommend going back and listening to that fist! Then head right back here and listen to this second part of our two part interview with Emma Gaalaas Mullaney, PhD. Learn more about her roll as the director of detection and search and rescue at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center and about the extraordinary dog teams she works with today. Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Intern: Grace Koski Website: Meg du Bray Mentoring group: Madison Davis
January 22 · 54 min
Emma Gaalaas Mullaney- Heterodox Approach to Selecting and Raising Detection Dogs
In this episode of K9Conservationists, Kayla Fratt is joined by Emma Gaalaas Mullaney as they discuss her heterodox (unconventional) approach to selecting and raising detection dogs. In this episode, Emma discusses her first detection dog, Toby, and how his unorthodox breed, personality, and drive lead Emma to her deep understanding and empathy for not only Toby, but for the dogs she works with today. This is a two part episode, so join us for the next one to learn more about her roll at Penn Vet and to learn more about the dog teams she works with today. Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Intern: Grace Koski Website: Meg du Bray Mentoring group: Madison Davis
January 1 · 58 min
Year in Review 2025
Check in with all THREE co-founders of K9 Conservationists as they go over all the highs and lows of 2025. Kayla, Rachel, and Heather discuss their organizational roles, major project wins, team expansion, handler and dog highlights, and lessons learned from fieldwork across Texas, Wyoming, Maine, Alaska, and beyond. If you want to know everything K9C has been up to in 2025- this is the episode for you! Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Interns: Evelyn Combs and Grace Koski Website: Meg du Bray Mentoring group: Madison Davis
Dec 18, 2025 · 40 min
Skipper's Story
Ever wonder how a seasoned handler selects their new co-woffer? Kayla Fratt, co-founder of K9Conservationists, walks through her process of how she selected her newest recruit Skipper! Kayla talks about how she went about finding potential candidates, how she screened over 70 dogs, and how she finally landed on Skipper. If you're looking to find your next detection dog and want to know all the nitty-gritty on how that happens- this is the episode for you! Massive shout out to Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue for their help and taking such amazing care of Skipper (then Pretzel) https://thriftedkittens.org/ Want to follow along on Skippers training journey? Consider joining the Pateron! We have monthly training calls where Kayla will answer your questions and you can get valuable insight from other handlers in the field. https://www.patreon.com/k9conservationists Host: Kayla Fratt Editor: Sara Fangton Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder Interns: Evelyn Combs and Grace Koski Website: Meg du Bray Mentoring group: Madison Davis

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