Avian awareness and avoidance training
DOC, in partnership with the BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust, has developed an avian awareness and avoidance training programme for dogs and their owners. The programme is designed to educate owners of the dangers their dogs can be to ground-dwelling native birds, and to teach the dogs to avoid these birds.
Following an educational talk, database descriptions of the dogs are recorded, along with contact details for their owners.
How are dogs trained?
Dogs are fitted with electric collars and exposed to dead ground-dwelling native birds and faeces in a controlled situation. Whilst sniffing these, the dog is 'punished' with a small but surprising electric shock.
Most dogs quickly learn to avoid the birds following this experience. The owner is encouraged to reinforce this message when the dog shows interest in other birds, at home or out hunting. Following the training, certificates of attendance are issued.
Within a year of initial training, the dog is tested for its learned avoidance or, if required, the dog is retrained. This testing or training is required annually until the dog consistently demonstrates strong avoidance. When a dog achieves this standard, the dog is certified for periods longer than one year.
Where can dogs be trained?
The BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust maintains a register of people trained to train dogs.
Find out where dog avian aversion training takes places nearest to you