PackLeader Detection Dogs

A new picture and comment sent to us by Matias:

Hi PK,
I do not know if Toni or Barbara is there, but we want to show a picture of Lucky's first evening training day in Buenos Aires. He did an excellent job!! Even with lots of peoples and dogs around!
Behind him is a Tango dancing floor, which we call "la glorieta".

Thanks for the great opportunity you gave me with Lucky.
Un abrazo

Matías y Totó.

All our detector dogs are selected for and trained with a ball reward. Here a picture of Lucky in his favorite position since discovering where Matias hung his reward ball to dry (look at the top of the pillar).

The 2 new Conservation Dog Teams working in Argentina. Matias and CCD Lucky on the left. Deana and CCD April on the right.

April was assigned to Diana (pronounced Deanna) to assist with Diana's research in a specific monkey species (I can't remember the common name) and Bush Dog. April will be living in Posados with Diana and her family when not in the field. April is also a 3yo BC, who came from another rescue situation. I wish I had gotten a picture of April with Diana's son.

By the end of the first 5 days of training, the teams were decided. Lucky was assigned to Matias. For Matias' PHD project they will be looking for Maned Wolf and Bush Dog s**t in their natural habitat. Lucky is a 3yo BC who came to us from rescue. He had a terrible skin condition which we were able to clean up. Lucky is a sweet little boy but is totally focused on his ball reward which results in him being a consistent and committed worker. When not in the field, Lucky will be living in Buenos Aires with Matias.

Conservation Detector Dogs (CDD) Lucky and April and I left Washington on 6-2-13 for an over night flight to Miami. Traveling by air in the summer can be a challenge. To comply with airline regulations you must ensure that the temperature at take off and landing is below 85 degrees. To ensure compliance we waited for 17 hours till our next over night flight to Buenos Aires. The kids made lots of friends with international travelers throughout the day. Lots of curiosity and smiles from all the people. The picture shows us camping out in our corner of the terminal.

Sorry I was unable to send updates while in Argentina. Internet and Wi-Fi access was definitely inconsistent and weak in the area I was in. Just got home yesterday after 3 days of travel. Glad to be home. I'll be posting a few pictures shortly. Barbara

Barbara is currently in Argentina training some new detection dog handlers. Look for some updates from her in the near future.

We are finally getting on Facebook! Look for future updates about projects that we are working on and news about the dogs and team.